Awards Day!

The boys have been in school for a full marking period so far and today was their awards assembly (or as it is now referred to as a recognition ceremony because everybody wins). I was lucky enough to get to go to their ceremonies (even if it screwed with naptime!) and watch them get their certificates.

First up was Jake...He got every award possible. He received a Perfect Attendance award, the Principal's Award (for making more A's than B's and no C's. Only 2 kids in his class got it this marking period.), a Way To Go Award that was voted on by classmates for being a courteous friend that is always helpful and kind to everyone in the class, and lastly the PBIS award (given to only 2 kids per class each marking period that exhibit the core values of respect, responsibility, and safety all the time. They get a t-shirt in addition to their certificate.).

Zach's was a little later in the day...He got every award possible too! Commendable Attendance (I picked him up a teensy bit early one day so therefore he didn't get perfect attendance), Principal's Award, an award voted on by his classmates for always being bright, likeable, and comical, and also the PBIS award. His teacher had the nicest things to say about him when giving him that award, I got teary eyed! (both boys have gotten the PBIS award each year they've been at the school, this is the 3rd for both!)

It was a great day for both boys! We celebrated their first marking period success by going to Friendly's for dinner and they're getting to stay up late tonight watching a movie. :) I'm a super proud mama. They have been working hard and it's paying off!! 

Jacob's 8th Birthday!

Somehow Daniel and I have been parents for 8 years now. 8 YEARS. crazy. Anyhow, a few weeks ago we saw that the MonsterJam (monster truck show) would be in town on Jacob's birthday and we thought it would be something really fun that he'd enjoy. We took the kids 4 years ago and Daniel's dad, DeeDaw, went with us...so we thought it'd be great to invite him to go with us again (& an excuse to get him up here to visit!!). Daniel wanted the whole thing to be a surprise for all 3 kids so I kept my mouth shut and made sure anyone I told knew that it was a surprise. :) DeeDaw arrived Saturday morning and walked into the living room like it was no big deal--the kids were all surprised and very excited to see him! He told Jacob he forgot to put his card in the mail so he had to hand deliver it to ensure it made it on his birthday. :) Then we told the boys about the monster truck show--let the fun begin! We all had a great time at the show--even Emily. Here's some pictures from our day....

Jacob wanted to open his presents from Zach first thing...(or maybe it was that Zach wanted him to open them......)

Then it was off to MosnterJam!

 (yes, he was pouting. He said he was hungry even though we had eaten lunch in the car right before we got to the arena....and it was a hunger only cotton candy could fix. ha. Add to it that Emily wanted a turn sitting next to DeeDaw so I asked him to move for a few minutes. Luckily Jacob saw how upset Zach was and gave up his seat so Emily could sit in it next to DeeDaw and Zach could go back to his original seat. Plus we got popcorn at intermission.)

Jacob chose Cracker Barrel for dinner and then we got to finish opening presents at home before having cake!

Emily got him a bag to carry his baseball stuff in (and an electric toothbrush).

 Pretty sure he told her she was the best sister ever.

 He really wanted a wooden baseball bat. Lucky boy.

 Who wouldn't love a spirograph?

 He's been wanting to play Monopoly lately...I can barely sit still long enough for a game of monopoly so I thought getting him the junior version would be great. (And he was so excited to play it that as soon as he and Zach were up this morning, they raced downstairs and convinced DeeDaw to help them open it up and play a game before church!)

 Emily really thought she needed to help him open a present too. Another game! He got a fun puzzle too that didn't make its way into any pictures!

 He requested a german chocolate cake. YUM.

Here's to another great year!

We finished off our fun weekend with DeeDaw with a trip to the orchard to pick some apples and get some cider. Let's see if I get around to posting those pictures before the end of this month! ;)