The End of a tradition

The end of a tradition

It was Jeffrey's turn to put the angel on the top of the tree this year.  Tradition has it that Tom pops the kid up onto his shoulders so he/she can reach the top of the tree to place the angel. Jeff tried this year to use a step ladder, but couldn't quite reach. I explained that was because he was breaking with the tradition. He needed daddy to lift him up. And up he went...and he whacked his head on the ceiling.The only place they could have stood to get Jeff up without the bonk was the landing on the stairs and Tom didn't really want to have to carry Jeff down the stairs on his shoulders.

It was a delicate process and the thump was gentle. Followed by lots and lots of giggles. But one thing is clear. This was the end of a tradition. Next year will be the girl's turn (if at 11 she's still willing to talk to daddy with his Dinosaur phone) and in 2 years I assume Jeff will be looking down at the top of the tree. He will be 10 and all, and the general assumption is that by 10 he will be looking down on me.

I was able to dig up the first picture I have of Jeff atop daddy's shoulder's adoring the tree with the angel. He was 2.  He's not quite so little any more.

Jeff at 2 putting on the angel

Now he's 8, and just barely fits.

Oh how they grow...

Who would imagine that this little girl, all ready for her first day of Kindergarten just came home with her 5th grade school picture.

And this little guy?  Now he's bringing home 3rd grade pictures.  I can't fathom how much they've grown and how much they've learned over the past years.

Both kids are doing great in school this year.  Erin is definitely enjoying 5th grade.  She LOVES her teachers and has really been excelling in both math and writing this year (both things she struggled with last year). She is still playing the trumpet although we're pretty sure it's not going to be her "thing". It can be a bit of a struggle getting her to practice around the house.

Jeff gets to spend some time in an extra class where he does some more exploratory learning.  Right now they are focusing on learning about the Titanic.  He's completely fascinated by it.  It's also finally time for the boy to enter the world of multiplication and he's loving that as well.

Both kids are involved in drama club at school.  This year's show is 101 Dalmations.  Erin is the mama dog and Jeffrey is one of the goofy thugs (typecast some -- the goofy not the thug). They also serve as "career kids" at the school.  Erin gets to help with morning announcements about once a month and Jeff is awaiting his turn as "library helper" where he'll get to spend a week of mornings helping out in the library.  They took group photos at school for the yearbook this week.  Erin said she had 3 photos (Drama, career kids and band).  Jeff claims 4 (drama, career kids, Horizons and a random other group he can't remember...)

So, pushing half way through the school year (3/8) we're still going strong.