Beckett is 8 1/2 years old and starting Spring quarter of second grade.
He continues to like his teacher Ms Meeks. Recently he underwent a series of tests to assess his cognitive abilities and was selected to participate in an accelerated program called the Cougar Classroom. This will begin next year where he will receive special attention during class time along w 4 other classmates and a specially trained teacher to ensure he is being challenged.
Beckett read the first three books in the Chronicles of Narnia series and has taken a pause to explore the Hardy Boys books. He is starting book #2 titled The House on the Cliff and especially likes the vintage cover editions. In math he is learning to carry and borrow. His CoGAT results showed he was off the charts when it comes to math. In his latest report card, his teacher mentioned he is reading at a 4th grade level. So we're feeling really good about both subjects. In science he is learning about South America geography and various types of land forms.
Beckett is in 1st/2nd grade Spring soccer. He is being coached by Lehi and Corey (acting as asst) again and has several returning players on the team like Kimana Cru, Leland, Cooper, Logan, etc.
His team name is the "Silver Huskies" and his jersey is "Silver". He's had several goals already this season and really seems to enjoy the game. He was bummed to miss his first ever double header during Spring Break.
This winter we experienced a turning point on the ski hill. The boys were patient with themselves and listened to more instruction than in the past. We skied at the Loup, Snoqualmie West & Central, and Crystal twice. We were all going to the top of the hill on the chair lifts and the boys beat mom down the hill. It's so great to see it all come together and make sense. Beckett is especially good at his turns. We definitely look forward to next season and getting up on the mountain just as much if not more.
The last 6 months' adventures have included the following:
1) We went to Thomasson Pumpkin Patch last Fall.
2) Ice skating in Winthrop in November.
3) Skiing 5 times at various mountains (Loup, Snoqualmie and Crystal). First time night skiing w Simons at Snoqualmie Central and one day w Simons and Nardella's at Snoqualmie West.
4) We had a family day in the city that included toured the Int'l District, a Stadium Tour, Exploring the downtown library and ending at the Olympic Sculpture Park before dinner at Chris' house.
5) We attended a local Bingo night at the library where mommy won the first game of the night!
Beckett recently participated in a combined 1st/2nd grade Spring concert where he sang and also played the xylophone during "Lone Star Trail". He was really excited to perform and practiced his songs ahead of time. However, once up on stage he seemed unimpressed overall.
Beckett has not wet the bed since the last blog entry. Dare we say we've passed that phase? We still remind him to pee before bed but perhaps just as a cautionary measure at this point!
The boys spent Spring Break (last week) in the Methow @ Nana/Papa's and had a lot of outdoor time. They played baseball in the pasture, climbed the hill twice, road bikes and Hudson even started riding Landon's motorcycle. Next time....Beckett's turn. He wasn't interested in trying this time. They played w Landon every single day and even though Landon is in 3rd grade, Beckett is taller.
Beckett is still often hungry and has grown about 1.5 inches in the last 8 months. He still has a wild streak so we're careful of sugar intake. He is getting more and more articulate and seems to be able to control his spontaneity a little better as he gets older. He is smart, funny, and still likes to crawl into bed w mommy in the morning to cuddle. He loves his stuffed animal "giraffee" who continues to provide comfort in times of vulnerability. He seems to have natural athletic tendencies like w skiing and can spiral a football like nobody's business. We look forward to watching his next stage of development over the next 6 months.
Beckett's Current Favorites:
Colors: Blue
Book: The Hardy Boys
Song: Happier
Breakfast food: Testy Chef Pancakes
Dinner food: Sushi
Number: 9 "whatever my next age is...."
Best friend: Valentino "Tino"