Scout Time on Saturday Mornings

Every Saturday morning (at 10 AM!) Quin has a Scout Time with the boys. We work with each boy individually on whatever they need or want to work on—arrowpoints, rank advancements, merit badges, etc. It’s fulfilling for us as parents, a nice bonding time—especially with Dad, and helps the boys continue to progress in their scouting. We got the idea from our dads and carry it into this new generation with confidence.

Ha-ha! If you asked the boys, they probably wouldn’t have a clue what you were talking about. This great plan is almost totally in our parental minds. Over the years, we’ve rarely remembered to do it or had the time when we have remembered.

But with 2011 and New Year’s Resolutions, we have had some great Saturday mornings. I feel very excited about our scouting this year.


The first week, I helped Jonathan make this skin into a nice display for his Cub Scout and future Scout patches. Quin worked with Eric on a Campfire program for the Communications Merit Badge and with Aaron on some Wolf requirements. The next week was equally productive. The next week, we started the Personal Fitness Merit Badge. (How many chin-ups can Amy and I do? Well, none.) Then Quin took a group swimming to help Jonathan with his swimming requirements. The next week, Quin and Eric camped at the Klondike Derby.

Yea!

The Pinewood Derby

Jonathan earned his Arrow of Light--he's a week away from being 11 years old and a Boy Scout!
As far as the Pinewood Derby went, he said his goal was to place 3rd in every race. :)
He was doing really well until the last race when he got 4th. Sigh.
Overall though, he seemed pretty happy with the night. (And his pencil car earned him a "Best Workmanship" Award.)

Aaron was THRILLED with the whole event. He'd wanted his car to be a clock and designed this oval beauty. It raced surprisingly well, placing, hmmm, 3rd or so in most of the heats.
When the time came for awards, he gleefully accepted "Most Unusual", then came to report to me that one of the boys was crying, but he'd consoled him saying, "I know you've been losing lots of races, but I think you're car is awesome! And, anyway, all the awards are really great...!"

(I feel SO grateful to Quin for working on these cars. It gives me hives to think of that responsibility falling to me. He had a REALLY busy week with his new calling and had to take a half day away from the airbag industry to help Jonathan and Aaron finish up. What a guy.)

Phone calls with our Elders!

Daniel and Paul have flown the MTC coop! They called us from the LA airport and it was SO good to hear their voices. Paul sounded upbeat and sure of himself. Daniel sounded tired. (But it was midnight by the time he got to call.)

A couple of things Paul said:

"I feel like my life began the day I entered the MTC."

"When I think about coming home and not being here on a mission, I can't think what purpose my life would have. It's like, if this isn't the purpose of life, then what is?"

Daniel and Paul's Setting Apart

Quin, Elder Daniel, me










Chris and Elder Paul









Little brothers looking up to big brothers