3rd Grade Awards

I had the privilege of accompanying our little one to her 3rd grade awards ceremony.  I was a proud mom!

Over 200 children were in her 3rd grade, and the top awards were given in front of the whole group. 

Here, she received the Mathmatics Award for highest math average.

Next, she received the SC Children's Book Award for those who read 20 or more books from a specified list and passed the exams (all extra work throughout the year).  These select students (about 15 in the whole school) got to go on a field trip to the movie theatre, purchase books at Barnes & Noble with a $25 gift card, and have dinner at Boston Pizzaria.  

I wasn't able to capture her receiving the Principle's Award Pin for All A's Honor Roll each 9 weeks.

Afterwards, the students went back into homeroom classes where each teacher gave out additional awards.  Our little one received the Service Award and pin for representing her class in Student Council during the year.

She then wanted a picture with her teacher and her favorite award of the morning.

Best friends...

I forgot to get a picture with her, too, so these were taken the next morning with all her awards.

Geno 2.0

For the past 15 years, Eric has been telling the kids that they are Native Alaskan.  I'm not sure if this was his attempt to confuse them, protest demographic questions, or brainwash them into thinking they qualify for college scholarships, but he's been telling them this for years.  

As an early Father's Day gift, I purchased a genology kit from National Geographic to prove, without a doubt, where his ancestry genes originated 1,000 years ago.  We aniticipate Scots-Irish given the last name McConnell.  But the neat thing is that it will also tell his percentage of Neanderthal as well as a complete health analysis.

When I logged on, they were running a special with $50 off per kit and free shipping.  I couldn't resist and bought one for myself as well.  I'm expecting a lot of German heritage, but since I'm female with only x chromosomes, the test will only confirm my maternal ancestry.  

The test involves a simple cheek swab, so it's painless.  After taking two samples each and mailing them off, the 10-week processing time begins.  We should get the results back just in time for Eric's birthday.  
 

Final 4

Our son's soccer team has advanced 3 rounds in the state tournament, making it all the way to the final 4!!  

A huge group of Powdersville fans came out, but here are my early arrival favorites.

The team gets a pep talk prior to taking the field.

Next, the prayer.  I love this part!

Now the final huddle with the core team just before play begins.

Here's a great catch by my favorite goal keeper!  They couldn't make a goal with this guy.

We won!!  Final score was 3-0 against the toughest team in our area.  Now onto the semi-finals!!

Congratulations Patriots!