Emerson and Royce

Emerson Emerson Emerson...... like all my kids, he's an original. 

But really HE IS!!!!!

He's got so much...... moxy...... the first two weeks of his new school riding his sister's pink/white bike to school everyday, for example. "I'm confident in my manhood". Emerson ALSO has his own likes.

While a few of my other kids were playing different sports this fall, Emerson found something he was EXTREMELY passionate about...... Cooking Classes.

The thing is, they were quite a bit more expensive than most extracurricular activities. So we showed him the budget and he had to analyze it and present his ideas as to how where the money could come from and the reasons/benefits why we should sign him up. I will say, he was most convincing.... and enthusiastic. 

He rides his bike to the classes once a week. 

Did I mention he loves it? 

(pics from his teacher)

You can just tell how much he loves it!

At the end of each 4-week session they have a Kids Iron Chef competition. Emerson's team came in 2nd. Next time he's going for 1st he says. 

(the kids love Food Network shows as much as I do)

One night we let him cook a few of the recipes for the family. It was delicious.

Twice he has gathered sticks and asked our neighbor for all of his and built his own bonfire. He's one of those kids that has an idea and is going to do it.

Emerson is EXTREMELY passionate too. Which is what makes taking him to games to entertaining.

Not the actual game, watching HIM watch the game is my favorite part. We went to a high school football game and Emerson got as into it as the 40-year long-time fans here.

Even when most people sat down, Emerson was still up cheering on the Cyclones.

He's also the kid that runs down right in front of the cheerleaders to catch all the goodies they throw out. This super-fan got a shirt and a few footballs. He's hilarious.

Emerson also tried out for the 6th grade Quiz Bowl team. They were only going to accept 10 kids out of the 25 who tried out. I logically pointed out to Emerson the odds weren't in his favor. #bubblepoppingMom.  The day they announced the kids who made the team they did it in alphabetical order. His name was the LAST name called and he audibly let out a cheer in his class. :)

He retains information quite easily. As smart as this kid is, he readily admits that the reason he wants to be on Quiz Bowl Team is because of the snacks. :)

Him admitting that reminds me of something he did at the first of the year. Emerson had to pick some extra class (either art, band, choir, etc) for his school schedule. It was a no-brainer for him, he picked choir. His brothers giggled and asked him why he picked choir and he said, "because that's the class where all the girls are."

When I went the first week to finish getting him signed up for things the counselor told me it was an all-boys choir. 😂😂😂I couldn't help but think what a shock THAT would be to him.

Needless to say, he chose to transfer into art. (Bummer, because he can actually sing)

And he's still a big ol' Mamma's-boy. I love that.

SPEAKING of snuggle buddies...... (and probably my biggest one)........Royce. 

This fall he played on an 8 year old baseball team (he's 6 and was the youngest kid on the team). He batted 5th in the batting order and played third base. Baseball is his passion......unless he has money. Then the concession stand is where his heart is.

On "Crazy Hair Day" at school he was also voted the "Terrific Kid" Award in his Class. There's only one per class for the 1st quarter. 

His speech still isn't as understandable as other kids his age but that doesn't seem to slow him down in school at all. His teacher says he participates, is respectful, always does his work and stays on task. I love these pictures from his teacher. 

Who COULDN'T love that face?!?!?

I went to a parent's day thing and his teacher was reading a book at the front of the classroom. Royce is on the back row concentrating and listening so hard. 💓

The oooooooooooooonly thing about the whole school mornings with Royce is he's SO picky about his socks or shirt or backpack or anything that touches his skin. If his socks are lumpy, or shoes don't "bend right" it's kind of an ordeal. Which is why, I also choose to STILL not bother with the whole underwear battle. He's such a rebel. Maybe one day he'll get on board with the whole undies-wearing trend. I'm figuring it'll be about the time there's locker room PE classes.

Once every tactile item is in place though he's the most pleasant kid. He also loves to ride his bike to school with Brooks on his way to work. Camden and Emerson usually ride with Brooks but now Royce has been doing it a lot and there's just something heart melting about a little kid speeding down the road on his bike.

Please enjoy the picture of the ONE time he wore a helmet because it was required at his school bike day. Again, it doesn't quite "feel" right to have a buckle strapped to your chin. 😂😒 I took the helmet back to the store and got a refund :)