Our Busy 4th Grader

Before school let out for summer break, Kaleb had LOTS going on! On Derek's birthday, Kaleb attended his school's annual lock-in at the middle school. He met his AR (Accelerated Reader) goal every quarter to be able to attend this lock-in. Yay! From 3-11pm he had lots of crazy fun with his friends. The biggest event of the night is the dodge ball tournament, complete with posted brackets and a championship game. Teams of 6 are formed ahead of time, and many teams wear matching shirts. Kaleb's team had matching face paint. :) Although they didn't make it to the championship game, Kaleb and his teammates beat the teachers. That's almost a bigger deal than winning it all.

Kaleb and two of his teammates

It is SO loud in this room!

 I enjoy volunteering at this event because it's one big party! There's lots of treats, lots to do, and lots of music and dancing. Kaleb wouldn't dance to the Macarena...but I did! :) However, 2 hours was enough fun for me--I don't know how the teachers and kids last until 11!

There are just as many inflatables behind me as there are in front of me!

Derek took Kaleb turkey hunting the next afternoon. They saw plenty of turkeys and enjoyed their time together. Maybe next time Kaleb will get his bird.

What boy doesn't love rocks, right? The rock museum was a fun project for Braylen in 4th grade, so I was glad Kaleb got to do it too. He used Braylen's display board, but found his own rocks and made a game with them. :) On Monday both 4th grade classes displayed their rocks, so of course I took some pictures.

The museum spread throughout three classrooms.

The next day the 4th graders put together a project for Social Studies. Kaleb dressed up like Father Flanagan, the founder of Boys Town. When I put a coin in the cup on his desk he "came to life" and read his script out loud. I had fun visiting other kids dressed up in character as well. The girl next to Kaleb is dressed up like Barbie. If you know Kaleb at all, you'll understand why that's funny. :)

Later on that same day, Kaleb played the piano in the talent show. He played the same song he'll be playing for his piano recital in June, so this was a great rehearsal for that. He did well!

Kaleb playing "Mockingbird."

Good thing school has ended by now...Kaleb (and his mom) are ready for some down time! This turned out to be such a fantastic school year for Kaleb. He grew in lots of areas, and I can hardly believe he'll be a 5th grader this fall. Stay close, little boy...you are so special to me.