So we had another first...the "Stepping Up" ceremony. Sort of an elementary school graduation. When Troy left 5th grade, there was no ceremony (it was a weird school anyway) and we home schooled after that (and having our own ceremony would have been weirder). To tell you the truth, I was still hung-over from all of Troy's graduation events...but we didn't want Jake to think we didn't love him...so we rallied.
These kids looked almost as polished as the high school graduates. They did a great job forming up, singing, etc.
Speaking of singing...they did 3 darling musical numbers. I'm only including this one, though (wouldn't want to send my laptop over the edge again). The others were "The World's Greatest" from the movie Ali, and "We are the World". This one is my favorite, though. It made me teary-eyed (but without incapacitating me like Troy's number).
They had a Marine Colonel as the guest speaker. I was totally impressed that he came out for this. Let's just say he's single and I know him from the O Club. I never thought of him as the "spend the day with a room full of 5th graders" type...but he did great. I guess you just never know!
This man is awesome! He has been so helpful in getting Jake placed in the perfect classroom. Very supportive and knowledgeable. We were able to achieve our goals with open communication, without the need of going back to an IEP...making Jake's year and a half at Killin ROCK!
And here's the teacher of the year! (In our hearts, anyway.) Mr. Johnson is one of those teachers every kid loves to have. I'm sure Jake will remember him forever. Full of stories and adventures, this man is.
And here's Jake with all of his peeps.
Is he smokin' hot or what?
This was a surprise...Jake was one of the students to receive the Presidential Outstanding Academic Excellence award. Jake is convinced this means the President has seen his name on a list of some sort. He has plenty of time to grow up and learn the cruel realities of impersonal rubber stamps...so I'm going to let him believe.
There was a big combined potluck afterward with all the 5th grade classes. I found out about it this morning...as Jake was headed for the bus...an hour before the ceremony, when he asked if I could make something really quick. Like brownies. Not wanting to show up empty handed, I flew into a frenzy, pulling out butter and sugar. Cliff came in the kitchen and asked what I was doing. When I informed him, he said, "We are NOT going to a potluck on my birthday...I told Jake we'd take him to lunch after." (Oh yeah...I forgot to mention...It's Cliff's birthday today.)
Sushi Go Round is SO way better than a 5th grade potluck. I don't care how good the brownies are. Or if the Filipinos brought Lumpia.
And if Daddy's happy...Mommy's happy!
They had such a gorgeous selection today. Better than usual, even.
Salmon and avocado, anyone?
How about some crab?
The parade of yumminess was almost too much. And we got a good seat, right by the beginning of the belt, so we pretty much had our pick of whatever we wanted.
And what birthday/stepping up lunch would be complete without cake?
Or Udon noodles?
That night, Cliff wanted to go to dinner and a movie with the family to celebrate. We started (in the pouring rain) at Climax cafe:
Mine looks kind of boring compared to everyone else's. It was good, though. But plain noodles and plain rice together was kind of odd.
And then went to see Shrek Forever After....which was pretty good.
Then threw some candles on top of the
How old is he, you ask? Count the candles. Everyone knows 4 + 4 = 44, right? (I can math with the best of 'em.)
May all your wishes come true, Sweetie.
1 comment:
It looks like you guys had quite the celebration. The food looks great.
I'm glad to hear a positive review on Shrek IV. I had wanted to see it, now I think I will...
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