Family Fall Fun Photo Shoot 2016

The official start to Fall in our household is not when school begins, but when we get together for our annual family portrait.  This year, I especially was not interested in getting my photo taken.  I was restless, tired and just generally in an aggravated mood.  Dad said he was genuinely surprised by how many good photos there were.

You can check out the whole Family Fall Photo Shoot album here (there are a bunch) - but I've pulled a few of my favorites out below

What a fun park this was - there were boardwalks, a grassy field and giant red metal spires - all within a 1 block downtown park!

Peace Out,
Phin

Checkmate

At school my teacher, Ms Natalie, is always trying to teach us new things (that's good, because it's school).  A few of my friends have gotten really into Chess during free time.  Dad has always said that he enjoys chess and that Uncle David is really good at chess.  Still, I never wanted to play chess at school - I did not know how the pieces moved.

In only a few minutes at home and a quick lesson from Dad, I now love chess.  I love the silly names of the pieces (pawn, bishop, rook - what are those things) and playing.  While Dad is a great chess teacher, he's not very good and I was able to beat him twice the first day!

The next day, I wanted a bigger challenge...

 So, via video chat and with the assistance of Dad to move the black pieces, I was able to combat Grandpa even though he was in St Louis.  Grandpa turned out to be a difficult opponent - his slow pace of moving and skill overpowered my King and left me in Checkmate.  A rematch with a clock is in the planning.

Even Amelia liked watching and learning chess (you can see her pink arm in the right side of the pictures above).  Her favorite part: yelling CHECK really loudly.

So, if you want to help tutor the next Grand Master or practice your en passant (although I have no idea what that move is), lets set up a game.

Peace out,
Phin