Dylan Bird @ The 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee

EDITOR'S NOTE: DYLAN BIRD OF PEBBLE BEACH IS REPRESENTING MONTEREY COUNTY AT THE 2012 SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE IN WASHINGTON D.C. DYLAN'S MOTHER NICHOLA BIRD SENT THIS CORRESPONDENCE. COMPETITION BEGINS TUESDAY MORNING.

This picture is outside the Maryland Ballroom, where the competition takes place. Outside there is a long hallway, aptly titled "Hall OF Champions."

   Dylan decided to forego the (opening BBQ) and study instead! If we didn't emphasize what an amazing job Scripps do emphatically enough last week, I have to reiterate... there are no questions left unanswered regarding all aspects of competition week. They are so thorough.

Spellers orientation was last night. They run through all info needed verbally before handing out printed agendas for the week.

Along with prizes, Scripps National Spelling Bee Certificates, backpack, t-shirts, sunglasses are all embossed with "SPELLEBRITY, along with a definition of themselves, lol....You know Dylan can't wait to sport that combo! Did I mention that they are day glow orange??? I'm wearing mine.... albeit to sleep in!





When we were done there, we stepped outside to find a festival going on here at the hotel. It's really beautiful, it overlooks the Potomic and yachts are conveniently harbored right there, so as to make a stunning backdrop. 

Adam Lambert in concert

Totally unexpected was the Adam Lambert Concert we were lucky enough to fall into. We found ourselves eating funnel cake, & philly cheesesteak sandwiches just a few feet from the stage. I watched idol, the season Lambert was on, but let me tell you, he can blow, WOW!!! Even Dylan was impressed. 


Just as it was coming to a close, a security officer realized that we were wristband-less and void of all other appropriate entrance materials, you know, like a ticket..Haha. We had the pleasure of hearing and videotaping a vocal extravaganza on an exquisite backdrop, ate some local fare, before the ants descended in armies, heading directly to our funnel cake, and we took our cue to exit. They followed up with a fireworks display from the boats on the water. 
We went upstairs to study and being fortunate enough to be on the 15th floor with a side Potomic view we felt those fireworks. We tried to photo, but didn't come out that well. 

We study all day today in Preparation for the early (Tuesday) morning call of the 1st Round - a 50-word computer test. 



It's really special seeing your child here. So proud of him. No matter what. I keep reminding him how he will look back years from now with such pride at this accomplishment... twice, no less.






-NICHOLA BIRD