This morning, I asked Aaron to take a break from his screen for awhile and do something either creative or active. When I got home from the grocery store, this was on the kitchen table. “His name is Simon—I don’t know why…”. Simon is his something creative, and I want him to have a place in my memories so I don’t forget how cool this 9-year-old mind is. 😊
Today we are celebrating this kiddo’s 12th birthday! She is equal parts sassy, witty, empathetic, and kind, and in my very biased opinion, she makes the world brighter every day. Happy birthday, Miss Cara!!
A little “then and now” action in honor of Ben’s last day of 8th grade 🤗
Over the past eight years, St. Paul School has become second home, and the people in it have become our family. We couldn’t have asked for a better grade school experience for this guy. The lessons and wisdom and friends that he has gained along the way are invaluable. wWe are so grateful for and proud of the young man he is becoming. Congratulations to @bencourtney15 and all of his classmates. It’s been a ride!! 💙💛🐾🐾💛💙
These 2 were fantastic in their middle school presentation of School House Rock Live!! Every student in the entire middle school was a part of the show, and it was so much fun to watch 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. So proud of them all!! #gingerstakethestage@stpaulflorence
8th Grade DC Trip. Day 3. We started at the Korean War Memorial, and then visited Abe Lincoln, whose visitors’ center was under renovation. We found the spelling mistake and Robert E. Lee’s profile carved into the back of his head. We stopped to pay our respects at the Vietnam Memorial and then headed to the Air and Space Museum. After Lunch at the Department of Agriculture, we went to the Holocaust Museum, where we were able to meet a Holocaust survivor who graciously told us his story and answered our questions. We wrapped up our trip at the National Archives and then MLK memorial before heading to the airport. I have been so impressed with the incredible artistry and intentionality in each and every memorial, and the way that Washington DC holds so much tradition. The city embodies the American spirit in such and inclusive way. I am so proud of the kids in Ben’s class for hanging in with 3 days of packed schedules, and I have enjoyed spending time with them and their parents for the past 3 days! I am grateful to have had this opportunity!
D.C. Trip. Day 2. Part 2.
We visited the Capitol by way of the Library of Congress, conquered our missions at the International Spy Museum, and visited with Thomas Jefferson. We were able to meet up with St. Paul’s first grade teacher, Mrs Keyser and her dad, who were also in DC for an Honor Flight and then explored the FDR memorial before dinner. Topped off the night with a stop at the Kennedy Center to take in the beautiful rooftop views.
D.C. 8th grade trip. Day 2. Part 1. 😅
White House photo op, Ford’s Theater and the Peterson House, followed by WWII Memorial and the Washington Monument.
What a day!! Early flight, straight to Mt. Vernon, then on to the Iwo Jima Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery, were Ben was chosen (based on an essay that he wrote) to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They were surprised with a zoom interview with Channel 19 back home! Rounded off the day with a brief stop at the Pentagon Memorial and a dinner/dancing cruise on the Potomac River. Ben and his friends are having a blast on their 8th grade trip and I am exhausted! 😊
Tonight, Ben received the Sacrament of Confirmation, making the grown-up decision to become a full adult member of the church he has grown up in. We are so proud of the person he is, and so grateful for the staff at St. Paul School for helping us to raise a strong Catholic young man.
