Greek Olympians

So what if we completed our study on the Greek Olympics over a month ago? Would you still care that it was so much fun, hysterically funny, and fun was had by all?

Well, if you are interested in the obsessive nature of my picture taking and you are willing to subject yourself to a plethora of photos, then you're at the right place.

In keeping with the tradition of strictly male athletes who most commonly competed in the buff, I give you ...

Benjamin-Conqueror of the Saltine Crackers

Us

Them

The Competitors
(we made obvious concessions for the females, as well as clothing)

The Shot Put

The Officials

The Discus

Chariot Races

Notice a little wheelie-poppin action from the opposing team. This sort of zealous enthusiasm will later serve as a "defining moment" in our little Homeschool Olympic Games.

Not for the faint of heart.

The first set came down the hill and in sort of a relay fashion, the younger boys were to bail out and the younger girls would then be pulled by their big sisters.

Do you notice a hint of apprehension on Sabree's face?

~The following is a depiction of Greek tragedy. By definition, it "is a form of art based on human suffering that offers its audience pleasure."

No athletes were injured during this event, but I did nearly bust a gut from laughing ... if that counts.

Remember, when I mentioned Seviann's brute strength, as the race began? Well, it apparently worked against her in the chariot relay, when she yanked that wagon off of it's front two wheels, and hurled her sister into the dirt.

Greek Olympics. They ain't for sissy's.

Anyone have Onstar?

Meanwhile, my children were the picture of good sportsmanship,
as they showed great concern for their fellow athlete.

The blood-thirsty competition abandoned their
comrade in a last-ditch effort to bring home the gold.

A possible quote ...
"Pride cometh before a fall ... and my sister needs her chariot license REVOKED."

In the meantime, Samuel makes good use of the opportunity to run for the sake of winning.
Even if the foot race was an entirely different event.

The Momma's reveal their hidden strength.

Or not.

The Foot Race

As Emma & Sabree begin their portion of the relay (on foot this time), Emma pulls ahead and actually tags Samuel before Sabree makes it back up the hill. Things appeared to be going well ...

But ya'll know how appearances can be.

Does Little Sister even have a fightin' chance against the wet grass/barefoot combo?

Can she muster up the courage and strength to finish???

VICTORY!

SHE RISES UP FROM THE ASHES OF DEFEAT
AND RUNS! RUNS! RUNS! FOR HER LIFE
AND THE PRIDE OF HER COUNTRY!

Or because her momma said to.

The Medal Ceremony

We even had lunch at Venus De Milo, the new Greek restaurant in town. We had Souzoukakia, Dolmades, Houmous, Tzatziki, Melitzanosalata, and Greek potato salad.

Are you impressed?

Those who know me, know that I favored the Tzatziki which was basically cucumber dip, just like the one I get at Costco and the Greek potato salad ... because it was potato salad ... with the word Greek in front of it.

The Houmous was fine (had it before). The Souzoukakia (meatballs) was an overall favorite. The Melitzanosalata was an eggplant dip, and while it wasn't bad, it couldn't hold a candle to chips & queso.

Now. The Dolmades.

The Dolmades?

Well, when grown women put their own chewed-up food into a napkin IN FRONT of their impressionable children, then you know something just ain't right.

These guys whipped out their authentic Greek dancing costumes and gave us a little impromptu demonstration! Seriously, I cannot make this stuff up. And will you get a load of my son's face?

He ain't buyin' it.

I know it is some serious stuff and I don't want to offend, but ... what is with all the HOPPING! and SHOUTING! and GIRATING!

It was quite difficult to keep a straight face, but I just quickly thought of eating more Dolmades.

And I was careful to not look at any of my smirking children.

To give you a glimpse into the reality that is Greek dancing, I dare you to watch this video without laughing. Remember that our children are watching with their mouths gaped open and that I have an insatiable habit of laughing at inappropriate times.

Now proceed.

Sophia was my partner in crime and without her, I would not have ever ventured into the land of mass creativity and homemade costumes. Girlfriend, I plan on forever taking advantage of your focused hyperactivity.

We love ya'll!