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.

A Day to be Remembered

“And again I say unto you, ye must

repent, and be baptized in my name,

and become as a little child, or ye can

in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.”

3 Nephi 11:38

Snowed In

Finally - SNOW!!

Just when we were giving up hope of being snowed in, our dreams came true.  And in a few days, just when we're sick of being stuck at home (even church was cancelled) and ready for kids to go back to school after 2 1/2 snow days so far, the rain will be back and we'll have one big slurpee all over the place.  Can't wait.

Since we, in the northwest, are long on rain and bodies of water, and short on snow - we've made some excellent discoveries:

1 - Waders work better than snow pants and boots.  They are truly waterproof, and snow can't go down their boots.  Plus, we have a steady supply of them!

Kayaks make great sleds.

There is actually one instance where a sloped yard comes in very handy, and this is it.

The goats have missed us.  Rocket is giving Grant a little nuzzle.  Next he'll probably chew off his zipper and eat his gloves.  They can't help themselves.

And little Jackie and Blackie got to go outside and pretend they were REAL rabbits - not just designer bunnies that live all pampered in the house.

Hoppy Christmas!

Shhhhh.... After the kids go to bed, I get Brynnie's Christmas presents out and play with them.

They are hidden away in the the locked guest room with all the other gifts.  Little Lionhead bunnies - almost 7 weeks old.  The only thing Bryn asked for this Christmas was a fuzzy little baby bunny.  Check that one off the list!  Twice! And Merry, early Christmas to me.

Spelling Bee in Your Bonnet

Sue is getting carpal tunnel surgery so I asked the kids to make cards for her.

Grant: Dad, how do you spell "love"?
Dad: Ask Bryn, she knows.
Bryn: L-O-V-E
Grant: Bryn! you can't teach me!
Dad: But Bryn was right. That's how you spell it.
Grant: I don't want her to tell me.
Dad: It's just like Bryn said: L-O-V-E

A few minutes later...

Grant: Dad, how do you spell "you"?
Bryn: Y-O-U
Grant: Bryn! Stop!

Here are the cards they made:

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.

Rules of Engagement

While preparing for a Lego war versus his brother, Cole wrote down this plan, describing a new attack vehicle he designed.

1. If it touches it, it will disappear. [√]
2. If Grant has that power it won't work. [√]
3. It is a Lego monster remote truck. It will be awesome.

Easter Blooms

Look what sprouted in the front yard!

She may grow like a weed but she's as sweet as honey and pretty as a tulip.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

It was a beautiful day on the coast so we headed out to join some friends for some sun, sand, surf, and kite flying.

Also, since it is Easter weekend we hunted for Easter eggs.

Finally, we capped the day off with a campfire on the beach. We roasted seaweed (which we didn't eat),

hotdogs (which we did eat),

watched the tide roll out (nothing to eat here),

and yes, s'mores were involved (we ate them).