Notable Firsts!

In the last year, Justin has reached a few milestones! These are so exciting to us, I thought we'd share. His brothers taught him how to blow bubbles with bubble gum. Here is the bubble he blew today:

 Last week he lost his first tooth. Wow, what a cutie! He enjoyed the money from the tooth fairy. :)

 And just a couple months ago, Jeremy taught him how to ride his bike without training wheels...yes he's wearing his pajama bottoms. (I'll give you a reward if you can get him to get dressed every day-I'm mean, other than PJs!)

                      And now, he is learning to tie is shoe. Is there anything stopping this boy?!

I hope not ;)

A Chef in the Family!

In April, Michael had the opportunity to be in a "Young Chef's Competition". This is where the children are able to show off their creative skills in foods to be used in the school cafeteria (or so I was told...).

Just before the competition started

He decided to do a "Specialty Sandwich" that our family created a few years ago. It was a version that he loves the most including a special black bread that's toasted, tomato, black pepper cheese, onion, mayo/mustard, and avocado.

Here he is, serving it up!

Sandwich samples

There was a prize offered to the best decorated table, so we decorated the table to go along with the theme of the food he was serving.

Michael named it "Chef's delight" since that is
exactly how he feels about it!

So as you can see, we ran with the Chef as our theme.

Breath mint anyone?

here is an overview of the whole table (half).

All competitors, just before serving their dishes.

There were quite a few children entered into the competition. 

Michael was the only one from his school to enter the challenge.

After group pictures, the children served their tables 

beautiful display!

                                          And the judges came around to sample their foods:

                                                      Then the winners were announced:

The boy that shared Michael's table was the winner, who was also an only from his school his name?
 His name was John, who made a veggie apple wrap. So delicious!

The grand prize was an ipod touch.

                                                          Everyone received an award, and consolation prize.

During the competition I learned that not all the judges try all the dishes. Had I known this, I would never have allowed Michael to enter. A true, fair competition, gives everyone the real opportunity to be recognized.

So I'm glad I didn't know, because then we would never have had the experience, which was a good one. Though Michael was disappointed he didn't place, he did a wonderful job and expressed his happiness for John winning. He walked away a good sport. Great job to Michael, it was definitely worthwhile!