How Did He Get Old Enough for This?

Yesterday was the first day of Junior Cotillion for Bryant and many of his friends from school. He actually missed baseball practice for this. Doesn't he look handsome? It was the first time he's worn a coat and tie, escorted and seated a lady, danced with a girl. It was also the first time I tied a tie. (Carey still went to practice since he's the coach, but we figured it out! You really can find anything on google.) ANYWAY, I did not do cotillion as a child, but my cousins did. I guess it might be something you do in smaller towns. As it turned out, I was asked to chaperone this week, and I am really glad I was there. We both learned a lot. In this first class, Bryant learned:

* He should offer a lady his right arm to escort her. He is responsible for choosing where they are going to sit. But, she went ahead and told the boys that even though they are officially in charge, it is nice and polite to ask the lady where she would like to sit. So, really, the lady decides. I thought that was probably a good lesson to go ahead and learn when you are 10!

* He learned to button his coat when standing, unbutton when seated.

* He learned to place his nametag on his right side.

* He learned the electric slide, the fox trot and the shag.

This is just a list of a few of the things he learned. I was so impressed with how well everyone behaved, and I was super impressed with how clearly the teacher taught the children. I'm glad I was there to learn the fox trot! There were basically two schools represented in this session of cotillion, and many of the moms from the other school stayed and watched. I would never have thought that was an option, and Bryant did not want me to stay anyway. We talked ahead of time about what I should not do to embarass him, and he told me not to get mad at him and not to take pictures. I told him the only thing I would be upset with him was if he was mean or rude or in some way made a girl feel bad when he was told to dance with her. He did a pretty good job with this. I only saw him cringe or roll his eyes once. We've already talked about how this can be very hurtful. I held true to my promise and did not take pics, but another mom there snapped a few for me. If I get them I just might post them as well.

Anyway, now I can dance with my son. It isn't fancy, but we can do it. How in the world did he get old enough for this? As you can see by this last picture, he's not quite sure what he thinks about this just yet.

The Boys Let Me Down

Thursday night Bryant and Carey went to Raleigh to see NC State play USC. It was opening night. ESPN was there. They were all excited. And, it was even better because they were able to take friends with them. Hunter and Bryant have been playing baseball together for a long time now, and they are on the Braves together. So, over the years we have spent a lot of time with this family. They are also BIG State fans. They even found a ticket for Hunter's little brother Nick to go -- his first State game. So, off the five of them go Thursday. I sent my camera with them. Bryant is kind of obsessed with cameras, phones, ipods, itouches, or all things techy right now. I was not relying on Carey at all to take any pics, but I thought for sure Bryant would come through for me. Nope. Not one picture. When they go off to State together in 8 years, I'm still going to mad at them for not taking any pictures! To add insult to injury, State lost the game, and the boys swear it was the worst officiated college football game they've ever seen -- in their entire 10 years of life.

Good-bye, sigh

This weekend we had to say good bye to a wonderful family. The Robinsons are moving to NY, and we are sad to see them go. Ann Bennett and Lydia started kindergarten together and became fast friends. Lydia's dad coached AB in soccer, and Lydia's big sister, Caroline is a rising 5th grader like Bryant. Lydia and AB have really had fun together, and we are going to miss her. It's hard to say good-bye to a friend when you are only 7. We know they'll be back, and I'm hoping this will make AB want to write. But, it is just not ever the same as having a friend in town with you. Best wishes to the Robinsons. You will be greatly missed!

These are the only pictures I have of the going away party we helped throw last Friday night. First Baptist has a fabulous room for youth at their activity center, and since we were rained out of the pool, the party was in the Cove. The kids danced, played video games, ran around and acted silly, played a little basketball, ate dinner, played ping-pong, pool and the wii. They had a great time and did not want to stop for photos. It was a really fun night. I hope Lydia and Caroline enjoyed it.