Derby Days! And our Newest Wolf!

So here is a little bit about the pinewood derby that both Drew and Dallin competed in.  They both loved making their cars.  Mark is really good at this by now, so things went really smoothly.  Especially since the troop has all the right tools and workshops to attend to use them.  I was on paint duty.  It works well.  And pictures of my Drew getting his Wolf badge too!

This is Easton's "car."  He had a vision and Mark helped him.  And yes those are clementines!  And to put it in perspective, this car was made the last week in April and we still have it.  Who knew that when you paint little oranges they last forever!

Notice the tongue...it's a family thing.

Dallin's is the Pizza Hut car (#3).  If you know Dallin this is so Dallin.

Drew's is the blue (#23).  Unfortunately the night before the derby his car cracked.  So they did the repairs they could and then Drew with his amazing character, was so excited any time his car did not come in last.  I was so proud of him.  He knew going in it might come in last every time, but you know when it didn't, he was so excited.

"My scouts" getting their wolf badges.  All of them!

Go Drew!

There is a tradition in this pack that when you receive a rank advancement you earn your stripes.

The judges, looking very "jugdy."

Such good friends! 

Watching the action.

Second place in the Webelos.

Loving our Time

I was able to spend the best morning with my baby last week for a little Mother's Day celebration in his preschool class.  It was the smiles and the hugs and the little words that came out of his mouth that gave me such joy.  This kid is vocal and often demanding, but he is also loving and kind and a cuddler.  He is a lot like his mom, some days our emotions rock the boat and other times we are as calm as our pool in the winter.  Thanks my baby for a wonderful memory!

Love.

A poem for the moms.

Creating together. He is wearing his smock, which he hates.  But the moms brought aprons, so when I put mine on, he ran as fast as those little legs could and got his smock to put on.  Just like mom.  I am smiling as I think about it.

Becoming a Webelo

Dallin received his Webelo rank a couple of Saturday's ago.  So proud of that kid.  He has really enjoyed scouts and gets to share it with some of his very best friends.  I am so grateful for diligent leaders who did a phenomenal job getting these kids motivated.  Dallin worked hard and got a lot done in a short period of time.  Congrats my Big D!

It was extra special because all the family was there and our camera man was cousin Tyler.

Cousin Tyler Visits Chile

  Last week we had Cousin Tyler visit us here in Santiago!  It was a very fun 10 days!  We loved having him here and were so sad to see him go.  Tyler tolerated all our busy schedules and he got to see all sorts of things with different family members depending on who didn't have things going on that day.

Santiago

San Cristobal

Meeting some of our favorite people.  We have the privilege of having these amazing women in our home once a month for dinner!  It is such a fun time for our family and Tyler was able to share it with us.

Valpariso with Mark

Seriously, this house.  All I can think of are earthquakes and this house just  falling off the cliff with a slight shakey, shakey!

Plaza de Armas, in the center of Santiago

Banos Colinas in the San Jose de Maipo area.  We were the only Gringos and the Chileans were wondering how in the world we found the place, because it is way out there...almost in Argentina...in the middle of NO WHERE.  And they loved Drew's hair, people took pictures. 

Floating head

Please when the volcano is erupting burning lava, walk really calmly.

And our last adventure - a Futbol game!

The opposing teams cage.

The students cage, with fully outfitted police and security to keep them in their cage.

Soccer players run a ton and fall on the ground a ton.

Life is good.