Kindergarten Highlights

There are certain moments of the Kindergarten year that you can faithfully rely on happening, and be assured of enjoying, too. The first was "Hats Off to Mom," in which these sweet kids celebrated the many different hats we moms wear. Laura had the honor of narrating one of them (coach!), and I was so proud of her reading and speaking into a microphone in front of the gathering.

Second, at least at CKS, is the Kindergarten musical, which this year was "The Three Piggy Opera." DARLING! What's not to love about a show that includes the song, "I want a big, fat pig to eat!"?? As I sat in the audience of parents and watched the entire school file in to watch, it dawned on me why Laura kept telling me she was nervous for this performance, despite not having a specific role to play. That's a huge audience of BIG people watching them. But of course they shone! It was precious, as I know these moments and this age to be.

Our Elite Eighth Grader

Clare's eighth grade year at Marist has come and gone, and once again she has collected several accolades. At the end-of-the-year Foundations Awards, she was recognized as the Outstanding Student in Science - a bit ironic, given this is one of her least favorite classes. But, perhaps more impressive because of that. Her performance in the school geography bee, winning for the second year in a row (without missing a single question) and earning another spot in the state bee, was highlighted. As was the fact that she and her debate partner, Moira, earned their varsity letters by successfully competing against high schoolers. She continues to dazzle us with her enthusiasm for learning.

She also continues to surprise us with her eagerness to try new things. In last night's final chorus concert, she and her friends Isa and Paula performed a solo - something they had to try out for in a relatively competitive environment. I have since gotten many compliments about her performance, too!

This girl is more than ready to tackle high school!

Danny Turns 11

All three of the kids *really* look forward to their birthdays, and this year was no exception for Danny. Being a non-party year (in the blow-out sense of "party"), Danny came up with a great suggestion for how to celebrate: He invited 4 buddies over for an all-out nerf gun war in the backyard. Considering that he has been accumulating an impressive arsenal over the last year or so, it was nice to see them all get some solid use. And thankfully Mother Nature cooperated and gave us an incredibly beautiful, warm enough but not too warm, day!

After instructing Tim and I to hide the guns (and extra bullets) all around the back yard, the five boys let loose and proceeded to spend the next hour and a half in warfare heaven. Easiest party ever! Eventually they came in for some brownies and ice cream, then went back outside to play hoops until the moms started rolling in. We knew it was a successful event when each boy groaned at the sight of their ride home - no one was ready to leave! Danny ultimately pronounced it "the best birthday ever," which sealed the deal.

This was the culmination of a week of celebrations that began with our fivesome dining at his favorite place, Fogo de Chao. It really was a nice meal, the first time the five of us had been able to connect and relax in a while. From there we went home to enjoy his Hawaii Five-O inspired cake!

And a few days after that Donna and Larry arrived into town, which not only meant a nice visit with them but the big reveal of their gift to Danny: A trip to San Diego for a full-day excursion on the USS Roosevelt next month. Suffice to say, Danny is definitely excited about this!

A truly terrific boy deserves a truly terrific birthday, and Danny is most certainly terrific!