Spanish Fork Wind Festival

Sam & Ben running on abandoned tracks.  You can see the windmills in the distance. They are MUCH bigger than what you see here!
Sam & Ben running on abandoned tracks. You can see the windmills in the distance. They are MUCH bigger than what you see here!

Our wonderful little town of Spanish Fork continues to have great events for the families here.  Last year, to celebrate the new windmills that have been put at the mouth of the canyon, a new WindFestival was created.  We actually went to the inaugural event and had quite a fun time (even though we arrived in our typical late fashion, and vendors were beginning to pack up).

This year we got there early (the day before in fact), for the Luau dinner and a few other events. We were up past the reservoir for the dinner, then we hiked down to the beach. (At this point, I must add that the boys started walking around the edge of the reservoir. Samuel was sitting down trying to get a rock out of his shoe when they started off. He then began running to catch up on the sidewalk above the slanted cement sides. His little legs were really pumping! He finally caught up at the half-way point.) Then we all went down over to the gun club where there was a large field for a special kite/wind demonstration, but the wind didn’t blow! (The first time in 60 days.) Dave was tired from the day and the hiking around and he almost convinced me to not hike back up to the reservoir to see the Kites with Lights. But we both relented to the boys’ pleading that we go back to watch. And I am glad we did.

Kiteman Productions used their waverunners on the reservoir to make their own wind and danced the kites. It was a great production and everyone was entranced. (Except Jacob who just wanted to go home and go to sleep.) They had music which they choreographed their flying kites. And to make it even more special, the kites were lit up so in the pitch black, we could see the beautiful lines they created. Really awesome!

'Kites with Lights'.  BlackBerry didn't get the best picture, but it was still cool!
'Kites with Lights'. BlackBerry didn't get the best picture, but it was still cool!

The thing that the boys will remember best about this year’s Wind Festival was that there wasn’t any wind to fly their kites. But they did get to try some rip-scooters (kind of like rip-sticks, but in scooter form). They thought that was a pretty cool thing. Dave took the boys the next day and they got to see lots of other fun things. Like for the grown-ups, trying a Segway, and seeing demos on how to use alternative energy sources. And of course, getting lots of flyers. (Of which there is a rocket stove that I think we will get to add to our Emergency Preparedness.)

Bringing the Kites in for a landing
Bringing the Kites in for a landing

Benjamin’s 1st day of Kindergarten

Here's Benjamin going into his classroom!
Here's Benjamin going into his classroom!

Benjamin was a little nervous the 2 days before going to Kindergarten. But the morning before he kept asking over and over, “Is it time yet?” “How much longer?” “Now is it time?” I almost didn’t get him there on time because our district has different schedules on Wednesdays. But we made it in time, and he was not at all nervous. Most all of his pre-school class is in his afternoon Kindergarten class. So he already knows about half of the kids in there. He has the same teacher that Anthony had, so that also makes it easier as well.

Look out world, here comes Ben Berky!
Look out world, here comes Ben Berky!

He came running out  of his class, with big smiles! He is definitely excited to be in school!

What a case these guys are

Benjamin was thinking that maybe he would like to try learning cello too, but said that violin would be enough for right now. (Gee, that is a very grown-up decision Benjamin.) Benjamin and Samuel then began playing in the small 1/8 size cello case. Sam fit in the best!

Although I cut his head off a bit, you can see that Sam would fit pretty good!
Although I cut his head off a bit, you can see that Sam would fit pretty good!
Benjamin probably wouldn't be able to fit as a carry on.
Benjamin probably wouldn't be able to fit as a carry on.

Alex is here!!

Alexader Rodriguez-Vargas, LaReita's 1st cousin, once removed.  So that makes him a 2nd cousin to J.A.B.S.J..  He is like an older brother to them.  We love Alex!
Alexader Rodriguez-Vargas, our 2nd cousin, like an older brother to the Berky Boys

alex has come and it has been so exciting!!
We have been telling him all the past shtuff that we can remember.  He also went with us to the Oquirrh (“Oker”) temple dedication.

~James