New Beginnings and Pinewood Derby

We have had a lot going on around here this week! Brandon participated in his first ever pinewood derby. We got his car a couple weeks ago at a pack meeting where he advanced from Bobcat to Wolf rank. They had everything all set up for the boys to design and cut out their cars that night. Lucky for Brandon, I'm not to bad with a band saw and helped him cut out his car that night. And even more lucky for Brandon, he's got an awesome dad who helped him paint and finish it off for the big race. There was the last minute gluing on weights (quarters in our case) and weighing in, but it all paid off. He won first place in his den and second place over all. We were all pretty surprised and proud at the same time! Way to go Brandon!

Right after the pinewood derby, Kelsie and I quickly changed clothes and went to New Beginnings for all the incoming Young Women this year. It is so hard to believe that I've got an almost 12 year old in the house (a pretty cute one, too!).  She was a little nervous, but did great when they introduced her and told some interesting facts about here. My favorite was when they announced she had been to 34 different states and the audible gasp throughout the room (lucky girl!). We learned all about the Personal Progress Program and ended the night outside lighting paper lanterns to go with the theme this year, Arise and Shine Forth. It was really fun, but because it was windy, they didn't fly as high as we would have liked. She's more excited than ever now to start the Young Women's program and can't wait for June when she'll officially be 12!

Sometimes I really feel like my kids are growing up so fast! Then I sit back and think about all the fun things they get to participate in now that they're a little older and it makes me so happy for them. They are great kids and I really am excited for these new adventures in their lives.