Braving Boys

2nd row, 3rd from right

Today was Joey’s third-grade play. In first grade, he did the “ocean” play and in second grade, he did the “nuts” play, and today, it was all about space. The show was great. He was great. He looked alive up there on stage, he sang, he even did some choreographed moves. I told him it was his best perfomance ever. He said I tell him that every year. I mean it every year — he just keeps getting better. And crazier, too — see photo.

Joey became a Dinomite Student today. Every year, the kids at his elementary school vie for a Friday honor. In kindergarten, they shoot for Shining Star. In first grade, it’s Apple of My Eye (Danny didn’t get picked this week, but he’s OK with that). And in third grade, this special folder comes home. Inside is a questionnaire Joey has already completed (his favorite music is rock, his favorite foods are ribs and garlic bread, his favorite subject is math and so on), and on Monday, he’ll cart into class a few photos of himself. Then the whole package will somehow be displayed in the classroom for the week, until another Dino kiddo is chosen next Friday.

Oh, and on another paper in his folder are a bunch of words his classmates wrote describing him: Good friend, cool, very nice, nice work, good job, smart, video gamer and fast. He is fast. Well, and the other things too.

Joey is proud. We are proud. And we’re taking him out for dinner tonight. For ribs.