When we picked Nicholas up from school today, he told us that he had a surprise for us. He even made us close our eyes in the car until he was ready. Then he broke out two merit awards to show us. Apparently, there was an assembly earlier in the day (something I had read about in their school newsletter but forgot about completely), and Nicholas even got to walk onstage twice to receive from his Principal: a Certificate of Excellence for distinguished accomplishment in Academics (All Grades 90% and Above), and a Recognition Award for Academic Achievement and Good Comportment which came with a Scholarship for the 2008-2009 school year. We were so proud of Nicholas, and he was very excited too until he asked us why all his friends’ parents came to attend except us; then his mood got a little somber. To soften the blow, we let Nicholas pick any restaurant for dinner, and surprise surprise his choice ended up being McDonald’s. We also promised to take him to see Kung Fu Panda this weekend as an extension of the celebration and that finally brought back a smile to his face.