4-H Award and Achievement Night

 Tonight (after our big field trip to the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole this morning) we had our award night for 4-H.  Last year was our nine year old's first year in 4-H.

He worked hard - especially on his portfolio - and achieved gold status.  They keep an ongoing record of the points you earn each year (gold is worth three points) and if/when you get 19 points accumulated, you get a really nice belt buckle and "Honors" status.  By the way, gold is the highest level you can reach.

He was given a portfolio binder - a really heavy duty folder with metal prongs so you can add to it.  The record is ongoing for your entire time in 4-H, so it will get pretty fat if you do much.

He was also given this sturdy plastic sign (maybe 9x12 inches?)

And because he achieved gold status in three or more projects, he was awarded "Banner member" status and given this cool neoprene water bottle.  I didn't take pictures of the dinner, but we had a potluck style dinner.  They provided brisket and everyone was assigned to bring something based on the first letter of their last name.  It was a really good dinner.  They held it at the big meeting room connected to our library.

After the meeting I ran over to the library to pick up a book they had on hold for me... and ended up checking out six.  When I got home I thought it would be a good idea to clear a bookshelf and get all my library books on one shelf.  They didn't fit.  I have 26 books out  - just for me.  That doesn't count the kids books.  Last time I checked, I had 86 books checked out.  I've been reading much slower lately - or at least finishing books slower than I was earlier in the year.  I'm going to have to get in gear if I'm going to be able to finish these all by the end of the year (which is probably impossible anyway.)  Oh well, there's always next year ;)