Mr. Mayor

Bryce's school is working on developing their own city within their classroom. The class named their city Countryville. Yeah, I'm still in Texas. Bryce and six other kids in his class ran for mayor. He came home needing a speech that had 5 -8 ideas as to why he should be mayor. Parents could help write the speech. In other words, parents wrote the speech. I helped, Tony helped, and Angela helped (and laughed). We all had to come up with ideas. Bryce came up with 10 min. of extra free time and would help with other jobs if needed. Other ideas that made it into the speech included extra recess time (of course) and sit with a friend day. Bryce also said that he would be fair as a mayor. My little boy went to school with his speech ready.

After school that day, he walked to car. A few steps down the sidewalk, a huge grin spread across his face and he raced to the car. He had won. He was mayor of Countryville. There was a bunch of happiness in my car. He had won by two votes. It was a close race that didn't require a run-off. I asked if he voted for himself. His answer was, "No, I voted for "B" because I wanted him to have a chance to win." So, not only is Bryce mayor, but he cares about other people. And that second attribute makes me a very proud mom. I hope he always cares about others.

Here's a picture of my mayor of Countryville,

and maybe a future President of the United States?! All I hope is that he chooses an occupation that will make him happy.

The Zoo with 6 Kids

I really mean the zoo. Not just because there was six kids and two adults, but because Angela and I took the kids to the Amarillo Zoo.

You see, they got two new tigers and the kids (especially Brenna) wanted to see them. Here's the pic that shows you how well we got to see them.

Brenna is standing in front of the Tiger cage. The orange blur (if you can see it) is one of the tigers.

At least we were able to see lions, bears, a panther, horses and the longhorn.

Oh, and don't forget the buffalo. Yes, we are in Texas. Our zoo has cows and buffaloes. What can I say? Brenna's favorite was the peacock.

She thought it was very pretty and it put on quite a show when it showed off it's feathers. She also liked the monkeys.

Her least favorite was the ............

yellow snake. Yep, she's related to me. I didn't like him much either, but he is a pretty color and behind glass.

But what about me?

Those are the words that Brenna kept saying at Bryce's basketball game last night. Take a picture of me. Take a picture of me. What about my picture? What about me?

I couldn't help it. I took one.

Okay, here's another one. She was standing by Bryce's bday balloons. Brenna really enjoyed them.

Basketball

Bryce is in the middle of tournament week for basketball. It's been a short season and Bryce has enjoyed every minute of it. I personally think he's pretty good at defense and can hold his own when he brings the ball down court. He doesn't like to foul. We've had to explain it will happen and that it is okay. I'm just going to let you enjoy the pictures from his last game. The Blue Lightning lost (check out the scoreboard). The game ended with us only nine points behind the other team. Bryce's team scored half their points in the last 8 minutes of the game. I guess I should tell you that his team his blue. He is number 13. And we finally got him to wear his sports glasses in basketball.

Bryce dribbles down, shoots and yes, he scored.

Dribbling and looking for an open man.

DEFENSE!

Bringing the ball down

Free throws - 2ND grade style

Party Time

Bryce turned eight (I think I have mentioned this before). We had a party with most of Bryce's cousins. We had a party with just us four. And we had a party with a bunch of 2ND grade boys.

Paramount Baptist Church has a great game room with everything a kid this age would like to play.

It was loud. It was fun. It was full of laughter. I wish you could have been there to listen to the kids sing "Happy Birthday" to my son (after they ate 4 large pizzas).

It was everything that I mentioned earlier.

Oh yeah, I should tell you about the Foosball competition between Uncle John and Tanner. No, I won't bore you with the details, but at least I do have a picture of the game.

Since you've seen that picture, I don't think I should even talk about the adults and the competition that went down at the air hockey tables.

See, the kids enjoyed air hockey, too.

I must even admit that Mande and I enjoyed the dance mats (thank goodness that there aren't pictures of that!). But most of all Bryce had a ball. His friends did, too.

Oh, Brenna enjoyed the evening. She was a worn out three year old who tried to play with big kids that night.