Buzz, Buzz, Buzz.........Is That a Spelling Bee I Hear?

Eric earned a place in the Lutheran Elementary School's spelling bee! Two other friends from his class, Stephanie and Allison, were also participating. Out of 24 students in the spelling bee, Eric was one of four to make it into the finals! He had to spell words like ART, RAKE, BOAT, CLASS, and BRING. He did GREAT!!!

We had a bit of time in between the regular bee and the final competition, so we took our time and looked at the Art Fair that was going on and chatted with some friends whose kids were also participating. We also talked with his teacher, Mrs. Donnelly, who had come to support the three kids.

Once the finals took place, Eric was out in the first round because of mixing up two letters in the word CHAIR. He was disappointed, but took it really well. We were so proud of him! There were a lot of people in both of these rooms and he really didn't act nervous at all. He was his usual energetic self and was entertaining the crowds with his facial expressions as he was walking back to his seat.

We went to lunch afterwards and talked about how our school is so good about preparing the students for public speaking and performing. From the time they were in kindergarten, Allison and Eric have been up in front of their peers and adults demonstrating what they learn in the classroom. It almost becomes second nature for them and it is definitely something that they will carry with them through life.

Another tooth....lost (but not REALLY)

Eric got in the van this afternoon and immediately said, "Mommy! I lost another tooth!" I couldn't believe it. You could hardly move the bottom tooth the other day. Here's the kicker -- it happened in the cafeteria again. Poor Mrs. Horvath! This time she made sure that Eric put his tooth in a bag so that it wouldn't get lost. It's a good thing too -- because I don't think the Tooth Fairy would keep giving money out when she gets nothing in return. In fact, I don't know too many people that would do that.

If I did, I would have much nicer things. =)

A Show of Support......

Last night, Allison had another game. This time Uncle Gregg, Aunt Lynn and Alyssa were able to make it to see her play. We are so thankful of the attention that they give to Allison and Eric. They are such a good aunt and uncle to have!

Allison had her own cheering section as the five of us were front and center. It was a tight game with the other team's girls much taller and larger than all of our own. You should have seen Allison fight off the girl who was at least a full foot taller than her. Her look of determination made Scott and me so proud! Final score? 30-22 -- the real Warriors! The first game they've won! Of course, I need to give full disclosure here and say there were only four girls playing on the other team.

Oh...and by the way...Allison got another basket! =)

Our last game is next week when we plan to stay and watch the boys team.

She Shoots, She SCORES!!!!!

Allison scored her first basket in a basketball game -- EVER! I'm sure it is to be the first of many. She was so excited and so were we! I immediately had to call Scott to tell him. The crowd was so loud, I couldn't hear a word he was saying, but I conveyed the message that I knew he would be so excited about too. He got off the phone and told his coworkers -- "Nothing else matters. My daughter just scored her first basket."

Has Anyone Seen the Tooth Fairy?

After it being loose for almost two months, Eric has FINALLY lost his first front tooth!

Eric was determined to lose the tooth at school so that he could get his special "tooth necklace". Today, I was walking into the cafeteria and I heard this little excited voice exclaim, "I lost my tooth!" He put it to the side so that he could go upstairs after lunch and get his necklace. At some point, the tooth dropped to the floor and it was lost. This is when Mrs. Horvath kept the kindergarten and first grade in the cafeteria a full ten minutes longer so that they could help Eric look for his tooth. It was wonderful. What was so important to my little boy became so important to his classmates and other students in the school -- even the kindergarten teacher. Where else would you get that but a close knit Christian school? We are so blessed to consider this community of people part of our family!

They never did find his tooth. But Mrs. Horvath knew what was Eric's true desire and she made sure that he got that necklace. As for the tooth fairy and the surprise under the pillow? I have it on high authority that the tooth fairy always knows when a tooth has been "lost" and covers them all.

She's Got the Basketball Jones.......

Allison had her first game yesterday. We played a school in the city that has some very tall girls on it! All of the parents decided this team is going to be so fun to watch. Since we get to include the 4th grade girls this year, it gives them a great opportunity to get used to playing with each other. Next year, we should have essentially the same team -- minus two 6th grade girls. Hope you enjoyed the pics!

I Scream, You Scream -- We all Scream for Ice Cream!

Stopped into a local bakery to pick something up for someone and saw these cookies. I could NOT resist getting these for the kiddos!