Upward and Onward

And just like that......another school year completion is just around the corner!  As much as I love to see them grow and progress, I want to "freeze" all four boys right where they are!!  And because that is just not possible, I'll savor these last few weeks of a unique school year.......four sons in four stages of life........a preschooler, an elementary schooler, a middle schooler, and a high schooler.  I love to watch each as they continually progress in so many different areas of their lives.  So here's to a fabulous school year----and to progression......UPWARD AND ONWARD......

Preston-----
Several months ago, he might not have been able to write his name or identify any letters of the alphabet.  However, watch out world!!  True joy and fulfillment of not only writing, illustrating, as well as presenting his own story to his preschool class and audience was obvious on this day.....

And this years young "Panda", will soon enter the "Tiger" group at the Wonder Center preschool next fall.  Upward and Onward to our littlest man.....

Tyson----

Gone are the days when writing his ABC's and the English language were his only focus.  This year Tyson progressed even beyond his mother tongue!!  Tyson has made great strides in not only his spoken Chinese, but also his reading and writing of many Chinese characters- tai hao le Tyson!!

And speaking of upward......Tyson hit the TOP!!  Tyson's determination and savy selling skills helped him become a recent hero!!  Upon hearing of a very important need for a local Chinese charity group, Tyson helped raise money for providing rice and other food to help starving orphan's.  Completely on his own time, (and without any prompting from his mom and dad),  he talked to neighbors, friends, and school teachers about his mission to help the "Mi fan Mamma's" organization, by selling the most chocolate Easter bunnies in his entire cub scout troop, raising over $1,000 US dollars to give to this very needy charity.   Way to go Tyson, for the special reason of helping others that you made it to the top!!

Parker----

Regardless if he chooses to admit it or not, Parker is moving right on upward to reaching that Eagle rank!!  (:

slow and steady, and with some gentle push from his parents....he WILL make it there to that high rank......

High rank and High School........here he comes!!!  The end of this school year marked the end of middle school for Parker.  Next year its onward and upward as Parker joins his older brother for what seems impossible.....our second high-schooler!! 

Bracken----

As much as it is hard to believe that just yesterday it seems Bracken was our little preschool boy like Preston, upward and onward for him is coming waaay to fast!!  Thanks to another wonderful year of Bracken's great attitude and dedication to early morning seminary----you deserve some praise!!

And a bit more praise for Bracken.....Congrats on being voted Shanghai American School's Activities President for your upper most classman SENIOR YEAR!!

So goodbye to a year of progression, and as ALWAYS.........here's looking forward to 2011-2012---a continuation of another UPWARD school year!!