Pinewood Derby Activity

When our church decided to disassociate from Boy Scouts of America, my FAVORITE thing about that decision was NO MORE PINEWOOD DERBYS!

I am not a builder.  Stephen is not a builder.  We don't own tools with which to build.  Stephen usually had to work on the night of the derby, so I was alone to try to make it work.  I ended up in tears more than once.  

However, this thing refuses to let go.  

In Hobbs, the. youth decided to have an all-out derby, boys/girls, all competing together.  

Kyle and Ryan and Stephen whipped out a cheese and mouse theme and had a fun time.  

I'm so glad I got to stay home and do dishes.  That's how much I loathe this event, but I'm glad they all had a great time.  

 

New Dentist

Evan LOVED the hygienist at our new dentist's office.  He asked all kinds of questions and came out of the appointment just knowing he was going to work on teeth when he was older.  The hygienist was cool, especially when she told us about learning the teeth of zoo animals.  (She had a photo of her time with the gorillas.)

Meow came out with no cavities.  

I had one.  

They charged us WAY too much, so we will have to find another place soon.  

 

Ryan's 1st Dive Meet

 

Due to a lack of male competitive gymnastics in Hobbs, America, Ryan has taken on competitive diving.  He had his first meet at COM in Midland!  We were able to see Grama Sue and Auntie Deb and enjoy good food and family, as well as a witnessing a new sport venture.  

Leading up to the meet, Ryan was struggling to complete one of the required dives.  He had some fear about backwards diving off the board and would psyche himself out of it every time.  (Another moment: he ripped the bum out of his suit!  Thankfully, the store was open, and we were able to get him a replacement before the competition began.)

He still wanted to come, thinking that he would be able to do all other dives, only letting go of the backwards one, but he got DQ because he made a mistake on one more.  Two bad dives = no place.  

The first 8 people would be headed to Nationals, but he was fine with not making it.  In fact, he was invited afterwards to attend, even after being disqualified, but he did not feel ready to attend that event.  (He'd only been diving for 3 months, by the way.)

I'm proud of Ryan for taking on a new sport and heading to an unknown competition so early in.  He will only go up from here! 

Spring Break

This year, Stephen had to work over the boys' Spring Break.

I had a bunch of cancer appointments to attend. 

Thankfully, grandpa and grandma offered to meet up and take the boys up to Ruidoso for a few days.  

They got to have fun with cousins in the snow, see lots of wildlife, hang out, and eat delicious food at the country club.  It was nice to let them get away and not be stuck at home for the week.  

 

Scout's Birthday From Afar

Jules and Zach have a doggo baby named Scout.  

We are too far away to go to Scout's birthday.  

Jules always tries to make us feel a part of the family we live away from.  

This year, she asked me to help her with ideas for the "Fairy Garden" party theme, full of magic and green and sparkles and fun.  

For the nieces and nephew in Utah, at the party, they would be able to use their own magic on Magical Mixies.  Jules wanted my boys to be able to feel like they were part of the fun.  She sent Ryan and Evan there own magical toy.  Kyle is probably too old for such things, but he received his own present: Dungeons and Dragons!!!  All were smiley.  

 

New Mexico Driver's License

After being in The Land of Enchantment for several months, it was time to be official.  

Stephen made appointments for us to get our new driver's licenses together.  

I was grateful to not be pregnant and rushed and able to prep for a good photo.  

What I wasn't prepped for is my weird, chemo eyesight making it difficult to read the required line to qualify.  Thankfully, I had a VERY patient customer service person who allowed me to try again about 20 times.  (Stephen stood beside, praying, and thinking that I wouldn't pass.) I DID pass, but will need to remember my glasses next time.  

Or maybe will need to get new glasses in 8 years.  

 

Po Family Project

 

Ryan spent so many hours on this school project.  His draft was all hand-drawn.  

For the final, I requested that we work together to find all the fonts and images online and save him hours of time.  I also helped him with the final touches of sliver glitter under Modpodge for a shiny shield and glittery pipe cleaners around the edges and buttons for the shield front. 

I am so proud of this kid and how much he puts into all he does.  

P.S.  His shield was done so well that it now lives in the school library!