Preston is a Bear!

We are so thankful that Preston has awesome Cub Scout leaders! He became a Bear Scout in September. We are so proud of him!!

Eating contest for the three new Bears. So funny!

Cody Earns His Arrow of Light

Our boys all love Cub Scouting and Scouting. Here, Sister Ao, and Brother Francom are awarding Cody with his "Arrow of Light", the highest, and last honor award in the Cub Scouting Program. Cody is excited to start Scouting in July. Brother Francom talked about what a well behaved kid Cody is, how hard he works, and what a tremendous athlete he is. We are so proud of him. He had to work very hard to get this award. Congrats Cody!

Down and Derby

The Pinewood Derby is not taken lightly in a home with four boys. This year was Cody's last, and Preston's first. When it all came down to it, Preston won 2nd place in his Wolf den, and Cody won 1st place in his Webelos den. I can't remember the overall standings.
They were happy though, and love working with their dad on these cars!

The boys always love it when Grandpa Wilson and Uncle Blake come to their events to show support. Thanks guys! The boys know that you are there!!!

Perfecting "Forces 84".

Polishing up the axels on "Saints".

Preston Is a Cub Scout

Preston is SO excited to be a Cub Scout! Here are the new wolves drinking "wolf's blood" as an initiation to the den...Very intense!!!

Here they are taking the Cub Scout oath. They are so cute!!!

Cody Earned His Bear!

With several months still left until his birthday, Cody earned his Bear! We are so proud of him and his participation in Cub Scouts!

Cubs grabbing for candy...dangerous I tell ya!

Preston roping a fierce bull!

It was a good night!

Congratulations Cody!

Cody earned "High Honor Roll" for the second quarter at his school. "High Honor Roll" means straight A's. 3rd grade is not the same as it used to be. When I was in the thrid grade at Keller Elementary School (Go Cobras!), I learned about Johnny Appleseed and had spelling words like "said". Today 3rd graders do pre-algebra, develop Power Point presentations, and spell words like "philanthropy". Needless to say, we are very, very proud of his hard work! Great job Code man!!

Ummmm...you probably won't see that sticker on the back of our car, but isn't he cute?

Cody also earned the Power Ranch Community Service Award along with his friend Lindsay (Isn't she a doll?). My throat got tight as he earned this one. Cody has taken an interest in service lately. He also has two fantastic Cub Scout leaders who have led them in several service projects. The latest was collecting shoes and clothes for the people in Haiti. When he returned the other night from collecting Cody said, "Mom the service projects in Cub Scouts are the most boring, but they make me feel the best after." I love this boy, and can't wait for Preston to start Cubs in September!

Pinewood Derby 2010

Cody had a fantastic time participating in the Pinewood Derby this year! His favorite part is always working on the car with his dad. It was the first time in several years that Warren and I were not involved in running the Derby. This made it more relaxing for us. We were able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. It truly was a show. The Cub Scout leaders in our ward pulled out all the stops complete with everything computerized and on full screen. Awesome job guys!

Cody and a couple of his buddies...check out the Hummer on the far right.

Waiting in the "pit".

Cody and "Flamin' Forces". This year Cody's car was fast! He won an award for "The Most Patriotic", and came in second for the Bear Den. According to the times, his car was in the top five of 30 or more cars. Well done Cody!!!

Pinewood Derby Time

Cody and Warren have been working hard on Cody's car this year. The derby's at the end of this week...hopefully I can show you a finished product by then. Notice the intense concentration. They had a great time working together.

On that note, a friend of mine watches a movie called Down and Derby before her boys race every year. Our family watched it last night. We were literally on the floor laughing. Anyone who is involved with a Pinwood Derby MUST watch this movie. Here is the website...http://www.downandderby.com/. Go there to get just a little taste of the funny flick!

Space Derby

Last night was the Cub Scout Space Derby. I had plans of having thousands of good pics, of course. However, when I got there, my battery was dead, of course. I'll try to get a picture of his ship to post later. Cody worked on his ship for a couple of nights with his dad. They had a good time together. His ship was called "Forces 51" (a football connection). "Forces 51" made it into the final 6 before losing. Best of all, Cody won "Best Crash". He was so proud! Way to go Codeman!!

Fighting Bears

Last night was a big night for Cody. In our Cub Scout pack the boys have to do certain things to advance on to the next den. Since Cody is now 9, it was his turn to fight "the bear" (his dad). They blind folded him and brought him in for his anticipated right of passage. They throw the boys into this little tent where their dads wait. Once the boys are in, the dads make ferocious noises, wrestle a little bit, and Warren even threw one of Cody's shoes out of the tent for dramatics. Finally, when the Cub Scout "defeats" the bear he is allowed out of the tent, victorious. It is a real crowd pleaser.

Though Cody really had been looking forward to this Pack Meeting, I couldn't help but wonder what other "bears" he'll have to face in his life. A wise friend once told me that it takes a special mom to raise all boys. I believe it's because there are so many temptations out there for them these days. I also know that waiting until he is 12, 16, or 18 is too late to prepare him for these challenges. I think about this daily, and both me and his dad pray for the tools that we need to give our sons in order to fight off the bears. Luckily, he's only had to face some small ones, and so far we're winning!

We Have a Wolf

This last week Cody completed his requirements to earn his "Wolf" badge in Cub Scouts. He is pinning on my mother's pin here. Warren's face pretty much sums up how we feel about this program. I love this picture. Cody loves to go each week, and we love all that Cub Scouts teaches these cute boys about being good citizens and people. He constantly asks to work on his Cub Scout requirements. Warren has absolutely loved being a Cub Master. He has had this calling for three years now, and just really has such a great time doing it. Congrats Cody! We are proud of you.