I didn't think we'd ever get there, but I am happy to announce Dawson and I survived his first year away at school. Even though Dawson asked me to pick him up early from school literally every.single.day the entire school year, including the last day, which was a half day, he still made his mama so proud. He really powered through what I know was a tough year of transitions and adjustments. He soared academically, and most importantly, his little spirit was really challenged and changed. Because he didn't want to leave me and go to school, I worried he wouldn't fit in socially or even want to try. I was so relieved and happy that within a week of school starting he'd been invited to 3 play dates and had a little posse of buddies who were excited to see him everyday. He also made out pretty good with the ladies;) A few months into the school year he informed me that his classmate Kate's little bro liked to sit next to him and visit with him in the mornings, and Dawson got the feeling he sorta looked up to him. Dawson started referring to the little guy as "the apprentice" and one day the apprentice ran up to us at the lockers and informed Dawson that "Kate said not to tell you but she's gonna marry you when she grows up!" There were many sweet love notes sent his way as well. Even more precious were the ones given to him by a classmate who wound up with a cancerous brain tumor half way through the year. Thankfully she is healthy now, but the notes she wrote him will be cherished forever, and I will always remember the one he wrote to her for a care package, telling her that she is "more valuable than a clear diamond." Another favorite was a heart shaped card with a drawing of a boy and girl together, telling Dawson that he is fast, kind, smart and a good example, and it was signed by "nobody you kno."
So even though I was confident in Dawson's good behavior and his progress, I was over the moon when I got an email from his teacher telling us that he was nominated for the Speak Life award at school, which was to be kept a surprise from him. Todd wasn't traveling and was able to sneak away from work to go to the assembly with me and the twins. When his name was called, the look on his face was absolutely priceless. I will never forget his expression of surprise, then joy, then disbelief, then total excitement! Precious boy. I love that the verse on his plaque was one that he learned this year as one of their weekly memory verses. Mostly because I will never forget his practice recital of it at home and the fact that he had no idea he had a tiny bit of trouble with one part: "to set an example for believers in speech, in conduct, in love, faith and puberty." Oh my lordy, puberty and purity are certainly not interchangeable words, but it was so cute I couldn't correct him!!
Spring concert. Trying to get a normal picture of these two is pointless.
Dawson's poem stood out among a sea of poems about furry animals and sports.
kidnapped this cutie from school for an ice cream date!
How blessed we were that Dawson had such an amazing teacher, Chloe was such a gem!
I couldn't resist including some of the birthday wishes Dawson received, they came home with all of the end of the year treasures and my heart almost burst reading them!
