Pinewood Derby 2016

It's that time of year again, so Pap came out and helped Thing Two with his car for the Pinewood Derby race. 

As you can tell from the pictures, Carrie and Damon also raced cars they'd worked on after the race. Liam came in 2nd place, not too shabby, and Carrie's car beat his when they raced at the end. 

Damon's car is a minion, Carrie's is based on (what else these days) Poseidon and all things Greek, and Liam's is a tribute to the Millenium Falcon. Credits all to whoever deserves them. 

The race was held at an airport hanger, so while the grown ups set up and prepared for the races, the Scouts got to check out a plane with a guide. Carrie also took the first two of these photos:

The boys had a really good time, and there was lots of good sportsmanship shown. I was impressed with the behaviors and attitudes of the boys. 

Not being a Scout, my attention span had been exceeded, but I was proud of our guy and his fast car and it was fun to see the excitement, the hard work paying off, and the trophy rack that Liam also built. 

March Madness

No, not that kind. Just a hodge podge of March-ness. Here's a March morning, just before the cursed Daylight Savings madness changed:

It was actually getting bright enough to take pictures of the Kid at the Early Bus Time... an elusive Carrie sighting.

Yes, that's Triskal eyeing her Valentine from Carrie.

And since I'm at least three full weeks behind, the kids had Read Across America like the rest of, well, America, and they got to dress up as their favorite Seuss characters for his birthday. Allow me to present Thing Two and Thing Three:

Spring Break kicks off this evening and let me tell you- we are ready. I am almost more excited than the kids about a homework-free week. Company is coming in and we'll still have karate, but to not have to get up early for the bus? Bliss!

Happy almost Easter, everyone. Signing out for now.

Pirates and Maps

So when you're teaching Kindergarteners about maps, who do you enlist to help?

Pirates, of course!

Alas, I don't have a picture of it, but the class even made black paper pirate hats with paper parrots attached. I can say with all certainty that Carrie looks adorable with it on her head, but I have yet to see it on the resident Kindergartener.

Life is Messy

Apologies to those of you who read this blog for a giggle or an anecdote about the kids and their shenanigans. This is not that post. We've been out of commission for awhile because we were losing and then lost our Grandma Barb who went to be home with the Lord. 

And, clearly, I shouldn't have put on makeup today before I sat down to post this.

Anyway, she fought the good fight against the one-two punch from cancer and Alzheimer's. Her children were all able to visit her in her last earthly days and then she was absolutely surrounded during her viewings and funeral service. She would have absolutely loved the flowers which came from everywhere imaginable. 

And she would have been incredibly touched that those who showed up for her, and for us. She was truly loved and will be sorely missed.

Uncle Kelly delivered the sermon, Uncle Rob and Aunt Jana provided special music, and Dada and Aunt Sherri both contributed personal memories during the service.

None of them are the best pictures ever, but you get the general idea.

There were plenty of tears, but there was also laughter at funny memories and smiles over a life well lived.

And adorable grandchildren.

Afterward, some were more than willing to have pictures taken and some were not.

Back at the house, we had more time to hang out and regroup. The cousins really did have a good time together, as always, and the big people enjoyed each other's company as well.

I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. The heck with resting in peace. Have a blast in Heaven, Grandma Barb, until we all get there to join you!

We love you and miss you already. 

Barbara Ann 

March 15, 1946- March 10, 2016