Fast and Furious

Yes, the boys are 8 and that means....

Pinewood Derby!

First a little pre-race discussion to decide whose car looks the fastest.

They both chose pretty standard shapes but very different color schemes. Cole went with an America flag theme and Grant wanted gold, lightning, and flames.

After what seemed like hours to a bunch of 8-year-olds it was time to race. Grant won this heat easily.

Cole took first in this one.

In fact, both boys won three of their four races. In their only head-to-head match-up the boys took second and third behind the overall fastest car of the day, a silver wedge by their friend Aaron.

The final results mirrored that race, Cole took second and Grant took third overall.

Back to School

Yes, the boys are heading off to their first day of second grade.

Don't they look excited?

But first, a little backpack battle.

Take that!

And that!

Now it's time for some serious pictures.

No, I said "Serious"...

Close, but that's not quite it.

There's a little enthusiasm but it's still not what I'm looking for.

No, that's not right, either.

Almost...

Finally, some friends to calm things down and share the walk to school.

Rah Rah Ree, Kick 'Em in the Knee

We have successfully navigated another season of soccer.

Grant was very happy to add another trophy and team photo to his collection.

Play Ball

Soccer season! These games are funny. We really like observing the boys, and they're entertaining wherever they are, not just on the field. Love our little soccer players!

 Bryn runs a few laps during each game, too.

Hawaiian Odyssey Part III - Gotta Boogie

We started the boys' birthday celebrations off with presents: underwater cameras from their cousins...

... and boogie boards from their parents.

Their cousins were suitably impressed.

We walked down to our local ABC store and let the kids choose their own beach towel. Bryn clutched her pink choice as we walked back home.

Our beach of choice this day was Sans Souci Beach, at the east end of Waikiki, where we were told we could snorkel and boogie board. They were right, and we did. I think the pictures speak for themselves.

Some of us were content to just lounge in the water and enjoy the sun.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!

The boys scored their first goals in a real game today!

Grant was mightily proud of his goal...

...and Cole scored twice in what was probably a solid win (if anyone had bothered to keep score).

Gearing Up

Breaking in the new equipment for SOCCER SEASON!

At long last, our boys are old enough for organized (if you can call it that for 5 year olds) sports!

At their first pre-season soccer camp, we were relieved to discover at least one thing:  I don't think we have any "daisy pickers" -  a sports loving parent's worst nightmare.  They got right into the spirit of it, as Grant (in the green shirt above) and Cole (in the white) shows here.

Our favorite part was when Grant came over and told us after practice that the coach told them they should throw their elbows around if someone was in the way.  After we laughed our heads off, we explained that he missed one key word... NOT.  He was sooo disappointed.  He couldn't see anything wrong with this tactic, as demonstrated below: FOUL! (He's not even going for the ball, just the opponent.)

Brynnie is getting into the spirit of running around.  She's very good at running around.