Homecoming Week 09

The theme was "Under the Big Top" and the weather was cold, wet, and dreary. The boys had heard about Homecoming for several weeks, but really didn't know what it was or what to expect. It was very interesting how differently Victor and Dennis approached the week, but very indicative of their personalities. Victor was very "into" the dress up days. He spent quite a while Sunday night creating a duct tape tie for Monday (Duct Tape Day). It took a long time because he insisted on using a ruler (and measuring and everything!) Dennis was sure that all this talk about dressing up had nothing to do with studies or homework or anything serious at all. It wasn't until his two cross country buddies showed up at school on Tuesday in full costume for Circus Animal Day that he thought it might be ok to have a little fun. So Wednesday was Clown Day. Between Dick's chore stash and the kids' old dress up barrel, we managed to outfit them satisfactorily (see video below). So much fun! We were all laughing hysterically at Dennis' reactions. He kept saying "Everyone will laugh!" We said "That's the whole point!" The next morning before he left, Dennis made a sign that he taped to his shirt front that said "I don't need questions." What a hoot. At the end of the day he admitted that he had had a fun day. But apparently enough was enough. That was the last time we got him into a costume.

Parade Day was interesting. Dennis rode the Cross Country float, with much prodding and careful explanation of the terms "parade" and "float". It was colder than he thought it was going to be, but other than that, an ok experience. Victor enjoyed riding the fire truck with the other football players, of course. No jacket needed.

Dennis had been worrying about the dance for several weeks, trying to decide whether or not to go. (For Victor there was no question- his main worry might have been whether the evening would last long enough to dance with all the girls who wanted to dance with him.) Eshpa (another Tanzanian student living nearby) wanted to go but didn't want to go alone, so the moms got together and made the plans. The three students would go together (pictured above) but could leave whenever they wanted. We sent cell phones with them and went home to wait for the phone to ring......and waited......and waited. Turns out they were having such a good time they stayed for the whole dance. The only problem for the evening was that the parents had to stay up long enough to bring them home!