Dan and I got back from our trip on Thursday night. I made a couple posters to hang around the gym since last year there wasn't one poster hanging for Kemptown. After missing work all week Dan wasn't going to be able to go with Mom and I to the History Bee. However, after Jake asked him to be there he just couldn't let him down. (He's just that kind of loving and supportive Dad, these kids are so lucky!) This year Jacob didn't study as hard as last year and went into the competition a bit more relaxed. We spent the morning getting ready--packed lunch and a busy bag for Clara. We intentionally arrived with 20 minutes early, so we didn't have to chase Clara around for too long.
Jacob wasn't nervous at all and was happy to be doing this, and missing school! When it was time he went and sat at his table in a seat facing us so we could see his face. The next 25 minutes were so fun to watch! With each answer Jake answered correctly he would grin at me and give me a thumbs up. If he missed it I'd get a head shake. Dan kept tally. Mom and I entertained Clara and we all cheered Jake on. I was really grateful that he got the judge he did. Just from observation, she was very pleasant and encouraging of the kids which really helps. He made it passed the first round! So excited!
The second round came. He wasn't able to sit in a seat where I could see his face but he would turn and look at me after every question with a smile or a shake. And guess what....our boy made it past the second round! Check out this face when he realized he'd made it! Total surprise.
So, out of 17 schools, sending 9 students each, within our Frederick county Jacob was one of TWELVE finalists. (The only one from Kemptown Elementary to make it past round one.) When the reality of him standing in front of everyone in the auditorium with a microphone in hand to be judged by 4 old judges set in the tears and fear came. Dan took him out and gave him a quick blessing.
Jake did a great job. We were so proud of his courage to stand up there and do his best despite his nerves. He was comforted by the blessing Dan gave him and knew the Holy Ghost was helping him. I know that giving talks in Primary and being exposed to these types of things help to build character and his testimony. It still pulled at my mommy heart-strings seeing him nervous like that. When he was up in front of everyone Dan told me to "calm down", I didn't realize my leg was bouncing. The questions were really tough and totally random. Dan didn't even know the answers!
Jake didn't place but did get a medal and his picture in the Frederick County newspaper. We decided to go celebrate as a family so we picked up the girls a little early from school and headed to Coldstone! When Jake made it into the final round I sent a picture and email to his teacher letting her know. She got it right away and spread the word with his classmates and around the school. When we showed up to get Tess and Abby early everyone we ran into knew and congratulated him. The principle took a picture with him and posted to twitter.
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