Winter Ball

This weekend was Winter Ball.  Weeks ago we were asked to host Josiah's class for the meal beforehand.  It is supposed to be a fancy dinner, which was intimidating because there is zero fancy in me.  We decided to do Chipotle catering.  I asked Josiah to subtly ask his classmates if they liked Chipotle so we could gauge interest.  Despite forgetting the meaning of the word subtle, they were all on board.   We had moved our furniture two weeks ago to try out different configurations to seat all 11 kids.  We settled on a configuration on Saturday.  Benson got displaced from his corner and put in the corner of our front living room.  He still got the view, but he missed out on the warmth of the sun.  

Saturday morning our house got cleaned like never before.  Baseboards, windowsills, we dusted everywhere.  I was still doing last minute things when Josiah's first classmate showed up.  When everyone arrived, we walked down to the bigger pond and took pictures.  It wasn't crazy cold, but the wind kind of hit us at that spot, so it felt colder.  They all looked so nice.  They were an easy bunch.  

Dinner went well.  Seconds and thirds were had, which is always encouraging.  Dessert was enjoyed before we headed to the dance.  Originally the dance was at our school, but because it was postponed by the snow last week, the dance got moved to the gym where we play our basketball games.  That meant they were required to wear tennis shoes.  Henry was happy for that because it was his intention (and hope) to wear tennis shoes anyway.  We had bought Josiah new shoes before all the snow, so we were hoping his would get a little use.  

Henry's class had dinner together and left for the dance in style.  

Henry was asked to be an escort this year.  All the seniors ask a lowerclassman as their escort.  From what I can gather he walked her out and then they all did a dance they had practiced.  Josiah told me that all the students had to dance.  The boys have to ask the girls, too, which is good practice.  Josiah was very tired by the end of the evening.  Henry continued his evening dining with friends at Waffle House.       

Today we got all our furniture moved back so we could give Benson the best birthday gift of all - his bed back in his warm, sunlit corner.  Today he is six!  I made him a dog cake and when it came out, it smelled like a dog cake.  That peanut buttery aroma, but without any sweetness.  Benson enjoyed his slice and Caroline ate a slice as well, so it must have been a good one.  

This is six.