What Everett Taught Me About the State of Massachusetts

Did you know that Massachusetts has a state beverage, a state cookie, a state muffin, and a state dessert? These are just a few of the fun facts that Everett shared with us at Cub Scouts. Tonight was the annual Blue and Gold Banquet. We celebrated with an all-American theme. We enjoyed hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, and apple pie and ice cream for dessert.

Each Cub Scout was to choose a state and present 10 facts they learned about the state. When the assignment was first given, Everett came home very excited to tell me about it.

"Guess what state I chose to report on at the Blue and Gold Banquet?" Everett asked.

"Georgia?" I thoughtfully guessed.

"Nope." Everett responded.

"Hmm... I know, South Carolina?" I guessed again.

"Nope."

"I give up."

"Mom, I chose Massachusetts." He was a little exasperated.

"Massachusetts? Why in the world did you choose that state?" I sincerely asked.

Then his eyes popped out of his head.

"Boston Red Sox, Mom, it's our favorite team!" (our= Brad and Everett)

How could I have possibly have forgotten that?

Everett confidently gave his presentation tonight. He also worked very hard on his poster. We learned that the state bird is the black-capped chickadee--a small common song bird. He shared facts about the Salem witch trials, Boston Marathon, and Boston Tea Party. He added that he recently learned about that in Social Studies. Everett learned that Massachusetts is not a state but a commonwealth. I think he found that interesting. His favorite part was talking about the sports teams and the championships they have won over the years.

The state motto is written on the flag in Latin, "By the sword we seek peace, but only peace under liberty." I have been pondering the meaning of this.

Here are the answers to my questions:

The state beverage is cranberry juice.

The state cookie is a chocolate chip cookie.

The state muffin is a corn muffin.

You'll have to guess what the state dessert is!

It's very tasty.

Everett's poster

p.s. In addition to being slightly disruptive during Everett's presentation, Cozette discovered that she can walk backwards. She was walking backwards all over the gym tonight. The best part was that she was laughing at herself.