Jack and Anna's Fifth Grade Promotion: A Return to Maryland

Once we learned that we were going to miss the last 3 weeks of schools, we told Jack and Anna that we could return for their 5th grade promotion. Then, I looked at flights and it was more expensive than I expected, so we told them that if we didn't go, we would do something really fun here. They were fine with that, but I felt bad. So, to gage their interest, we told them that we were willing to drive them, but that it would be basically be a day in the car, a day in Maryland, and then another day in the car. They said that they would rather not go. Then, one of their teachers sent out the call for baby pictures for the 5th grade slide show. And, I felt bad again. So, I told them we could fly up. They were thrilled! Although, I am not sure if they were more thrilled about going on an airplane, or going back for promotion. I waffled between thinking it was stupid and thinking it was important. Elementary school promotion definitely wasn't a thing when I was growing up. But, they have been there since Kindergarten. And, the slide show allegedly contained photos going back to their entire time at HES. Plus, I thought it likely they may get a big award or two. 

It was still a very quick trip. We flew out on Thursday morning and back on Saturday morning. I don't like traveling on Sundays (unless I can take Monday off), although since this was such a short trip, it would have been fine (no recovery period needed). But, we still have so much to do here, and I didn't want our family to be separated longer than necessary.

We live so close to the airport, that we were able to do our normal morning routine and get Luke and Kara off to camp before leaving for the airport. We took an Uber and it was fast and easy. It was cheaper than driving and parking and nicer than having Thomas waste a morning off for a 13-minute drive. The flight was uneventful. We took Sprit Air, which is a no frills airline. Everything is priced separately. You pay a low fare, but have to pay more for everything else, including a carry-on. So, we stuck with just a "personal item" which has to be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Since we were only going for 2 days, this was fine. They have a fleet of newer planes that are all the ultra-safe Airbus' (I looked it up before booking!). But, seriously everything is extra--a can of soda was $3, choosing our seats was $13 each, one way (so we could sit together). You get the picture. It still came out cheaper than any other airline, since we didn't need any luggage (which I think was $34 for a carry-on or $32 for a checked bag if you reserved at the time of booking and something like $60 if you waited until the day of travel). 

The flight was uneventful, we got to Maryland and picked up our rental car. We stopped at Six Flags for a quick lunch. We bought all-season dining before we knew were moving, so I was up for a "free" meal. We rode one ride, but despite the overcast day, the park was overrun with badly behaved 8th graders, and the lines were long, so it was just Superman and then depart. We got to Hollywood around 4; we were staying with our former neighbors, so driving there was like driving home. It felt like FL had been a vacation. Until we got there and pulled into a different driveway. It was weird seeing "our" house, and not being able to go in. I even dreamed that I went in the next day to look around and they called the police on me!

But, being at Kayce's house was really nice. We have all spent so much time there that we are very comfortable hanging out and making ourselves at home. Sitting on the deck while the kids played was very natural. The only weird part was I kept looking for Luke. He loves to play at their house and would look everyday after school to see if they were out in their yard so he could run over and join them.

We love these boys!

For our first night, Kelly was there and bought pizza for everyone. The next morning, she brought donuts and braided Anna's hair. Then, we were off to the school. 

We got there at 8 so Mrs. Molina could show J &A the routine for the ceremony. Dr. Gillman was heading out to do her traditional photo at our bus stop and asked Mrs. Molina if she could bring them. So, back we went. And, we got to ride in her car. The kids felt like celebrities rolling up with the Principal and then jumping back in after the pictures! We returned to school and the kids were shown what to do. They went off to the classroom with Mrs. Molina and I stayed behind and got a good seat for the promotion. It was nice not to have to wait outside in line. 

Traditional last day photo

The ceremony was very nice. The kids looked wonderful. I remember many of them as kindergarteners and now they all look so mature. Mrs. Hazuda (the media teacher) came up to me and told me that every time she sees Jack she remembers his little face as a kindergartener, hiding under a media table and refusing to come out. I had (almost) forgotten how rough the first few years of school were for him! Jack and Anna both got Presidential Academic Awards and Citizenship Awards. They had a different awards ceremony earlier in the week. For that one, they chose two students from each class for an award in each subject. Jack got one for being on the math team and then maybe the English Language Arts one and maybe the Social Studies (we got mixed reports, but he definitely got one and maybe both).

My favorite part was the slide show when they got to a slide that said "our fifth graders as babies". There was a collective groan and laughter from the kids. But, it was sweet and fun. These are the ones I submitted:

Then, we had cupcakes and punch and took pictures with friends. 

Their friends from the peanut free table (and their crushes :)

With their beloved Ms. Molina, this was her last year teaching. After 33 years in the classroom, she's retiring!

And, the amazing Ms. Alanis

We made a spur of the moment decision and went to Okada with the Reeves. Which, turned out to be a bad decision. Jack is allergic to shrimp. Normally, we tell them that and they keep his food separate, but this time, there was a lot of comingling, so I didn't let him eat anything. He was a great sport about it and still said he had fun being with his friends. We went back to the Wills and he had leftover pizza (I offered a drive through, but that was what he wanted). We played all afternoon and then let Jack choose dinner--Cracker Barrel. I wanted to treat the Wills, but Kayce wouldn't let me. She grabbed the check when I took someone to the bathroom.

We left for the airport around 7 on Saturday morning. I was surprised at the amount of traffic, it has changed so much in 10 years. When we first moved to MD, we'd go into the city on a Saturday morning and there would be few cars on the road. Not anymore! Jack didn't want to leave. Anna was looking forward to sleeping in her own bed. Our flight arrived 20 minutes early. The plan was for me to call Thomas once the plane was at the gate and then he would leave--that is how close we live. It worked out perfectly and it was nice to be home so quickly and easily. It was a short, but good trip. We are very thankful to the Wills and Rohacek families for their amazing hospitality--we can't wait until they come to Florida and we can reciprocate.

Airplane selfie!

Finally, a comparison. from the first day of Kindergarten to the last day of 5th grade, the kids and the tree have really grown!