Hot, hot, hot!!!

We can't believe it, but it's already hot enough for a water fight!!!

The kids pooled together the change and bought some water balloons at the dollar store. They had more fun with these than toys you spend the big bucks on!!!

 It's only the 2nd week in April. I'm a little nervous about the coming summer months. YIKES!!!

I am about to be attacked! And can you believe how tall she is?

You can guess what is going on here right? You can guess WHO is on the receiving side of this spraying hose and how they're reacting to being sprayed!

Now it's Mick's turn to spray!

PAYBACK!!!!!

SOAKED!!!

Such a fun, fun day! I think we're going to like it here!!!

First Prize Winner!

This is pretty serious stuff. 

McKay's first Pinewood Derby. 

We got the block of wood in the box from his scout leader the day before Brett left for Officer's training. The derby was to be held the day Brett returned. But we were saddened to learn that Brett's flight didn't come in until 10pm that night! He would miss the derby...

Alas, the timing gave McKay only one day to design his car.

And more importantly, Brett one day to cut the thing.

Well, McKay drew a design. I wish I saved that paper. It consisted of "a little cut off the back and a little bit more cut off the front."

That was it. McKay said the detail would come in the paint job.

Ok. Well, easy for Brett. It took 2 cuts, then it was done.

Imagine our surprise when Brett called to tell us he arranged an earlier flight and could make it to the race! We were all thrilled!

Father and son, just in time for the derby.

McKay proudly displaying his car. It was an American Flag theme, if you cant tell. The side says, "Justice, Valour, Purity"-- what the American Flag stands for. He did it all with markers and was as proud as a peacock!

McKay was super excited! Especially when he walked in and saw the trophies. I could see the little wheels in his head turning and I knew he was imagining himself winning one of those trophies. I tried not to be too much of a joy zapper, but made sure to tell him that not everyone can win a trophy. I asked him what the main point of the pinewood derby was and he answered correctly with: "Having fun." I hoped that was enough of a pep talk for him to enjoy it, even though he would most likely not win.

Waiting for his number to get called!

Each boy got to race their car down the track 4 times randomly. After 4 times of being raced, McKay's car came in 3rd place over all. He would be winning a trophy.

HE WAS ECSTATIC. 

I was shocked!

No fancy weights or bells and whistles; no competitive wheel grease or anything like that. Just two cuts with a saw and some markers!

This boy was thrilled.

Connor took this-- here he is being presented the trophy!

The trophy!

We are so grateful for scouts and the values it teaches to our young sons. This was a fun night and very well done! Thank you to all who teach our scouts and help them become great men.

I'm so glad...

WHEN DADDY COMES HOME!

Brett has been gone to Officer's Training as a Captain in the Air Force for 5 weeks.

It  has been a long 5 weeks! 

We are now complete as a family again. We are so happy he is home!

Before Brett left, I knew it would be up to me to keep everyone happy and smiling. If mom was happy, upbeat and positive; most likely everyone else would be too.....at least in the "I-miss-dad" department!
I knew if we stayed busy and created some fun traditions to do while dad was gone, we would be ok. You've seen some of the things we did, and we survived those 5 weeks.

I am so grateful for my kids! They kept me company and kept me sane!!

Countin' down the days!

Here we are waiting in the car for the call that he is here!! The kids spent a lot of time making these signs colorful and personal for Brett.

Mickey and his sign

The kids can hardly contain themselves!!!

HERE HE IS!! (I do have to say that he looks pretty fine here!!!)

And here.......

And here!!!
We are so happy to see him!

We are so thankful that Brett was kept safe while he was gone and that we were safe while he was gone! We are grateful to our friends and family that supported us and made this 5 weeks apart a little more bearable!