Mack's Graduation from the 8th Grade

At times this year, Mack's academic progress felt like "one step forward, two steps back." If Mack decided that he wanted to do well on an assignment, he did well. If he didn't want to do well, he just wouldn't turn it in. Very frustrating. Happily, most of Mack's teachers really liked him, even though they all recognized his issue as an "effort" issue. Onto high school.......

Andrea and I agreed that Mack's graduation was one of the best we've ever been to. Unfortunately, we only have iPhone pics. Mack had a great time. While passing Mack his diploma, the principal, Mrs. Adams, whispered something in Mack's ear and gave him a hug. Andrea thought they might be withholding his degree.
When he walked back to us, we asked what she said. Mack said she asked him if he was finally ready to admit how much fun he had at Pinecrest School.

Mack and his buddy, Sun Kwan. Both were Jocks.

 At the end of ceremony, they had a student/parent dance. Mack was the first to wave his sobbing Mom up to dance. I was so proud of him.

Bodie's Last Day of School

We just received Bo's report card in the mail, and...he passed the first grade! We were a little worried, but with gushing comments on his report card like, "Bo has met the first grade standards," we couldn't be prouder.

He will always be a Momma's boy.... and I couldn't be more proud.

In all seriousness, the final section of Bo's report card covers Work Habits and Social Skills with ratings of U-Unsatisfactory, N-Needs Improvement, S-Satisfactory, and O-Outstanding. There are 19 skills, and Bo received O-Outstanding in all of them. We'll keep him.

Mack and Zeke - 2011 Pinecrest Sports Banquet

Mack and Zeke received many accolades and awards at the 2011 Annual Pinecrest Sports Banquet. They also ate many hot dogs. Zeke even brought one home in his shorts pocket.

Onto the awards:

Zeke played Flag Football and Basketball, and received the Coaches Award for the 6th Grade class - awarded to the athlete who always shows up with a positive attitude and has a never-give-up approach.

Mack played Flag Football, Basketball, and Volleyball. He received the MVP award for Flag Football, Defensive Player for Basketball, and the Best Athlete award for the Middle School.

Zeke, so young, so pensive.

Mack shaking hands.

Mack stealing an extra hot dog.

 Two of Mack's awards.

Zeke's Coaches Award.

Mack receiving his Best Athlete award.

 Mack shows off the Best Athlete trophy.

Bo's Field Trip to Underwood Farm

Since I am now a man of leisure, I had the opportunity to join Bo and his buddies on a field trip to a local farm. Bo really wanted me there because I grew up on a farm and therefore have "Farm Cred."

The buses rolling in....

Cow Corner was our Base of Operations for the day.

Bo was very excited.

Strawberry picking!

Beautiful John Deere tractor. Over 60 years old.

They had some acrobatic goats...

Zeke's Late Birthday Horse Ride

Zeke, Bo, Andrea, and a few of Zeke's friends, Blake and Georgia went for a horse ride in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu Lake. Zeke said it was the best day ever.

Zeke was a natural. His horse's name was Charley. Charley Horse.

Bodie's mount was 22 years old, and her name was Cora. A trail veteran.

Leaving Paramount Ranch, headed into the hills.

In the foreground from left to right, Zeke's friends, Georgia, Z-Man, and Blake.