Today was the art show, the final presentation of student art at the 5-week half day art camp Daniel attended this summer. We got multiple calls from the staff, making sure we were coming. Daniel was going to get an award, and they wanted to be sure he'd get applause, too.

Daniel did not like the crowd. He began erupting when we sat in the carefully arranged chairs, the family all in a row. So, he and I went to the back of the room to stand together. He paced a bit. At one point, he gave me a hug and a loud, wet kiss on the cheek. Much better than sitting in the chairs. Any day.

We waited, and because I hadn't told Daniel about the awards, he just didn't see why he had to be there. He began to tell me loudly that he wanted to go home, so I whispered in his ear, "You're getting an award, so we have to listen for your name."

After that, he was very quiet indeed.

But, waiting is hard. I felt sure he'd get the "Most Focused" award, but, no, that went to the boy who had to be reminded to get his snack, he was so into his art. "Best 2-dimensional Work," went to someone else, too. No, Daniel got "Most Creative Artist," by unanimous vote of the four art teachers. As the teachers were describing his work before saying his name, the kids started calling out, "It's Daniel!" They were really happy for him. I did get a picture of him at the front of the room with his teachers, but since my camera is not digital, I'll post it on my home page later.

We took home most of his work, including the wire sculptures he did of a dragon and a doll for Sarah. The animal sculptures he, and all the students, did will be used at a town festival early next year. For the first time ever, there will be a temporary sculpture garden here, with many small woodland creatures by the other students and a 5-foot chicken wire, plastic, and tissue paper Godzilla done by our very own Daniel.