Our 6th Derby

As I've been blogging for a few years now, I've learned how cyclical our family life really is. (not cynical!) For example, in late January/early February, what do I always write about? The pinewood derby, of course.

The difference this year is...AARON! It's finally his turn! He was 2 and 1/2 years old at Braylen's first pinewood derby. How he turned into a 7 and 1/2 year old in the blink of an eye is beyond me. But here he is, making his car with Daddy.

And here's Kaleb making his car.

Add some RED paint...

And what do we have here? All smiles with Daddy and his first derby car. :)

If you look real close, you'll see Aaron chose to put 3 holes in his car.
His uniform is all decked out with big brother's patches, but the beads are his. :)

Just a little "atta-boy" for my husband...Aaron chose to build the same car Kaleb built last year. And Kaleb chose a design that Braylen's made in years past. Derek could have very easily told them to use the cars we already have, but he didn't do that. He let them build new cars, which meant more work for him. I'm so thankful for my husband.

Kaleb and his bright orange car!

We have lots of memories wrapped up in these pinewood derby races. Some have been re-scheduled due to bad weather. Grandma and Grandpa usually come, along with my BIL and SIL and nieces. (Now Pam, I suppose you and Brandon are excused from attending 2008's derby...) This year we had great weather, and all of our in-town family came to watch.

Aaron salutes the flag during the pledge of allegiance.

Derek had the brilliant idea to bring police tape to the derby this year.
 It really helped keep kids off the track during the races.

Our cars never win first place, but to me what really matters are the memories that come from building the cars together with Daddy. And we rewarded the boys for their good sportsmanship with a trip to Dairy Queen. :) I was especially proud of Kaleb this year. For some reason, his car came in last place in all 3 of his races. He never complained, and he even congratulated the other boys. I want to be like Kaleb when I grow up. :) Tee hee!

I like to joke with people that the pinewood derby is the reason we enroll in Cub Scouts year after year. I wonder if anyone's picked up on the fact that I'm not joking! This really is the reason we're in Scouts!