Yesterday was Jack's elementary school "Moving on Ceremony". Middle school next year! The rest of this post is for the grandparents, because it's strictly a proud mom bragging. The first surprise was when Jack walked up to the podium and delivered a essay he'd written about "Why his parents are awesome." I've barely understood a word Jack's said in the past two years because of the mumbling he inherited from his dad, but lo and behold, apparently he also inherited his dad's public speaking ability, because not only could I understand him, his speech was well-written and funny, even if it ended with the line, "although my parents are often embarrassing, they're always funny." Then all the kids got awards for various character traits. Jack's was for 'integrity'. They apparently didn't have the category, 'Most in Need of a Haircut'. Finally they handed out a handful of Presidential Silver awards for academic excellence. Jack didn't get one. That's because he got the Presidential Gold award for being in the top 1% in the country (ironically it was partially based on WASL scores, which Jack's mother lobbied against the kids being required to take). I glanced at Mitch, and the big baby had tears in his eyes. Wuss! In the morning, before the ceremony, Mitch was even complaining about kids getting too many accolades for something as stupid as finishing the fifth grade, and "hell no, we're not getting Jack a gift for it." Then, after he got home from work (after the ceremony), he brought Jack the air-soft pistol and rifle he's been dying for but his mean mom wouldn't let him have (Nana, it's lighter than a BB gun, and yes, it comes with all kinds of safety gear and the little kids aren't allowed out of the house when he's using it.) I'm not quite sure what the logic is in rewarding academic success with a weapon, but the wow factor just wouldn't have been there if Mitch had bought Jack a dictionary, I guess.

While I'm reporting on my kids' successes this week, I'll add that Henry won an award at school for reading the most books (70!) in kindergarten, Grace learned to write her name, and Olivia finally can wipe her own butt when she poops. YEAH, BABY!