It's Elliot's Day to Shine

It's time to celebrate, great-nephew Elliot's eighth grade graduation and an opportunity to take a look back at his K-8 years.

 From play dates at the local park when he was just my "little buddy" to becoming a regular fan cheering him on at sporting events, it has been a joy to be a part of this special guy's life.

 Sports has been his passion from an early age.  Baseball . . .

Hockey. . .

Basketball and flag football!

Elliot displayed his unique style through the years.  His mismatched hockey socks became his trademark and all those hairstyles!

Never one to shy away from wearing costumes, Elliot did manage to find time away from his demanding sports schedule to enjoy improvisational theater experiences at school.

When Covid forced the shutdown of schools, I became a tutor in his home classroom. His teachers did an incredible job of providing engaging lessons online,  so we just had fun supplementing his learning with online museum visits and playing games including our creation, "Where in the World?"

Although, Elliot enjoyed playing in the kitchen at the park when he was young, it did not inspire him to become an adventurous eater.  No amount of coaxing could get him to deviate from Covid classroom lunches of pizza, dinosaur chicken nuggets and white cheddar mac and cheese.

The interrupted school years due to the Covid pandemic will forever be a part of his elementary school memories, including the adoption of  his beloved Bailey. 

When schools finally reopened, Elliot returned to his local school, Portage Park Fine and Performing Arts Center for sixth grade.  However, in 7th grade he traded in the blue and gold at Portage for blue and silver at Taft where he will continue next year in the International Baccalaureate program.

Elliot brings so much joy to his family each and every day.

 

Gold stars for a special young man as he celebrates this milestone.

 

 

You are loved to infinity.  .  .

. . . and beyond!