State Champ!

Todd returned from a very successful State TSA (Technology Student Association) Competition last Saturday afternoon. It was a long 3 days for us while he was gone -- hard to believe our boy is old enough to be away from home overnight without Mom and Dad. We were worried, but thankful for the comfort provided by Heavenly Father through a priesthood blessing. Todd is such a good boy, and we're thankful that he has the desire to be faithful and stand for truth and righteousness. It's not easy in this day and age -- but he's trying hard.

Thanks to a great Tech advisor, and many long hours after school, Todd came away with the Gold Medal and 1st place in the State of Idaho in the CO2 car competition. Each entrant (ages 12-18) designed and constructed their own CO2 car to exacting specifications (think Pinewood Derby, but really, really fast and a little out of control!). They raced their cars in heats and at the end of the day Todd emerged as champion. He is invited to attend the national competition in Texas -- we'll have to see about that! At any rate, he was pretty excited to have beat high schoolers! His team was the youngest one there -- the rest of the kids were from jr. highs or high schools. Many of his teammates did great as well. They swept the medals in the CO2 races and the flight challenge. Todd won a bronze in that. The flight challenge requires the student to design, cut out, and construct a balsa wood glider and then fly it, in the hopes it outperforms everyone else's. He was very surprised to have placed. We're SO proud of him and his hard work. He has learned a lot this year about the importance of precision and taking your time. Both lessons he needed to learn! It's so much better when it comes from someone besides Mom and Dad! Thanks Mr. Buck!