Mystery Reader

Michael and Rowan

Several months ago, Michael's sister-in-law, Camie, asked if he would lilke to be a "mystery reader" in our nephew Rowan's first grade class.  It sounded super cute!  Michael would go to his classroom, and his teacher would give 5 clues to all of the kiddos, and they would try to guess who the reader is.  After they guess who it is, Michael would get to read a story to the class. Isn't that precious? 

Given the time of year, Michael decided to read "The Polar Express", one of my absolute favorite books!  We were trying to come up with a list of clues, but it is difficult to know what type of clues to give a 7 year old.  Our list started off fairly vague, but was incredibly specific for the last clue.  We just hoped Rowan would guess it was Michael.

Charlotte and I decided to go along to take pictures... and just because I couldn't stand to miss this!  We checked in and waited for his teacher to come get us.  When she finally did, we waited in the hall, and Rowan came running out!  He seemed very surprised!  When we walked into the class, his teacher told us that she read all of the clues, but no one seemed to know who it was.  Keep in mind, the last clue was that his wife's name is Katie and he has a daughter named Charlotte!  She looked at Rowan and asked if he knows anyone like that, and he said he might.  After that, it all started to click!

Rowan was absolutely precious!  He introduced us to his classmates.  I just love hearing the way children explain things.  He told everyone our names, and asked if they would all like to come look at Charlotte.  He said he hoped they all liked Charlotte's dress, and hoped they thought my earrings were pretty.  His teacher asked how we were related to him, and after a minute, he said we were his uncle and aunt, and that Charlotte was his cousin. 

Michael, Rowan and I sat on a sofa, and all of the kids sat in front of us on the floor.  They had a few minutes to ask us questions.  I'm not sure what I expected them to ask, but it was very sweet.  They wanted to know our favorite food, if we went to the same school when we were little, what our first grade class was like, who our teachers were, what types of places we have been on vacation.  One little boy told me the last baby he saw pulled his hair, so he didn't want to get to close to Charlotte. They were adorable! 

After the Q&A, Michael read them the story.  They were so attentive, and loved the book!  We had so much fun!  Rowan, if you ever read this, please know that we love you so much, and are very proud of you!