Are You Smarter Than A Flying Gator? Read Free Page A

special challenge. Begin thinking of ideas and projects that promote history and geography in our state. It would be fantastic if some of your ideas would involve not only those in your school, but everyone in your towns, counties, and possibly the whole state.
    â€œStarting next fall, we’ll have a special web site set up to share our ideas. Also, newspapers, television, and radio stations will be highlighting some of your ideas beginning next fall.
    â€œI’ll be speaking to you all again in August with further details about this. At that time, I’ll also tell you about some of the great prizes we’ll be offering for your ideas. Thank you for your time and have a fun and safe summer!”
    Prez pressed the
stop
button. Then he got a huge grin on his face.
    Kari asked, “Prez, what exactly do you have in mind?”
    â€œIt’s big, isn’t it?” asked Kevin.
    â€œIt’s huge!” said Chad.
    â€œActually, it will be about 40 feet in length,” said Prez, still smiling.
    â€œI have a feeling we’re going to be busy this summer,” Mike said, anxious to find out what was percolating in Prez’s gigantic brain.
    â€œTime to share some details with us,” Doc insisted.
    â€œAll right,” said Prez. “This is what I have in mind, but it would mean
tons
of work on your part this summer ...”

3

    When they returned to Siesta Key from their excursion to Chad’s Lost Flip Flop Island, a wonderful beach barbecue awaited them. KT’s dad and Chad’s dad grilled steaks on one grill while Prez’s dad cooked his special diced potatoes and corn on the cob on another grill. KT’s, Prez’s, and Chad’s moms prepared some great salads and got the tables ready. Everyone sat comfortably around three picnic tables set end to end as they ate.
    â€œWhat a beautiful place for a picnic!” Jessie said, bubbling with enthusiasm. “Parents, thanks for all of this.”
    â€œIt’s so awesome being here in Sarasota!” Kari added. “Thank you, parents, for letting us all be together here this summer.”
    â€œThanks, parents. This is the greatest!” said Doc.
    â€œThank you. Thank you very much,” Mike said in his Elvis Presley voice. Then, in his normal voice he added, “I love being in Sarasota.”
    â€œYou’re all very welcome,” Mrs. Heidebrink said. “You know you’re all like family to us anyway. I just hope none of you get homesick being away from your families for the whole summer.”
    â€œNo problem,” said Jessie. “My family’s coming down here for part of their vacation in July just in case.”
    Kevin had lots of brothers and sisters. “Heck, my mom probably won’t even know I’m missing until July,” he said.
    Everyone laughed.
    Nick said, “We’re going to be so busy and having so much fun—none of us will have time to get homesick.”
    Mr. Renner spoke up. “I know I speak on behalf of all the parents here who trust you and love you a lot ... please have a great time but keep us informed.”
    â€œWe will,” Kari assured them.
    Prez’s dad looked across the table at his son. “Prez, you guys already have something big on your agenda, don’t you?”
    â€œActually ... yes, Dad. We were just talking about that on our boat ride.”
    â€œIs there anything you’d like to share with us
old
folks at this point?” Mr. Gold inquired.
    â€œIf you don’t mind, we’re going to make it a big surprise,” Prez replied. “If it turns out the way we anticipate, it could be pretty amazing.”
    Prez’s dad looked a little concerned. “Uh ... do you have any idea how much time and expense might be involved?”
    Prez thought a few seconds. “Time frame ... we want to be finished with the project before everyone has to head back to Bismarck in early August,” he