This past weekend was the 4th of July. Even though we are in Sweden, we are lucky enough to be invited to a big 4th of July bash hosted every year by an American friend of ours in the neighborhood... This year was no different.
On that one day, the neighbors accept the flying of American flags (and many of them fly them themselves, even though they're not Americans). It's almost like being home. Almost.
And the entire neighborhood turns out for a true American BBQ, complete with burgers, hot dogs, and chocolate chip cookies for dessert.
All the while, we are entertained by a great band that plays the songs I grew up with, danced to at prom, and sing loudly along with when I'm alone in the car (come on, you do it too! admit it!).
This summer Nick had his first "real" beach day with his dad, after which Steen informed me that Nicholas refuses to go in the water, but he loves to dig holes on the beach.
A few days later, I took him to the beach myself. I guess he didn't get the memo from his dad, though, because the second we stepped on the beach, he set off at top speed for the water, with me running after him. He ran for the water like his life depended on it and, a few seconds later, he was standing in it up to his thighs... which means (if you're following closely), his shoes and shorts were submerged.
He turned to face me with the biggest smile on his face, a smile filled with wonder and happiness. All I could do was laugh. He started laughing too, and in the end I was laughing so hard there wear tears running down my face. (in this photo, I've managed to get his shoes and shorts off)
The innocence and beauty on this face makes my heart soar.
The summer started off with a bang. On the last day of school Matthew graduated from fifth grade.
And he was all smiles, despite the pouring rain. There are no caps and gowns to mark his transformation to a new school and a new chapter in his life. Just a rose, which each graduating fifth-grader is given by a kindergartner. He has waited many years for this rose.
Nothing could ruin that day for him. What an accomplishment.
To graduate after four years in a Swedish school, a school where on his first day he could not communicate with half the students in his grade, a school where he's struggled to make friends and find happiness....
To be a fifth-grade graduate who reads on a high school senior level and can handle basic algebra problems, and who can say that he spent 1-3 days every week for the past year standing in pouring rain, blizzard snows and baking sunshine to serve as a school crossing guard...
To have completed numerous massive projects in his years there, including building his own windmill, giving a ten-minute presentation on George Washington, writing a 30-page report on giant squid, and representing Ralph Nader in the school election (talk about a tough job!)...
He was proud.
He deserves to be.
We celebrated at the boys' favorite restaurant, where they get all-you-can eat soft-serve ice cream with all the toppins.
Congratulations Matthew.
I must also mention that on the same day, Lucas finished second grade. Yet another terrific reason to celebrate! Here he is getting his report card from his teacher... one of the most amazing teachers I've met here.
I mean... look at this photo of the whiteboard in his classroom! That number is the number of books his class (with just over 20 kids) read in second grade. And if you notice, by January 3 (3/1/09 in the Swedish numbering system), the class had only read 67. Getting kind of dedication from a bunch of 8-9 year olds requires a teacher that can inspire and a teacher that cares.
