Jaden takes 3rd!

Jaden barley snuck in this year to compete in her school's UIL (University Interscholastic League created by the University of Texas) story telling competition. Three children from her grade were selected to represent Mary Marek at the district level competition. Jaden was selected as the alternate. She continued to attend practices every Monday after school with the understanding that she was back up. Dutifully, Jaden and Kyle arrived early Saturday morning the day of competition just in case one of the three students was late or a no show. I expected Kyle and Jaden home with in the hour but was surprised to receive an enthusiastic phone call from Jaden telling me that Franklin had not arrived and she was going to compete. As fate would have it Jaden continued through 2 eliminations and left her own Mary Marek Elementary team mates in the dust -- taking 3rd place overall in the district (which consists of 14 elementary schools). Last year Jaden placed 2nd in the same competition. She says this years win was much harder and, therefore, means a lot more to her. Good job, sis. We are proud of you!

Of course, much of the credit goes to Kyle who is the "bed time story" guru. He is often found telling the kids elaborate fables before tucking them in at night. He has a ginormous imagination. Even I am captivated by his stories. I usually hear the kids bellowing laughter from upstairs and I'm pulled in.

Here is video of the announcement of winners. I wish we had a video of her in action. However, no one was invited to watch. They performed in front of the three judges only. I guess it makes sense - no peer pressure. But, what we wouldn't have given to be a fly on the wall. By the way the award ceremony started late. We sat through 60 minutes of what I consider Hannah Montana concert like screaming (as you'll witness in the video) while waiting for the judges to make their final selections. We should win an award for keeping our sanity!