Out with a Bang

As Clare's first year at Marist draws to a close, we can say it was an unqualified success! During these final weeks, she performed in her first-ever theatrical production, "Sherlock Holmes and The Speckled Band." This was the junior high musical, and she loved the experience! Here she is above, with fellow thespian Isa, after one of their performances.

She also concluded the year on an academic high by receiving the Foundations Award for 7th grade Social Studies. Her stellar performance in both Geography class as well as the Geography Bee were cited as the reasons behind this acclaim. We are so proud of her achievements, both academically and personally as she tried so many different experiences this year. Way to go, Clare Bear!

Guardian Angel III

For the third time, today I observed one of my favorite rites of passage at CKS: the meeting of the rising kindergarteners and their Guardian Angels. Although she professed to be "a little bit nervous, and a little bit excited," similar to Danny before her, Laura marched right into the school as though she belonged there - similar to Clare lo these many years ago.

Katie, Laura's GA, is a joy, and as the eldest of two siblings clearly knows how to interact with little ones. Laura seemed quite pleased with her, and immediately showed off the thread bracelet that Katie had braided for her. She later reported that they played duck-duck-goose!

Also similar to Clare, Danny was delighted to see Laura out on the playground, and disrupted his four-square came to come running and picking her up in a squeeze. I suspect he won't maintain this enthusiasm throughout her career at CKS, but it's a nice way to start!

A Decade of Danny Boy

Time keeps flying, and suddenly Danny is in double-digits! To mark this momentous occasion, we threw a party for his crew at Slingshot, a giant entertainment venue featuring a fairly massive ninja obstacle course. It was a huge hit!

The boys played their hearts out, and I have to believe they all slept very well that night!

As his cake attests, Danny's heart is pretty committed to basketball these days - he plays to have a career in the NBA. Dream big, Dan-o!

Twinkle Toes

You know it's the end of the year when productions such as the dance recital come along! This year, due to a variety of factors, Laura's was scheduled during the afternoon - and it was fabulously stress-free. By a serendipitous turn, Tim was able to attend, too, so we really didn't lose a thing by skipping the evening timing.

The class was a combination tap-ballet, upping the ante from last year's strictly ballet performance. The girls strutted their stuff proudly, too!

Here is Laura with her "twin," Natalie, who is her bff at school and on the soccer field, too.

Not sure whether or not a star has been born, but it was certainly a charming afternoon!

Take Us Out to the Ballgame (At Last)

We've lived in Atlanta nearly 11 years, and we've seen and done a lot around the city. Attending a Braves game, however, was not one of those things for me or the kids, until this past weekend. And honestly, we only went because it was a work event for Tim. Let me tell you, we experienced Atlanta Braves baseball in style, with tickets in a suite that included an impressive array of food and a great view either inside or out. It was a gorgeous evening, too.

Suffice to say, the kids were won over. Danny, in particular, really enjoyed himself (with the exception of being a bit uncomfortable with how high up we were). He persuaded us to stay for the fireworks after the game, and he was right - they were awesome!

Danny also tried really hard to get featured on the Jumbotron, but sadly they passed on his moves. Next time, maybe...but obviously only in a suite again.

Candidate Clare

Seymour for Secretary - See more for 8th Grade!

Armed with this catchy slogan, Clare opted to run for Secretary of the House Council (which represents the 7th and 8th graders at Marist). She was initially a bit hesitant to run, as we all know these things turn in to popularity contests, and campaigning under those circumstances can be challenging. But, she decided she wanted to pursue it - and lucked out in that no one else opted to try for that particular position! She still had to give a speech in front of her peers, however, and I must say did not seem the least concerned about this aspect.

Naturally I'm a bit biased, but I think she will be a terrific Secretary! After all, the girl really does love to write notes...

Teenage Clare

Wallets poised and ready for shopping.

Clare chose to celebrate her 13th birthday in a way that befits teenage girls: shopping with her best friend. She had to wait for the weekend following her birthday, since Abby was out of town, but the day was a roaring success and was definitely worth the wait in her book.

We started with a tasty lunch at the restaurant inside Nordstrom. Happily for me, Abby's mom joined us for the day, which made for a more fun and relaxing experience for all involved! Five hours and several purchases later, we made our way to visit Abby's new puppy before finishing the day at Ted's for dinner and strawberry shortcake! We all felt like we'd had a little getaway for the day.

Since her actual birthday fell on Good Friday, we kept the festivities at a minimum. Nevertheless, birthday joy was in the air, and I am happy to say that Clare spent the first part of it playing with her siblings. So far, teenage Clare is still awesome.