Photos of Ben Climbing - may be in Chapel Hill Newspaper

Dixie Rock was covered by the local Chapel Hill newspaper, and the photographer was kind enough to send me some shots he took of Ben. I think they look really cool! The photographer's name is Tim O'Brien, and you can view his work at http://www.timobrienphotos.com/. He also runs a website for blind photographers at www.blindphotographers.org. Yes, he is legally blind ... interesting, eh?

Alek earns his Bear Badge

Last night at the cub scouts pack meeting, Alek earned his BEAR badge. He is now eligible to become a Weebelo next year!

First Place at Dixie Rock

Ben took first place amongst the 8 year olds at Dixie Rock this weekend, and had the highest score of all kids in the Junior division.

Route #10

Here Ben is climbing route #10. He saved this one until Saturday morning, and needed both tries to get to the top. Both times, he fell off one hold below the top - this was the route he found most frustrating, because he knew he should be able to get to the top.

Route #13

Route #13 had a very interesting path as the climber has to move to the left sequentially to reach the holds above. The shorter kids had trouble with this route, but Ben watched many kids attempt and flash it Friday night before he attempted it. He did a great job gathering information, because he was able to flash (get to the top hold) with no problem.

Route #15

Route #15 was impossible ... it was the highest leveled route in the Junior division, and Ben made it to the highest hold of all the kids, and this was the reason he got the highest score overall. None of the kids made it over the ledge. We did watch some adults and older kids make it over the ledge, but very few made it to the final hold.

A Lot of Things

Ben climbing at Dixie Rock 20 in Chapel Hill tonight ... At the top of a tough route.
The Rock Stars team in a group warm-up - they were so impressive!!

Ben getting ready for school on Friday - each day we have to sign his agenda - his agenda lists his homework for the night.

Alek in his SIU shirt from Memaw! Southern Illinois University.

This week's produce box: cabbage, asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, kale and rutabegas!!