Update on Reflections Contest - Sam's video

FIRST PLACE!!!

Way to Go, Sam!!!

Some kids are going on to the State Competition. However, I just found out there were not enough video entries around the state to be able to have that category at the State Competition .... which can only mean that Sam is way ahead of his time.

Pinewood Derby

Supplies for Pinewood Derby Car: $5.00

Labor for making Pinewood Derby Car: two re-attached fingers

The look on Sam's face after beating out 19 other cars: priceless!

Sam's car raced in eight different heats to place third in his first Pinewood Derby.

Third place is good -- we'll take third place! Tim was a bit disappointed. He was really hoping for first place since it cost him the use of his left hand for a few months. But when I broke it down for him - Sam's car beat 19 other cars and only 2 cars were faster - he felt better.

And ... Sam's car was the only one with an urban underglow light - made with a battery and Christmas lightbulb. Very cool!

Putting on the finishing touches...

The final weigh-in...

Ready to Race...

Sams car wins again...

Christmas 2009

We had another wonderful Christmas. It was a modest one as far as presents go. The recession has hit the Knopf bank account, so we're all working on an attitude of gratitude.
We spent Christmas Eve at church and home. On Christmas Day we travelled to Jefferson City to spend two nights with Mom and Charlie. Then we spent two nights in Sunrise Beach, MO with Tim's family.
Thank you to everyone for your beautiful Christmas cards, gifts and blessings for a happy New Year!

Sam's new fish - "Magma"

Alec's new cell phone - a necessity these days for 7th graders!