Robotics

Our robotics team and coaches Dave and J

Yesterday was the regional qualifiers competition for First Lego League (FLL). My husband started the program at our school two years ago. This is his 3rd competition and the best one yet! Our school fielded two teams (of middle school students) this year and they both did extremely well. This is my favourite photo (of the scoreboard) since #1 and #2 are both from our school!

For the uninitiated, Lego Mindstorm is the robot.

The kids program the robot to complete missions. Each year there is a different theme. This year it was Nature's Fury (natural disasters). Last year it was Senior Solutions. It is timed (2 minutes) and the robot has to deliver Lego objects, bump them, or retrieve them. In our team's mission, it released the plane, pushed the ambulance, retrieved the pet dog and pushed the truck into the safe zone. The atmosphere at the (all day) competition is pretty crazy. Loud music, other teams wearing funny hats and outfits, loud cheering, etc.

The kids and the coaches worked so hard. They started in September and met twice a week for 3 hours each session. At times, I felt like an FLL widow. :)

Team One won two trophies (for performance and innovation)

and both teams from our school will advance to the next competition in February.Pin It

Semiahmoo, Isn't It Fun to Say?

Semiahmoo Resort

I really really needed to get out of town. We decided to head north for a short getaway. Operation: Relaxation for Mommy.

We stayed at Semiahmoo Resort in northern Washington. It was a little bit of a splurge. This is the view from our room. We were so close to the Canadian border that our cell phones thought we were actually IN Canada and sent us "welcome abroad" messages!

The view from our room.

I had a very relaxing spa pedicure. They even had a "quiet room" where I could wait for the polish to dry. My boys enjoyed the bonfire on the beach which include s'mores. I always love a luxurious bed.

The peace arch is the middle, on the right.

In the morning we explored the area around the hotel. We could see the Peace Arch at the Canadian border.

Semiahmoo is located on the spot where they used to can salmon. There are some fun old buildings around.

View of Mt. Baker

We took Chuckanut Drive on the way home. It is the scenic way to return to Seattle from Bellingham. It runs from Fairhaven to just north of Burlington. I was so thankful that it was sunny so we could appreciate the beautiful views.

We stopped at the Calico Cupboard in Mt. Vernon twice! Once for lunch on the way up and again on the way home to get one of their famous cinnamon rolls.My hubby and I hope to return to Semiahmoo (without the kids) after it is renovated in the next few months.Pin It