Birthday Boys

We're in a very busy time of year...and busy time in our boys' lives! I need to do a little catching up on the many things that have been going on over the past couple of months. Let's start with the birthdays we've celebrated.

Sam turned 10 on May 16th, and we had a family party for him on his actual birthday, which included breakfast in bed an opening family gifts.

Then, since our tradition is "friend birthday parties" on EVEN years, this was his year for a friend party. So...a couple of weeks later he chose to go bowling, and a good time was had by all.

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ANDREW'S Third Birthday was May 18th! Hard to believe this cute little guy is THREE! His favorite thing to eat is a McDonald's cheeseburger, so we got McDonald's and took it up to share for his birthday party at a park in Nashville.

                   

                            

Graduation Days

It's the end of the school year, and feels good to wind down and look forward to summer. Grayson has now graduated from 8th Grade, and Sam has graduated from 4th Grade!

Grayson graduated from Freedom Middle School with the HIGHEST GPA in AMERICAN HISTORY.

Sam's 4th Grade Graduation marks our last child to attend Moore Elementary School. The principal asked the entire audience for anyone who had had kids at the school for 10 years or more. I was the longest parent, as I could proudy say we had kids there 18 years ago, just two years after the school opened! It's been a great school, and our 4 children have all benefitted from attending. We will miss Moore!

Sam graduated on the A-B Honor Roll, and earned the 125 Book Club, Callicott Award, Reading with the Arts Award and the Presidential Achievement Award, with an accompanying letter from President Obama (we're respecting the office, if not the holder of it).

We are proud of our scholars!

Soccer Power!

Grayson's team WON the U15 SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP!! It was a very exciting season, with no losses. We played teams that we've competed with over the years, and it was rewarding to win the championship AGAIN -- (we also won the championship in Spring 2009). In the final game of this season, we won 4-0, and all the goals were made by LDS members of Grayson's team (which was kinda cool), with Grayson setting up two of them! HOORAY War Eagles!

Back Row: Frank Murphy, John Adam Grant, Blake, Jimmy, Grayson

Middle: Coach Grant, Kendall Burr, Gavin Campbell, Paul,
Briar Cranston, Coach Frank Murphy

Front: Shaun, Tristan Lonergan, Jordan Johns

Award Ceremony at Otter's

Sam also had a great season, but I'll have to post photos of his team when I can find them!

Super Scouts

We've had a busy time in scouting lately, with lots of scouting accomplishments and advancements. We spent a Family Night recently reviewing and organizing everything that's been done, and are excited to have the boys advancing and moving along as they should.

Grayson has earned several merit badges over the past several months, along with his Tenderfoot and 2nd class. He's one merit badge away from his 1st Class (swimming), and he'll get that this Tuesday. He'll be going to a week-long scout camp in early June, and will earn a bunch more stuff toward his Life rank. He's determined to have his Eagle Scout rank early, so he doesn't have to wait for his driver's permit or license. Smart move...!

 Isn't he a handsome scout?!

Sam earned all the necessary merit badges and accomplishments for his Webelos a couple of months ago, and he's been very impatiently waiting to turn TEN so he could officially become a Webelos scout.

He didn't want to wear the blue scarf that represents the BEAR, because he was now an official WEBELOS! So, it's a trip to the Scout Store, because he finally made it -- YAY!!

Sam's 4th Grade Walk

For the past 18 years, Moore Elementary has taken 4th graders on a 28-mile hike up the Natchez Trace and back. They did this in two days, spending the night back at the school. Sam did it earlier this month. To condition themselves for this long trek, the kids stayed after school and walked, and walked, and walked, and walked every day for the preceeding 8 weeks. What a great way for the school leaders to encourage health and wellness, exercise and dedication with these students!

They saw deer, snakes, lots of different insects and spiders, worms, and other fun nature!

The photos below were taken by Sam along the way...

Alpacas along the way...

Sam's friend, Justin holding an inchworm...

V-e-r-y  HOT!

Sam and Justin

Sam and his friend Joseph

The kids were treated to a heroes' welcome when they arrived back at the school. The whole student body made a path for them, and they were welcomed back from this LOOOOONG walk with cheers, banners, applause and refreshments!

Sam and Joseph

Sam and Justin

Sam and Bryce

Sam and his teacher, Mrs. Wood