Gundabad Crab Soccer

Here is a recap of this past week..the last week of school for the 2008/2009 school year.

NILES LAST WEEK:

Mrs. Harris. She is the one on the left. One of my favorite people in the world and also one of the most influential in both my boys lives. She was their third grade teacher and I couldn't love and appreciate her more. Mrs. Harris is the reason both my boys survived third grade. Each of this years third grade classes had the opportunity to receive awards in an assemble.
Niles received "A citizenship" all year. Basically that means he is a good kid...but we knew that, right?
The last unit Niles class studied was on Fairytales. The ever wonderful Mrs. Harris and her class put on three mini plays for the parents. All were variations of "Cinderella."

Niles was Sidney Ella. Sidney wanted to try out for the football team with his two step bothers but he didn't have any equipment to wear, so he had to stay home and work until his fairy God Father shows up and grants him these magical shoes (made by the kids out of tin foil)...
And a helmet. (Thomas' old helmet from his Fletcher High School days), Notice the purple T-shirt that not only matches and is Mrs. Harris favorite color but was Malcolm's class shirt when he was Mrs. Harris' student.
Not only does Sidney make the team but he is the best player scoring many TD's and doing his little victory dance in the end zone.
On one of the last plays as Sidney scores the TD he losses one of his shoes and keeps running all the way home beating the clock before it strikes 12. No one knows who this mystery player is until the Queen tries the lost shoe and all the boys and finds it fits Sidney!!! It was AWESOME! Niles memorized all of his lines and did great job.
MALCOLM WEEK:

The last week of school for fifth graders at NBE is traditionally a celebration of their transition from elementary school to middle school. Monday those who were T.O.T.'s (teachers of tomorrow) and Patrols (playground security) took a trip to Sea World. Although Malcolm was a T.O.T. he decided not to go since most of his buddy's were staying behind. Those that didn't go had a movie day.

Tuesday was crab soccer. For those of you who just said "Huh?" Let me explain. Competing classes sit across from each other around a square separated only by traffic cones on opposite sides...

The Coach calls out three number and the corresponding kids from each team with those numbers go after the ball crab walking. The goal is to try to get the ball over the heads of the opposing team using only their feet. The kids on the side have to stay on the line and can only use their hands to defend it.
Malcolm is planning his strategy...

His number is called and he is off determined to score. He is serious about crab soccer.

He shoots....He scores!!!! Crab Soccer takes all day. Each class played four games. Malcolm's class walked away with three wins and one loss. Niles' class played the week before but I forgot my camera. They won two, lost two.
Wednesday was Survivor Day. The kids came outside to find about ten activities to compete in and find out which "tribe" would survive with the lowest over-all time. Each class, or tribe came up with their own tribal name. Malcolm's class were the Gundabad's. F.Y.I Gundabad is the name of the mountain in a little book called "The Hobbit".

This is Malcolm and his two best survivor mates this year.

One of the challenges was a football toss. See how many footballs you can throw into a trash can...guess who won that one?

Malcolm was the tug-0f-war anchor....

For his whole class...they lost.
Next it was a doughnut eating contest. Each class was timed and the winning class had the lowest time. Here they are getting briefed on the rules.

Hands behind back, using only your mouth...GO!

Malcolm got every last crumb..he came up second beaten only by his teacher!!

Thursday was awards in the gym and "brain brawl" ...kinda like fifth grade trivia. Friday Malcolm Graduated from elementary school!!!!!! Two down, one to go.
EMILY'S WEEK:

Emily's week was less eventful. Believe it or not she had home work up until the last day! Middle School is a bit more serious. She did however receive her fourth athletic award and four academic awards including two medals!!!! I think I might have mentioned before how proud I am of her, but in case you were not aware..I AM SO PROUD OF HER!
All in all it was a crazy busy week to say the least and I am thankful it is officially summer break!