It seems like the thing to do around these parts is to have a carnival when things get slow, and given how much the girls like them that’s okay. This weekend we took them to the latest offering of this type, which I think was supposed to have something to do with child safety and corn dogs if I read the signs appropriately.
One of the nice benefits of the recurring nature of these events is that they give me photographic evidence that Mandy is indeed growing. Witness these two pics about a year apart standing in front of the same sign:
 2008 |
 2009 |
Here are some more pictures:
Sam had a major victory this weekend of the type that makes you just vicariously thrilled for her. Ger and I attended a series of financial planning classes held at a local church a while back. They had a free “Daisies” class for Sam on the same nights and, while she hadn’t been going since our class ended, when the teacher called us and told us that they were having a graduation ceremony we decided to take Sam. When the class ahead of her went up in front of the group to receive their recognition and awards, Sam perked up at the sight of one of the little girls receiving a trophy for …I don’t know what. Possibly being the most God fearing little girl in the group. Or maybe she cleaned the most lepers’ feet or something. At any rate, Sam’s face lit up and she turned to me, saying “Daddy, it’s okay if I don’t get a trophy. But I REALLY hope I get a trophy.”
Not having been informed beforehand of any trophies to be given, I started hedging Sam’s expectations. When her class was called up, though, we were all mildly shocked and surprised when Sam was awarded a small trophy for being the second best Daisy in the bunch. It was blue with gold trim a big cross on the top to remind its bearer that while it may have Sam’s name engraved on it Jesus totally died for our sins and that’s a lot more impressive than earning some merit badges. But Sam still beamed like a star, clutching at the award like a first-time director on stage at the Oscars. She wouldn’t let go of it for the rest of the day, and tells pretty much every person she meets about her “very first trophy ever!”
I’ll post some pictures of it shortly. Or next week, whichever comes first.
Actually, I knew Sammy was going to get a trophy, the teacher sent me an email. I think she wanted to be sure we would be there to claim it. : )