Arrow did something AWESOME.

You see, she was invited to participate in the school’s spelling bee. Which is a neat accomplishment. I mean, check out these words they needed to memorize:

I don’t even know how to pronounce some of these words!

But what made this AWESOME was that Arrow chose to participate. This girl does NOT like public performances. Her biannual piano recitals are enough to put her in a coma. Taylor and I thought the bee would be an excellent opportunity to practice public speaking but left the decision to her. Arrow immediately declined and that was that.

…Until about 10 days before the competition when she changed her mind (with no prompting from us). We were thrilled with her choice to try something new and immediately got to work practicing.

Mrs. Winter’s Bliss spelling worksheet games made practice SO fun.

By the time the actual competition came around, Arrow was feeling sick to her stomach with nerves. It made all the difference to have two of her friends right up there competing with her.

And for better or worse, Sherry happened to be in town that same day, and got to come watch! (Of course, every day with Oma is a better day. Arrow was just nervous to “mess up” in front of people she loved. I don’t think she was any happier that her daddy took off work to come watch as well!)

Arrow made it to round 2 before deciding she’d had had enough of the spotlight. She gave up on a word and exited (escaped?) the competition.

And let me tell you, we are SO proud that Arrow chose the hard thing and tried out for the spelling bee at all.

That was a big leap out of her comfort zone and we applaud her for it. Good job, baby girl!