Jaxon lapped his class very early in the "race," and I use that term loosely because only to our extremely competitive son is The Gallop a true race. The volunteers and teachers running the show deemed everyone a "winner" simply for participating. That's not good enough for Jaxon. He has to be "the best."
Jaxon obviously lives by the "If you aren't first, you're last." mentality. Therefore, he gave The Gallop every thing he had, and the track was definitely more challenging this year. Last year, the race took place in front of the school on the paved blacktop. This year, the setting was more picturesque on the sports field behind the school, but the track was bigger making each lap more of a challenge.
Jaxon didn't seem to mind! He sprinted around the track without a care in the world. The idea of pacing himself wasn't an option. He was full-speed ahead the entire time, and even though he was a lap ahead of his closest competitor, Jaxon would push himself harder any time someone was in close proximity.
Once the buzzer sounded indicating their allotted time was up, the class made it's way to the sidelines to tally the laps. The kids received a bracelet for each lap they completed, and Jaxon waited anxiously as each of his classmates announced their total for the official record. In the end, Jaxon was victorious with 10 laps. Looks like he secured bragging rights for another year!
Whether Jaxon ran 2 laps or 10 laps had zero impact on the pride Anh and I felt in our hearts. Our little man and his competitive spirit always shines in our eyes. As parents, Anh and I love that Jaxon is never content to settle for "good enough" and always pushes himself to be the best regardless of whether it's racing or mastering math and spelling lessons. Our little over-achiever makes us proud just because he tries so damn hard!
Way to go, Jaxon! Keep up the strong work!
Jaxon is now roaming the halls known as Trotter Trail at his elementary school. He's no longer in the segregated and protected section for Kindergartners who are often labeled as "babies" by the much older & wiser kids in grades 1-5. Ha!
A few days before the start of the school year, we were invited to attend a school-wide Open House. That was when we learned Jaxon has been assigned to Mrs. D's First Grade classroom. Woo hoo! Evidently, Mrs. D is "the" teacher to have and others are quite disappointed to have missed out on the opportunity to be a part of her class. I'm quite certain that all of the teachers are wonderful and will do an outstanding job, but I will celebrate Jaxon's luck of being assigned to the best of the best!
As it turns out, Mrs. D is equally excited to have Jaxon in her class. Apparently, Mrs. D is best friends with Jax's Kindergarten teacher Mrs. P, and Mrs. P ranted and raved about how wonderful Jaxon is to Mrs. D. Wow! School had not even started yet, and the love was flowing! Speaking of love, Jaxon's "girlfriend" and best buddy also scored a spot in Mrs. D's classroom. I know, Jax! She's not your girlfriend! You two just get all weird & super smiley when you're around each other. No big deal! Doesn't mean a thing!
I'm so very proud of our sweet Jaxon and all that he has accomplished this school year. He made some wonderful friends, learned to read, and mastered his favorite subjects: P.E., recess, free time, and computers. Harvard, here he comes! My only disappointment is in the school's decision to not hold a graduation ceremony. I feel cheated out of a parental paparazzi moment. Boo! Instead, Jaxon's teacher Mrs. P invited all of the parents to Author's Night in her classroom. It was essentially an opportunity to highlight the students' work from throughout the year, and I can assure you, they have been very busy!
The whole family was on hand to see Jaxon receive his award and acknowledgement, and the pride that Anh and I felt as his parents was overshadowed only by a little brother's love. Baylor took a seat right next to his big brother in the student section and cheered, "Good job, Jax!" as Jaxon's name was called. The pride was radiating off Baylor's face. As his mother, I pray that moment inspires him to turn the corner with the Terrible Two's behavior!
Jax took his place on stage with the school's other honorees and briefly enjoyed the spotlight.
Although, I'm fairly certain Jaxon enjoyed the post-ceremony reception complete with cake a lot more!
How is that even possible? Somebody stop the clock! Sure enough, that same precious baby has grown up into this sweet little boy, and as his parents, Anh and I did our best to make him the center of attention on his special day. Of course, our other little guy was doing his absolute best to steal the limelight or at least share in it.
It felt like a bit of a cop-out after last year's celebration, but Anh and I decided to make things easier on ourselves this year and take the party to the kids rather than hosting a party at the house. Jax didn't seem to mind the scaled-back party plans. All eyes were on him even though one of his classmates shares the same birthday. Sorry, kid! It wasn't our intention to steal any of your thunder. At least you got some cake out of the deal.
Speaking of the cake, Jaxon selected a Hot Wheels themed cake, and we requested that the racetrack resemble the number six in honor of the milestone.
The birthday boy was thrilled with the outcome and made quick work of that candle!
The party continued at home that evening. We couldn't let the leftover cupcakes go to waste! Although, we did implement a new theme...Transformers!
Baylor found some giant Optimus Prime balloons that would work with the theme party #2, but in the end, he was hesitant to share. Ultimately, it worked out that Jax was allowed 1 balloon out of the bouquet of 5. Pretty fair, right? As always, Jaxon was a good sport and humored his somewhat selfish little brother. After all, who can argue with a kid that wanders the house saying, "I just love balloons!" You certainly do, Baylor, but you could share with your brother on his birthday!
The cupcakes weren't as pretty during round 2, but Jax and Baylor assured me they were just as tasty. That's all that matters, I guess.
Well, that and the fact that Jax had a huge smile on his face from start to finish on his birthday.
I wonder what Jax wished for? Maybe he wished for another magical year filled with promise and hope and all the wonderful things that life has to offer...or maybe that was just me. I can make a wish on his behalf, right? Surely, that's allowed. Now, to make sure it comes true...
