Taking after Aunt Joy

Emma had her appointment with the music teacher this morning to choose an instrument for fifth grade. She knew that she wanted to be in the orchestra but wasn't sure which instrument she wanted to play. After trying every single instrument (including viola and trombone) she chose the cello! Just like Aunt Joy she will have to carry her cello to school. Lucky for Emma there are now new light weight backpack cases.

Joe

Joe at Camp Pa-Wa-Pi for Emma's award ceremony.

Last day of camp

Emma's last day of Camp Pa-Wa-Pi was Friday. The final week was called "Be Your Own Boss" and the 10-13 year-olds worked with a 4-H group to learn how to do a business project for part of each day. On Friday business owners from the area came and heard their pitches and voted on the best business presentation and idea. Emma's team won "worked best together" and they were each given a $10 gift certificate to Office Max.

New Pal at School

Joe's friend Leah has gotten in to Joe's school through the school of choice program. We are so excited that she will be in class with Joe. This morning Joe brought Leah to Red Cedar school and showed her around. They had a great time playing together on the playground. It looks like it is going to be a great school year for Joe!

Visit from Heather and Peter

Joe and Calvin

pals

palsI peaked in Joe's room and saw them playing this game.

Joe is becoming good friends with a girl named Leah. He has known her for a couple of years. They have taken swimming together at MSU and they have played on the same T-ball team for two years. This summer we have made an effort to get the kids together. On Friday morning Leah was dropped off at our house and the two played together--ALONE--for a couple of hours. I peaked in on them every 20 minutes and they were having a great time playing games, listening to music, playing with cars and at the end of the morning putting on a puppet show. This was the first time (in over 7 years) that I have been able to leave Joe for extended periods with another child and not intervene or interpret for him. And how did Joe sum up his time with Leah? "I just love Leah. She's fun."