2022 Summer camp: What Can You Do With A Map?

We are so lucky in Acton-Boxborough School (AB school) system. Last summer, Emily attended summer school to have her middle school experience. Emily and Alice both went to the U12 tennis clinics last summer. We found many interesting classes from the AB school community education, including basketball and volleyball.

When the 2022 summer comes, we found there were so many classes for kids. Emily and Alice took "What can you do with a map?". Initially, Emily asked what the fun of reading a map was. After the first class, both girls loved this class. Catherine provided many materials about maps (posters, subway maps, stamps.., etc) and taught students to make hardcover notebooks, coasters, boxes, and wall hangings with maps.  

Wall decorations

Coasters: Alice

Tissue paper box

Coasters: Emily

Hard Cover Box

Hard Cover Box

The instructor, Catherine, really loves maps and I think she has collected all the materials in her daily life. I think the vast majority of materials are not easily available even if you want to buy them. Once again, we are so lucky to be here in AB school.

Happy July 4th

Alice & Emily in the trailer, Harvard, MA

Happy July 4th! This is also the first one for our family in the US. 

This year Acton did not have fireworks or other celebration activities. However, Emily and Alice were lucky to attend the July 4th parade in Harvard, the small town near us. Thanks to Bare Hill Rowing Association to have this chance to experience the local activities. Emily joins the summer rowing program and Alice also starts the learn to row this summer. 

 

We were also discussing if we go to watch fireworks at the Charles River in Boston. Emily said why we want to see the explosion of the mixed chemical substances. Oh~ my god! Alice also would rather play with friends in the community. 

Finally, we stayed at home and watched the broadcast while Emily and Alice were dyeing and highlighting their hair. Meanwhile, I found one thing: in the July 4th Capitol Event, there are no remarks or speeches from the President or some important political VIP. The remarks were arranged separately from the celebration/fireworks at night. 

Anyway, we had our first July 4th in the US, a home-based and sweet night.

Wicked

100% sure, I am not knowledgeable about Broadway musical opera. I heard about Wicked because Alice's friend Mom told me her family was going to watch it. This is the way how I knew Wicked. 

Family first musical opera in the US

I watched another two musical operas: The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King in London when I attended the European obesity conference. I really felt this drama really shows the new meaning of the bad and good. In other words, it also provides more context to reflect on why the person turns out to be bad. The popular girl does not always have bad intentions.

Hall of Citizens Bank Opera House

Of course, the music is also fantastic and the singing is really awesome in this opera. I also found this in Apple music. If you are in Boston or New York, do not hesitate to have the ticker for Wicked.

End of Spring 2022

AB school year ended on June 21, 2022. Emily finished her first spring rowing season. Alice also completed her first spring soccer season. 

We attended the party to honor Bare Hill Rowing Association graduating seniors and to celebrate the end of the spring season. It was a warm and joyful dinner party at Fruitlands Museum of Havard town. Emily continues the summer season rowing and will attend a regatta at the end of July.

Alice played soccer well though she jumped in later in April. She really enjoys team competition and also got the qualification for a travel team this fall and 2023 spring. 

In the summer of 2022, Jolie and I already have more experience. After discussion with Emily and Alice, they will continue to pursue squash since they started last December. They also began to try the US Squash Junior tournament. We believe this would be a good experience and challenge for both girls.