Reminiscing with Jess

Jess here, everyone.
A few years back, I went with my parents on a trip to Belize and boy did I love it! My mom and dad are both archeologists, so I accompanied them on a dig. It was so interesting to learn about the Mayan people that once lived there. I even made I friend, Sarita Bol, and we had quite a few adventures together. Even though we're not close anymore, we occasionally write to each other.

Thinking about Belize makes me a little homesick. It wasn't my home, technically, but it had been for a whole summer and that's the only way I can think of to describe it. I miss the weather, the culture, the people I met while I was there. Staying at home for the whole vacation seems boring in comparison. Nothing here is like the rain forests of Belize! I included an old snapshot of me while we were there. Looking at it makes me want to go back! Maybe someday...

-Jess Akiko McConnell
Guest Blogger

Graduation-School's Out!

Woo hoo! School is over! It was silly because we had a 1/2 day Friday and then another 1/2 day Monday :P It didn't really make a lot of sense, but whatever! On Monday in my homeroom class we got to watch WALL-E. It was really good!

Since I go to boarding school, I stay at school all year. Some people go home for the summer, but not me. It really isn't bad staying, a lot of people do. There's lots of activities, sports programs, etc. to do. You never get bored! I'm so excited, but a bit sad too. Ivy's leaving for San Francisco next week. The good news is she isn't staying all summer, just a week or two.

Last night we had our graduation ceremony! Everyone had to dress up really fancy. I wore the Midnight Holly Dress. Ivy let me borrow her gold earrings too. Ivy wore the Silver Belle Dress. I think we both looked very pretty. :)

I'm happy to report that I got 7 awards! I'm so proud of myself! I got the Mondale English Language Arts Award, or the MELAA, a certificate from the Mondale History League (a big test about anything and everything history/social studies and the top scores get a certificate), a trophy for being in the top 5 percentages in math, a pin for 3rd place in the science fair, and a medal and certificate for having a 3.8-4.0 grade average all year. I also got a certificate from band and a trophy from fencing. Ivy got a few things too, like a certificate for perfect attendance, an "excellence in the sciences" certificate, and a gymnastics trophy.

I'm glad that summer is here! I'll have more time to post on the blog now. Talk to "y'all" later! (Hehe Rose and Starr! :P)

~Avery~