Science Olympiad 2019

After months of Friday afternoon practices, today was finally the day for Science Olympiad competition!  Preston was on the JV2 team and was able to compete in 3 events . . . ramp and roll (which I coached), 3-2-1 blastoff, and data crunchers

Ramp and Roll teams

After getting up at 4:40am to get my long run in and throwing things together we were off to UNC-Charlotte by 6:20am.  I thought I had all of my ducks in a row, but quickly realized that no matter how much you plan and prepare somethings you just can't control.  Like when one member of your team is late to the event that starts FIRST and forgets the car for the competition! Let's just say it was one stressful start to the day, but things ended up okay.  Lots of lessons were learned too. :)

The second event was Data Crunchers.  Well, let's just say Preston crushed that one!  He and Maks were a team and they said they knew every question on the test.  They did pretty well too, ranking second overall!

Data Crunchers Team

 The final event for Preston was the one he was most excited about!  3-2-1 blastoff was SO much fun!!  His rocket did great and although it did get stuck in a tree, he had a great time.  Thankfully we got some help and managed to get it out of the tree before leaving.

William & Preston partners for 3-2-1 blastoff

We rescued the rocket from the tree and couldn't wait to find out if he placed with this event!

We took a quick break and headed home for lunch (and to pick up Dave and Savannah) before coming back for the awards ceremony.

This kid rocked his first SO competition!!  He placed second in Data Crunchers and third in 3-2-1 blastoff!  I'm sure he would have placed in Ramp and Roll too if we hadn't been penalized for not having the car on time.  But, hey, not many kids left with one medal, much less TWO medals so we were pretty excited!  Actually, he was so excited he says his socks were lucky and refuses to let me wash them. HA!

It was a super long day, but in the end, it was worth it!  Preston says he can't wait to do it again next year, but after my crazy morning, I'm not sure I'm as excited to do it again. . . ever!

Savannah's Spring Band Concert

When you're in 7th grade I guess your worst nightmare is your mom taking your picture at the band concert . . . these are the best I could do!  The concert was fabulous though.  It's amazing how much better the band sounds each year.  So proud of Savannah and the way she has become quite the little trombonist!

Mother's Day My Way

Life has been SO crazy lately!  So for Mother's Day I had no interest in going out to eat.  We went to church, did a few Shipt shops that I enjoy doing and then went for a family walk on the Greenway.  It was such a true JOY not being rushed out the door to get to church.  It was a delight doing everything I wanted to do without any complaining.  I requested grilled burgers for dinner and Savannah added macaroni and cheese, baked beans and fries (reheated).  Ahh, just the way I like things, simple!

Dave & the kids showered me with super special and thoughtful gifts including a peanut butter jar scooper spoon!!!  I also got a phone holder for my car and a new fitbit band.  Just the perfect gifts with all my favorite people.   

To top off my day, Preston gave me this sweet card.  Although Mother's Day is hard for me (even now 9 years later) it was enjoyed to the fullest and filled with love!!!

Preston's Field Day

So somehow I managed to get a sub job again this year for Preston's field day!  Although I was in "charge" of another third grade class I still had ample opportunity to see him in action.

His speed in jump rope was quite impressive.  Another teacher texted me a video and asked "what in the world are you feeding your child?" :)

It was a super fun day with perfect weather.  I'm so thankful he still enjoys me being involved at school because I LOVE being in the know and seeing him in action with his friends.

PSE Annual Gallery Walk

Tonight was PSE's annual gallery walk.  Each child has a piece of art work on display and parents can purchase these masterpieces with a small donation to the school's fine arts department. Preston was thrilled to bring his art home, but his favorite part was watching the school's jump rope team.  They were amazing!