Exciting news to share!

(from guest blogger Keaton)

Well, as I told the Edmond Sun reporter, I didn't think I could do it. Friday, January 11, instead of visions of sugar plums in my head, I had visions of words from abacus to responsibility. At around 9:30, the first word was spelled.

(The youngest Ross, Kendall, got out the word compass.)

But anyway, I went through words and words that I can't recall. But then, a 2nd grade youngster, still holding on, gut out on the word mozzarella. And then, only two people were left on the stage. Dun Dun Dun!

It was me and my somewhat close friend (unless it comes to spelling) Ritu Shah. It took about 15 rounds with two people to find the winner. I won with the word p-e-n-i-n-s-u-l-a, a word my grammy can't even spell. And then I was greeted school wide. This is Mrs. Day announcing that I won and Mrs. Straughn, our principal, coming up to congratulate us.

First, Ritu shook hands with me, and she looked a little sad. And then all of my buds in Mrs. Webb's class made a dogpile on me. It was a quite a fun moment! And then Mrs. Webb congratulated me. She said "Good job, Keaton! Phonics must have helped you out quite a bit!" As my proud reading and phonics teacher, she helped out some, too. And then the more self controlled kids in my class gave me a high five. And then the principal shook my hand and said "Good job, Keaton!" And then the librarian congratulated me. And then rest off the day was interviews and high fives and five stars, in which is why my back is sore today.

Here's me and Dad with my homeroom teacher, Mrs. Kilburn, and Ritu and her dad.

And we had a special dinner that night consuming our stuffed crust Pizza Hut pizza and sparkling grape juice. And then I went to bed as a spelling bee champion.

P.S. Thanks to Mrs. Webb, who teaches me phonics and reading and stuff. I really give some of my victory to her.

(notes from mom)

We have been s-p-e-l-l-i-n-g our hearts out at home since early December, and it was so fun to see the K-kids having fun at the school peewee spelling bee. Kendall is ready to start preparing for next year, I believe.

A couple of asides:

* In the championship round, Keaton missed the word HOMILY - after asking for a definition. Bobby and I reasoned later that he surely would have spelled POTLUCK or FELLOWSHIP correctly.

* Bobby and I each missed one word in the championship round. Our child got them both right.

* Keaton now must take a written test to qualify for the state bee. We'll keep you posted.