In another new life update: Leon joined 4H this year! Anyone who knows him knows he’s in that “nothing is good, school is awful” phase. When he agreed to go with me to the 4H membership drive carnival, I was excited! We went booth to booth to see which clubs he might be interested in. And there were so many to choose from, but I was happy to think he would join one or two. Imagine my surprise when he signed up for nine clubs! And he’s genuinely excited about each of them.
Cooking Club
His first meeting was a taco making demonstration at the co-op extension. He learned how to make his own taco seasoning, and last weekend made dinner!
Lego Club/ Art Club
I expected these two to be the only clubs he’d sign up for. He is ALL about his Legos and loves drawing and painting. Lego club challenged him to build what he’d be doing over fall break. He made some chickens under an autumn-colored tree since he’d be helping me care for the birds.
His art teacher in school is one of the sponsors for art club so now he gets more practice. Their first meeting was a sand art project. I got to participate too but my art didn’t match what was in my head! And in a new excitement, we found out we can hold onto each of his art projects. Then we can enter them in the county fair next summer!
Eagle Eyes
This month was his first Eagle Eyes meeting. He got to choose between rifles, pistols, and archery. This round he surprised me and let me know he wanted to try pistols. Leon’s been talking about joining archery at school for the last 3 years and something kept falling through. I thought for sure he’d jump at the chance, but he wanted pistols. More practice is coming, but I’m glad he’s enjoying himself in a safe, controlled way.
Fur and Feathers
Our first Fur and Feathers meeting, we made some treats for chickens and rabbits! The rabbit treat is half a paper towel roll with an applewood stick, digestive support treats, and timothy hay stuffed inside. We don’t have rabbits yet, but we’re told chickens can enjoy it too! Then, we got a project to “carve” a pumpkin by shaving a design out. The chickens will get to peck out the design. Our chickens don’t have much appreciation for the arts though. Our designs are now holes. And the first pumpkin I gave them got eaten to nothing.
The Rest
Leon’s also joined horticulture, dog, and the beekeepers’ clubs, and Clover Crew. But we haven’t been to meetings through them yet. Hopefully soon though! I can’t wait to see what else builds Leon up through 4H!