In Utah County, fifth graders can participate in
Hope of America. Hope of America kicks off the freedom festival, which I didn't know until I just googled it. Anyway this was the year for Jack and we all got to go to the
Marriot Center and watch hundreds of fifth graders perform. It was a great show. The kids set in a giant flag shape with a few on the main floor.
Jack had to be there pretty early, so Nate the girls and I walked over to the
creamery on ninth for dinner. I used to live in the dorm just behind the creamery, only it wasn't the creamery, it was Kent's Grocery store. There is also tons of construction going on at BYU. They tore down the Deseret Tower dorm building and are building something else. I am convinced everything is in a constant state of remodeling in the state of Utah. At least for the past sixteen years or so.
Anyway, Jack was in one of the white stripes and surprisingly easy to find.
The Marriott Center is where graduation is also held and it felt much the same as it did eleven years ago when I graduated and was nine months pregnant sitting in those cramped seats. Seriously, I am 5' 4" and my knees hit the seat in front of me! The section we were in was not crowded, so there was a bit more room to spread out, and I am sure pregnancy contributes to the overall claustrophobic feelings in the seats, but a bit more room would probably be appreciated by all.
Sophie wanted Nate to hold her the whole time, so he was feeling the claustrophobia as well. Bella liked the whole thing and can't wait to be in fifth grade herself now. Her favorite part was the dancing grandmas.
They got huge applause and were really fun to watch. The program ended with the kids singing with flashlights, which you know they all loved. Jack was super bummed when I reclaimed the flashlight from him at the end, don't worry, he has lots, mine always get snatched.
I can't believe in a few weeks fifth grade will be over for Jack and we will be enjoying summer. He's growing up and his schedule is getting so busy! He still has a few more events before the end of the year we are looking forward to, and baseball a few times a week. But I think we will all be ready for some lazy summer days by mid-June.
