I'm so glad you could make it. My sister, Cindy and brother-in-law, Pete, came to my house to help me get ready for my big night. Everyone was all excited, especially me! Well, I guess I was a little TOO excited and decided not to wear my pretty new dress, but at least I GOT dressed...(I don't like to...I like my 'jamas better;o)) Anyway, Pete, Cindy, Claire, Rick and Stephanie, all managed to get me out of the house and I was soooo happy to go in Cindy's van. Pete drove and I sat in the front with him. Cindy sat behind me. She thought she'd get me to let her braid my hair while we rode but I fooled her again! Nope...I didn't want it braided. Oh, well, I still looked pretty and was happy as a lark. We arrived at the party on time but things weren't going quite as planned. I guess everyone was too excited, like me, cuz they ran a little late and had changed things around so we couldn't get our awards until after we ate. I wasn't very happy about that because I don't like waiting. Pete kept me busy and helped me wait, though. Rick, Claire and Stephanie did too. Cindy tried her best to take some pictures and a movie so Mommy could see them. I wouldn't have been very good if she came because I always just want to go home with her, so she decided it was best to stay home. Here are the pictures that Cindy took. I hope you like them.

See...I did sit alone for a little while, too. I forgot my glasses but that was alright.

I sat on Pete's lap for a little while. He's a nice brother-in-law. :o)

Well, now it's time to go up to get my award.

Here's Kris....he's telling everyone all about me. He told them how I used to always want to just go home but now I love to go to work! I like delivering newspapers and seeing all my customers and they like seeing me, too! Kris also told everyone how much I like to go swimming and do crafts and do lots of neat things. That's Carol beside him. She does lots of  the things with me. I love my new work program and everyone there loves me and are soooo proud of me!

Here's Dr. Caparulo presenting me with my awards. She's the State Director and was very nice and really happy for me, too.

Pete said, "Wow Mel! That's really nice!" We were all pretty happy and proud. I'm doing a really good job. :o)

I even got a beautiful pin! It's a shooting star cuz I guess I AM shooting for the stars! If you'd like to see it up close and also see my other awards, just click on the "next" button below. Thank you so much for joining me.

Midi "Shooting Star" is used with permission.

Copyright © Geoff Anderson