First Lego League State Competition 2024

After winning the regional qualifier for First Lego League, the kids got busy preparing for the State competition. We spent many, many hours at the Toaster working. The boys were persistently and were determined to be as prepared as possible for State. 

Nathan and Samuel each coded different parts of the course. Samuel tested, tested, and retested his code to make sure it worked consistently. He strives for the best in everything he does, and I love that about him. 

The state competition was held in Edmond, so our family was ready and on the road early ready for a fun and slightly stressful day.  

We were ready to cheer on Riptide!

I told the kids that my goal was for them to do their best, and feel like they showcased their best work throughout the competition. 

Katherine was excited to spend the day with so many of her sweet little friends. 

One of my favorite parts of homeschooling is the culture of doing everything all together as families. All the little siblings played and cheered on the team throughout the day. There was no way they weren't joining in on the fun!

The team had a few kinks to work out after their practice run and first match. It seemed like some things would work some of the time and other things would work other times. 

Even with the stress, the team was full of energy and positive attitudes. They're just the best kids!

Nathan was ready to make some changes during the break to help the robot complete the challenges more consistently. 

Although they never had a match where everything worked at the same time, they still improved their high score from the regional competition. 

They also prepared for their judges presentation. I think this is where the team really shines. They work well together. 

They came back from the judging room with huge smiles. They all said the judges were especially impressed with their innovation project. One of the judges told them to patent it!

Their project was a buzzer encased in a capsule that boat captains could lower in the water, just before starting their engines in order to warn the seals and deter them from the propellers to reduce injuries. Such a cool idea, and the kids researched and presented it so well. 

After judging it was time for awards. Riptide had a large cheering section. I sure enjoy doing life with all these people. 

The kids waited anxiously for results!

And then they were finally announced!!!!

So proud of this team and their improvement from last year. A first place award at State!

I know Nathan was a little disappointed. He was hoping to place high enough in the Champions category to advance to another competition. He can't get enough of robotics, and he didn't want the season to end. But I think we've convinced him that a summer vacation somewhere we choose is probably more fun than a trip to Massachusetts to sit in a gym all day again, ha! He'll move on to the high school FTC team next year, and he can't wait. Samuel and Elisabeth are excited to return to First Lego League with even more experience. 

Have I mentioned how proud I am of these kids. They grew and gained so many life skills- public speaking, teamwork, overcoming challenges, frustration tolerance, flexibility, I could go on and on. And they all handled it with such grace and positive spirits. Truly, they're awesome. 

Paige always creates the best highlight reels. The kids have watched it so many times reliving such a special day!