we all scream for ice cream

When we had to switch apartments, I think it threw Josh for a bit of a loop. His teacher started sending home notes about his behavior. We didn't know how to help, because we could talk to him all day long, but in the end, we aren't there at school to help him learn to control himself.

Things must have calmed down in Josh's life. Or something made him decide to improve his behavior. Recently he's been earning lots of great weekly reports from his teacher, and so we treated the kids out for an ice cream cone (even though it's a freezing 50* here in The Swamp. Brrrr...) to celebrate Josh's good behavior.

Ashley and Ethan wondered why they don't get treats every time they get good report cards (which is always). Ashley loves getting stars for her behavior at school. Ethan is motivated by teachers telling him things like, "He's a joy to have in the classroom."

Chris told her he'd treat her to something if she lost five stars in one day. Her eyes got big and she looked horrified at the thought.*

I don't think we'll have to worry about paying out for that deal any time soon.

*and for anyone who looked as horrified as Ashley did, never fear: Chris told her he was kidding, and we'd do something fun when school ends, to celebrate their great year.