Thanksgiving has arrived again. And with it, another fun filled Thanksgiving Day. This year, we did some standard things and some new things.
1. We watched the Macy's Day Parade.
2. We had a small breakfast.
3. We played several games, including Smart Ass for the first time. This is a GREAT trivia game.
4. We had an amazing meal.
5. We watched our standard "Miracle on 34th Street," to usher in the season.
All in all, it was a great Thanksgiving!!!
Earlier today at school, I was talking about Bri to one of my students (who I also had in 5th grade).
The student said, "Oh, I didn't know you had a daughter."
To which I replied, shockingly, "You had me in fifth grade and you forgot?"
She asked about Bri and I said, if you look up her name and Danvers High School, you might find a picture.
While she was having trouble finding the name, I decided to look Bri up...and I find out something super cool. As a member of the DHS track team last year, she actually made their record book, kept by Max Preps.
In the 100 meter dash, as a junior, she ranks in the top 20 all time with her score from last year, as you can see below.
As always, it takes a ton of work to pull it off. But it is so worth it. Fortunately, we have a great Civics team, with Brian and Jeff, as well as fabulous 8th grade teachers, which helps it run seemlessly.
This year we had some of our same veterans, including Mr. Leupold, who was in World War II and turned 100. We also had Mr. Radock's daughter, who worked at Johnson when I was there, come with his memorabilia. We have several parents and grandparents of students arrive as well...which made for an amazing day!!!
The students were spectacular. My decorating crew - aka the Weather Service crew - were official greeters, too. And they did a phenomenal job.
Thanks so much to all those veterans who gave their time, treasure, talent - and in some cases their lives - to protect our country.
Happy Veteran's Day
Happyt Veterans Day!!!
Both Bri and Kiff were in attendance for the parade, though it was Bri's last parade. Unlike years past, when Emmie and I watched from the Boston Common, we actually sojourned down to the Boston Public Library area and watched the beginning of the parade, then followed the band all the way to the end.
It was quite a parade. Clearly, word has gotten out about the parade, unlike the first year, when there were only a few spectators. There were quite a few DHS families in attendance, which was fun to watch as we went through the streets.
I think I took about four videos from different locations. The band played their standard military tunes, which were always amazing!!! The wrapped up at City Hall Plaza, booming their music off the buildings that lined the streets there. I found a picture on the Berkeley Beacon above of Nathan, Natalie, and a few other band members from today.
While we were there to see the Falcons, there were several other fun groups as well. There was a small Civil War re-enactment group. There were several military groups. The USS Constitution sailors also showed up, as well as an East Boston Junior ROTC group.
Afterward, they went over to Quincy Market and had lunch. Emmie and I did as well, and did a little quick shopping, like we always do. All and all, it was a great and glorious day for a parade.
Tonight was the NESBA Finals...a culmination of the long, competitive marching band season. It has been a long season, but well worth the effort.
It was Bri's last time marching onto field the receive an award before retiring. We watched it with Kobe's mom, who was experiencing the same thing. It was a bittersweet moment.
The DHS Marching Band marched out and scored a gold with 90 points. That was good for fourth place among the eight teams - a fantastic showing!!!
Senior Night is a very big tradition at most high schools, and DHS is no exception. We have witnessed the time honored tradition a few times at DHS in the past and on this day we got to be a part of it.
As part of senior night, the seniors in the school are celebrated before the game begins. And tonight, was Bri's night. Following in the tradition, Emmie, Kiff, and I were schedule to walk out on the field with Bri, as she is officially announced to the crowd.
We had to arrive at school early to get lined up in the cafeteria. In what was truly a providential moment, we were lined up behind the Dawes, who we have known for what seems like a lifetime because Bri and Kobi, and Kiff and Garrett have taken part in so many activities together over the years. So, of course, we had to take many pictures of the moment.
We walked out on the field - which was fun - and then Bri was officially announced. Several friends, as well as the band, cheered her on as she marched out officially as a Guard Captain. We paused near midfield to have our picture taken. It was an amazing moment we will al remember.
