Presidential Physical Fitness Award

This year Cameron got to compete in a national test based on the criteria of a one mile run, shuttle run, stretching, push-ups, and sit-ups.  For his grade level and gender, Cameron scored in the 85 percentile (the highest level) to earn the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.  This award was determined only when he achieved the highest level in all five categories based on the national numbers.  He was the only one in his class to receive the award.  His best event was stretching which should not be a surprise.  His determination and ability allowed him to do his best and it showed.  It is amazing to see what Cameron can do.

Christian Cemetery

It was a coincidence that I decided to visit a Christian Cemetery on Memorial Day, but it was a beautiful day and a great experience. In Atyrau, the Muslims and Christians have separate cemeteries and they are different with the Muslim Cemetery enclosing there dead in brick wall and the Christian Cemetery has irons fences or none at all. You had to be careful not to step on a pile of dirt (presumably a dead person) in the Christian Cemetery. Some of the head stones had pictures of the people. There was even small tables and chairs around for what I don't know. The Russian Orthodox cross is also different. It is also known as Crux Orthodoxa, Byzantine cross, Eastern cross, Russian cross, Slavic or Slavonic cross. A three-barred cross in which the short top bar represents the inscription over Jesus' head, and the lowest (usually slanting) short bar, placed near the foot, represents his footrest. This cross existed very early in Byzantium, and was adopted by the Russian Orthodox Church and especially popularized in the Slavic countries. Small garage piles were everywhere, but nothing that unusual here. Great experience and certainly memorable.

100 Baskets

Cameron is a really determined boy. Today, as I was playing basketball, he decided to shoot some baskets himself. I would have been happy if he made one since it was a 10 foot goal and a regulation size ball, but not Cameron. He wanted to challenge himself to more. In between games I would go over and see how he was doing. Cameron would be on 21, then 44, and I would see the sweat running down his face. I told him to try for 50, but again Cameron said no, "I want 100". I thought that was too much, but he just kept going. When he got to 65, I had to force him to get a drink. After 1 hour Cameron was nearing 100 baskets and he got to 100 with ease. Cameron amazes me. Afterwards, he said, "Papa if I was on your team we would win." No doubt about it Cameron.

Dostyk Triathlon

Cameron and Mason participated in a school event last weekend. For Cameron it was a full triathlon with swimming, biking, and running. He did so great and finished 1st. We may have a new generation of great Offner swimmers on our hands. Mason did a bike and run. They both are showing their competitive side and we are definitely showing off our proud side. WAY TO GO BOYS!!!

Mason learns about electricity

Mason ran over to Stacey crying hysterically. He could not stop crying enough to explain what had happened and even made Cameron start crying. When he finally calmed down, he told Stacey that he stuck his finger in the socket. It must have really given him a jolt since Mason is the toughest kid I know. His curiosity got the best of him and I don't think he will be doing that anytime soon.