On the Dot

Today was the 100th day of school for Tommy. Apparently this is a big celebration in school now. They had to put 100 items in a bottle, made necklaces out of 100 froot loops, and other thematic projects.
They also used today for the midyear awards and Tommy was among those who received the "On the Dot Award" for never being tardy.  This was hilarious to me for several reasons:

1. Shouldn't the parents get this award?  We got him there on time every day.

2. Not only is Tommy never tardy, he is usually the first kid to arrive at 7:30am when they open the door and I quickly sign him in and bolt to get to work on time. (I am not sure I'd get the never tardy award... depends on the traffic lights)

3. In the car on the way home, Tommy confessed to not knowing what tardy meant!  He smiled and accepted his certificate nevertheless!

He also got his first report card yesterday, which was also surprising since he's only been in Kindergarten for 2 1/2 weeks.  Nevertheless it was nice to get an update.  His teacher reports:


Tommy is intrinsically motivated! His passion for education coupled with his passion to succeed is evident. Tommy displays the meaning of an independent life-long learner by continuing his education outside of class and completing all must-dos* with a strong work ethic. It is a pleasure to have Tommy in class, and I am thrilled with his progress in an accelerated environment. It was an excellent idea to move Tommy from Pre-Kindergarten to Kindergarten! Thank you for advocating for him.


This was very nice, great to hear, and more thorough than any comment I've ever given on a high school student's report card.  It's more detailed than some college letters I've written!  His teacher is awesome and has been so supportive.  Also, it was nice to be thanked for advocating for him since a few times we had to be "those parents."  Thankfully all has worked out so far and Kindergarten is seriously awesome!

Only 95 more school days until summer vacation!  (they have an extended school year!)


*"must-dos" are all the required work, as opposed to "may-dos" which one may do after finishing all of one's must-dos.

Field Trip to Hiller Aviation

I was honored to chaperone Tommy's field trip to Hiller Aviation. The museum does a great job with school trips. Each group was completely isolated from the other groups that might be there. It was a great trip for the children.

Here the students are creating different types of clouds with cotton balls.

Hearing a little about what they will see in the museum.

Different styles of propellers.

Tommy and his glider, which he made himself.

Tommy and Shen

Outside ready to launch the gliders

In the 727 cockpit. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

Halftime Hijinks

We took a break from watching football to play in Nana's backyard.

Saturday at the Playground

Mom and I had Tommy and Lucy while Meredith was in New York and Ted was cheering on his students at their sports tourney.

We took advantage of the nice weather and went to the playground before the Saints - Niner game later that afternoon.

Tommy rocked this climbing rope!

Home to watch football!

Out with Lucy

Here are a few recent pictures from Grandma and Nana's outings with Lucy:

Snowing at the Academy of Sciences

Zoo Class

Ole ?

Rising to the Challenge!

Some of you know that at his November pre-kindergarten parent teacher conference,  Tommy's teacher suggested that Tommy was ready for something more and that he should try out Kindergarten. After MUCH deliberation and trial, we all took the plunge.  Meet our new Kindergartner!











We don't know what this will mean for next year or beyond. We will reassess in June. For now, he is enjoying the challenge of Kindergarten at Hilldale School. Whose motto, appropriately enough, is Rising to the Challenge!

Happy New Year!

May your family have a joyful and blessed new year!