May 17, 2017

This was one of the nights that I wished I could be two places at once!  Emma had her final band concert, and since she isn't taking band next year, it really was her final band concert.  I really wanted to be there.  Miles has been working all year on his Give Me Liberty award, and tonight was the final performance and awards ceremony.  I couldn't miss it.  In the end, I made a big dinner, packed a plate for Greg and had him go straight to Emma's concert.  And I went with Miles to his performance.  Luckily, I had the best time ever!

I was so proud of Miles.  He has worked so hard--memorizing all the presidents, the states and capitols, the preamble to the constitution, the Gettysburg address, and lots of other patriotic songs and tidbits.  He was so cute up there waving his flag and singing.  I definitely got choked up a time or two.  And when the whole room stood and sang the Star Spangled Banner, I had tears in my eyes.  A servicewoman next to me was openly weeping.  It was super powerful.

"I'm Proud to Be An American!"

But the biggest shock of the night was seeing Miles standing a head taller than everyone else!  I knew Miles was tall, but my goodness!  I had to text Greg a picture...I was so amazed.

Miles has gotten so tall!

When Miles and I walked to the car, arm in arm, so happy and proud, he told me how funny it was to look out and see Shawn Bradley (the famous 7'6" former NBA player, whose son is in Miles's class--Miles and the Bradley boy stand head to head with each other, but he was down on the side of the bleachers).  So, I showed Miles the picture of the performance.  He about had a heart attack when he saw how much he stood above the crowd!  It was so funny.

Miles is standing tall...right in the middle!

A head above the rest. :)

These are his last days at Little Valley Elementary.  He's off to Sunrise Ridge Intermediate School.

Miles is such a good boy.  He is so smart.  He's completed this entire program totally on his own.  I never anticipated what a responsible, dedicated student he would be.  I love listening to him and getting to know the way his mind works.  The letters he wrote to me on Mother's Day had me laughing my head off.  He is incredibly clever and enjoyable. 

And they way we walked to the car, arms around each other as we went, let me know how lucky I am to have the love of someone so special.