Just be patient, Daniel

A couple of months ago, Daniel decided that he really, really, really wanted a trophy.  Although he has won awards for various things (especially with his musical talents), he had never gotten an actual trophy.  Compounding the problem was the fact that Benjamin has two trophies from soccer.  So, Daniel had been on a quest to find a way to win a trophy.

Then, about a month ago, Daniel came home from school with an announcement about the third grade spelling bee.  I don't know if his teacher actually told the kids there would be a trophy or if he just assumed there would be one, but he decided that he wanted to win the spelling bee.  K, I hated spelling bees when I was a kid because I couldn't stand to get up in front of people like that.  I remember spelling words wrong on purpose just to get out of the spotlight.  I wasn't excited about Daniel's plan, but I agreed to help him study.  And he studied hard!

I didn't even bring my video camera (which is weird for me) because I was pretty sure that would make him more nervous.  He was already so nervous that he was kind of ill that day.  Not because he was too shy like me, but because he was so determined to win.  I'll warn you that being extra silly is one of the ways Daniel  deals with pressure.  The pictures and video are courtesy of other parents whose kids were in the bee.  Thanks!  Here's the result of his hard work: 

Daniel being announced as the winner, after correctly spelling "opposition" and "patient."

Daniel showing his trophy to some of the other kids in the spelling bee.

Congrats to all the kids who were in the spelling bee!  And thanks to Daniel's grandma, who dug an old trophy out of her basement to have on hand to give Daniel "for super spelling" in case he didn't actually win.  I don't think kids need to be awarded for every little thing they do, but Daniel really deserved a trophy this time.