2011 Pine Wood Derby

Last year's Pine Wood Derby was a bit of a disappointment. Bob and Ryan started their cars

near the end of February and had to have them done by mid-March. With this being smack dab in the middle of tax season, their cars were, to say the least, not the fastest in the pack! I think that both of them were out after two races. This year, however, they bought their cars in January and worked on them for several months.

Weighing in the cars. Ryan's was exactly 5 oz, and Bob's was 4.9 oz. The limit was 5 oz. Ryan's car is the second one on the bottom row (red), and Bob's is the first one on the top row (blue).

This picture cracks me up. If you look close enough, you can see Emma sticking her tongue out just like the dragon on the cover of the book.

Getting ready to race! The guy in charge has written a computer program that works with the track and actually tells the mph that each car is traveling.

Yay!

Emma entertained herself at the coloring table.

Nana came to lend some support.

The boys from Ryan's Den.

Ryan won several of the heats, but ended up not placing. He did, however, get the trophy for the fastest car in his Den. Quite the improvement over last year.

Bob got third place in the Open Division!

Ryan already has his plans ready for next year's cars.

Yep, that's plural. He plans on making several and then choosing the best one to enter.

Our Weekend

We spent Saturday afternoon at Ryan's Scout's Blue and Gold ceremony.

We're still learning how everything in Scout's works...it's a bit overwhelming.

This event takes place each February...and it's where Ryan officially received his Webelos badge.

He'll continue as a Webelo for another year; once he's achieved all he can at this level, he'll

branch up to Boy Scouts (I think!!)

The theme this year was "Carnival." Each Den made their own table centerpieces, and a winner was chosen by the audience for the best display. Ryan's den won with the roller coaster (above) and the clown (below).

Each den also provided a game for the kids to play. They were pretty simple, but all of the kids enjoyed them. Prizes and treats were handed out at each game.

This is the mini-mini-put Ryan's den designed. They had a blast making it...anytime they get to use power tools is a good day! It's hard to see, but they put obstacles under the carpet, so it was pretty hard to bet the ball in the hole.

Marshmallow flip

And who doesn't love cotton candy?!

Emma with one of her prizes.

Bob was unable to come since it's the middle of tax season.

Mom came and spent the day with us. Thanks, Nana!

Me and my (getting very tall!) Webelo!

Ryan receiving his patch.

~~~

Saturday night, I spent the evening scrapbooking at Archiver's with these wonderful ladies to celebrate Amy's (sitting, middle) birthday. What a great way to celebrate!

When I got home at 11:30, I had a bit of fun walking around the house taking photos of what the kids had been up to...

...and then Emma woke up with a terrible cough and a bit of congestion at midnight. And that's what we've been dealing with ever since...