Old Chism Farm: SKILLS USA Competition ~ STATE and a Mini Vacation

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

SKILLS USA Competition ~ STATE and a Mini Vacation

We took a fun 3 day trip to Tulsa for Josh to attend the State level Skills USA competition. We left on a very rainy Sunday morning...even viewed a rollover accident due to the slick and cold weather. We checked into the hotel with plans to meet my Kim for dinner that evening. Unfortunately, we couldn't reach her and so after Josh took his written test, we got the opportunity to stay at the hotel instead. We took full advantage of this to do a little swimming in the heated pool and hot tub. It felt so wonderful to this aching back!!

On Monday, Josh left bright and early to present his skills to the judges at the convention center. The girls and I spent a lazy morning at the hotel and then headed out to lunch with the Latham family. Jinger and I braved taking 8(!) little girls 10 and under to Taco Bueno for lunch. With everyone looking as we entered and even a joke about 'taking a field trip' from the cashier, we got everyone settled. While the littles visited, we mommas had opportunity to catch up and share life with one another .

While we were eating and unaware we were still being watched(!) a gentleman came to our table and said "Excuse me, I'd like to congratulate you that your children are so well behaved. God tells us to train our children and yours are doing a great job". He then proceeded to give us both gift cards to the restaurant. What a blessing! I've heard it happens, but to see it up close and personal...I was amazed!

All the girls in age order except R 10. L 9, R2, Miss K 8, S 7, E 6, Miss M 5,
(S man 4 not pictured), Miss A 3

After a full 6 hour visit with our friends, we hugged goodbye and headed back to the hotel to wait on My beloved and Jojo to arrive. When they got to Tulsa, we picked up my blessing, her Hubby B, and Leelee and headed off to Chili's for a fun, yet expensive (with 10 of us!) dinner. Later they returned to our hotel and we all went swimming together. It was a nice relaxing visit with our whole family together. (After having Jojo gone to ATI camp with the E family for a whole week...his first time away from us...we were glad to all be back together again!)

Finally after not much sleep, we got up early Tuesday morning and headed to the Tulsa Convention Center in downtown Tulsa. There we got to witness J man being awarded the 'SILVER' metal for HVAC in the State of OK. He placed second in the whole state of OK! That's great for a first year student. He received a nice box of tools to start his HVAC career as a reward for his placement.