11-11-11

Today is 11-11-11 and Maddi is 11 years old. She's pretty excited about being 11 on this day and thinks it might be her lucky day. Perhaps she should play the lottery tonight? It is also Veterans Day. Most kids are out of school today, but not our kids. The fifth grade is having a Veteran's Day production to honor everyone who is serving or has served in the military. Last night the parents were invited to attend. This morning, the whole school will be there as well as any veterans that the students have invited. Here is Maddi with her friends, Abby, Sam and Jane. Emma couldn't really see Maddi where we were sitting, but she could see Jane and she kept pointing and saying "there's Jane, right there". So cute. These are all very sweet girls and I am happy that she has found some good friends who are genuine and kind.

Here is Maddi girl making her entrance with her class.

We had a hard time seeing Maddi because of the people in front of us and where she was standing. I had to crop this picture a lot to cut off the heads of those sitting in front of us. I think this was right before they began.

Maddi had a speaking part that told about Francis Scott Key writing the National Anthem.

She did a great job on saying her lines.

Right after she said her lines, we all sang the national anthem.

This little girl was a great member of the audience. She sat quietly and enjoyed the songs and applauded as everyone else did.

The 5th grade did a great job and it made me proud to be an American. It brought tears to my eyes when they sang each branch of the militaries song and had current and former members of those branches stand up. I am very thankful for those men and women who have served our country to protect our freedoms.

When it was all over, we hung around and chatted with friends. I was very proud to look over and see that Cade was helping the janitor clean up the chairs. Then Maddi and her friends joined in helping as well. We ended up going out for ice cream with Emily (in the picture with Maddi) and her mom and grandmother, and the Hjelles. It was a fun night, but a little sad to think this will be Maddi's last time to do something like this in elementary school.