Busy Days and Nights in Knoxville

Greetings from Knoxville!

The Meeker DI Team has been busy. They have been pin trading, playing at the registration area on inflatables, pin trading, eating, pin trading, did I mention pin trading? Pin trading is a MAJOR event at Globals. More photos are coming of pin trading. Look at the group of kids (and adults)surrounding Jacob trying to get one of the sought after Iowa Jellyfish pins -- a very hot commodity here in Knoxville.

Wednesday night was opening ceremonies and our coach, Dr. Merchant and one team member participated in the entry walk (think Olympic opening ceremonies with each state and country parading in). Chase Wingate was our team member in the parade. The opening ceremonies included the parade of countries and states, presentations and award for the 25th anniversary video "What is DI?" Did you know that the Ames High DI team had their video in the top 5 of the world!? The Ames High team did their central (big) challenge this morning at 8:36 a.m. and most of the Meeker Plungers were there to cheer them on. The team doesn't have internet access in their rooms and it is a crazy time for them, so I'm posting what I know and will hopefully get more photos from other parents soon.

On Thursday, the unpacked their props (and fixed a few), tested their car and watched some other performances. Most of the team participated in an extracurricular training called "Overdrive" that focused on teamwork, creativity and engineering and possibly more pin trading. Thursday evening found some of them at the optional "costume ball" with live music and some interesting costumes. Our team has "jellyfish" hats (courtesy of Aaron) to go with our Jellyfish pins and t-shirts.

Tomorrow is BIG day #1 -- their Central Challenge with their car, props and story. Our performance time is 10:42 a.m. We have to meet around 8:30 at the challenge area to prepare and then the team will watch some performances and cheer on the team we are hosting from Brazil in the afternoon.

Have a great day!

Jeanne posting from Knoxville.