Boys

Submitted without commentary.

Boys

Submitted without commentary.

The Ferris Wheel

This pic captured on the ferris wheel at the Trail of Lights in Austin last week.  That is a smile that could be interpreted in many different ways!

The Ferris Wheel

This pic captured on the ferris wheel at the Trail of Lights in Austin last week.  That is a smile that could be interpreted in many different ways!

Pinewood Derby 2018

Memo to Noah & Jacob:  We had double the fun this year with Pinewood Derby as Jacob joined Scouts as a Tiger while Noah was in his third year as a Bear.  What were we doing for the last month?

• You guys picked your designs and I had you go through multiple exercises to make sure you were happy with your car

• We drew the designs on the cars, went over to Mr. Jeff’s house to cut them out and then you sanded, then sanded some more

• We got some sinkers, we weighed everything out and sunk them in the car (Remember:  Where you put the weight is important!)

• You guys helped prime and paint and we made a controlled mess

• If that wasn’t enough, we spent a long time in a cold garage deburring and polishing the axles (Very important here too!)

• You guys hung in there every step of the way as we headed out to find some decals.  When we found the right decals, you came up with the names for your cars

• Noah decided to name his car ‘Howling Wolf’ and Jacob went with ‘Screaming Eagle’

• We put on the decals, weighed out everything again, and added a little more weight (Full weight….Very important)

• Finally, we put the axles/tires on and tested just how straight the cars traveled (Another Important step!) while loading up the axles with plenty of graphite (Final important step)!

After taking the cars to impound on Saturday, race day was finally here.  Dad went a couple hours early to help set up the track and auditorium.  There were about 65 cars entered that day and a lot of really creative Scouts and parents in attendance including another 14 very creative friends and family cars.

Then the individual heats started.

In an early heat, the ‘Howling Wolf’ got down the track really quickly and took first place in that run

In another early heat, the ‘Screaming Eagle’ moved quickly and came in second

In Noah’s next heat, his car got moving even faster and easily won the heat

In Jacob’s next heat, his car found its groove and also won the heat

After almost 70 heats, the results were in.

In the Tigers division, Jacob took first place at a 184.4 mph average, just edging out his buddy Charlie.  Jacob also got second place in ‘Most Patriotic’ and was quite surprised.  The Higgins boat took first in Most Patriotic…..we were all amazed at that car.  Meanwhile, Charlie took home three awards including the coveted Scout Favorite for his ‘Fast Hog’ car.

In the Bear division, Noah won first place at an almost 189 mph average.  Noah’s car was surprisingly fast and clocked 190+ MPH in one heat.  Although they didn't run the final four fastest cars this year, he may have challenged for the overall speed title.

They all took pictures, played some more and had a fun day.  Remember guys, our rules were (1) Have fun, (2) Use ALL the parts that the car comes with and (3) Be gracious whether you win or lose.

Pinewood Derby 2018

Memo to Noah & Jacob:  We had double the fun this year with Pinewood Derby as Jacob joined Scouts as a Tiger while Noah was in his third year as a Bear.  What were we doing for the last month?

• You guys picked your designs and I had you go through multiple exercises to make sure you were happy with your car

• We drew the designs on the cars, went over to Mr. Jeff’s house to cut them out and then you sanded, then sanded some more

• We got some sinkers, we weighed everything out and sunk them in the car (Remember:  Where you put the weight is important!)

• You guys helped prime and paint and we made a controlled mess

• If that wasn’t enough, we spent a long time in a cold garage deburring and polishing the axles (Very important here too!)

• You guys hung in there every step of the way as we headed out to find some decals.  When we found the right decals, you came up with the names for your cars

• Noah decided to name his car ‘Howling Wolf’ and Jacob went with ‘Screaming Eagle’

• We put on the decals, weighed out everything again, and added a little more weight (Full weight….Very important)

• Finally, we put the axles/tires on and tested just how straight the cars traveled (Another Important step!) while loading up the axles with plenty of graphite (Final important step)!

After taking the cars to impound on Saturday, race day was finally here.  Dad went a couple hours early to help set up the track and auditorium.  There were about 65 cars entered that day and a lot of really creative Scouts and parents in attendance including another 14 very creative friends and family cars.

Then the individual heats started.

In an early heat, the ‘Howling Wolf’ got down the track really quickly and took first place in that run

In another early heat, the ‘Screaming Eagle’ moved quickly and came in second

In Noah’s next heat, his car got moving even faster and easily won the heat

In Jacob’s next heat, his car found its groove and also won the heat

After almost 70 heats, the results were in.

In the Tigers division, Jacob took first place at a 184.4 mph average, just edging out his buddy Charlie.  Jacob also got second place in ‘Most Patriotic’ and was quite surprised.  The Higgins boat took first in Most Patriotic…..we were all amazed at that car.  Meanwhile, Charlie took home three awards including the coveted Scout Favorite for his ‘Fast Hog’ car.

In the Bear division, Noah won first place at an almost 189 mph average.  Noah’s car was surprisingly fast and clocked 190+ MPH in one heat.  Although they didn't run the final four fastest cars this year, he may have challenged for the overall speed title.

They all took pictures, played some more and had a fun day.  Remember guys, our rules were (1) Have fun, (2) Use ALL the parts that the car comes with and (3) Be gracious whether you win or lose.

Could This Have Been......

.....the coolest car at the Pinewood Derby this year?  The Trumpmobile!  

The Trumpmobile didn't get the most patriotic but we understood why when we saw the Higgins Boat that someone created (somehow we missed getting a picture), complete with about thirty individual heads poking out the top, each with a different expression on his face. That little boat was fast too!

Could This Have Been......

.....the coolest car at the Pinewood Derby this year?  The Trumpmobile!  

The Trumpmobile didn't get the most patriotic but we understood why when we saw the Higgins Boat that someone created (somehow we missed getting a picture), complete with about thirty individual heads poking out the top, each with a different expression on his face. That little boat was fast too!

Piano Recital

Last Sunday was Noah's first piano recital on the big stage.  Last year the recitals were in the classroom at Doss but this year was different.  Noah performed 'We Three Kings' and did a great job.  

Piano Recital

Last Sunday was Noah's first piano recital on the big stage.  Last year the recitals were in the classroom at Doss but this year was different.  Noah performed 'We Three Kings' and did a great job.  

Procrastination

It was one day before Pinewood Derby impound and we had not put the wheels on the cars.  While we got off to a good start in building the cars, we fell behind somewhere along the way.  Not a very smart strategy to wait until the last minute to put wheels on as something could go very wrong in the process.  That was how we learned a bit more about the word "procrastination".

Procrastination

It was one day before Pinewood Derby impound and we had not put the wheels on the cars.  While we got off to a good start in building the cars, we fell behind somewhere along the way.  Not a very smart strategy to wait until the last minute to put wheels on as something could go very wrong in the process.  That was how we learned a bit more about the word "procrastination".

Jacob's First Grade Picture

Second year at Doss Elementary as well and this was your first grade picture.  Of course we couldn't be any more proud of you as well.

Jacob's First Grade Picture

Second year at Doss Elementary as well and this was your first grade picture.  Of course we couldn't be any more proud of you as well.

Noah's Third Grade Picture

Second year at Doss Elementary and this was your picture at third grade.  Mom and Dad couldn't be more proud.

Noah's Third Grade Picture

Second year at Doss Elementary and this was your picture at third grade.  Mom and Dad couldn't be more proud.

Scenes From Thanksgiving - #5

Up early to help feed the animals, now this may have to become mandatory in the future!

Scenes From Thanksgiving - #5

Up early to help feed the animals, now this may have to become mandatory in the future!

Scenes From Thanksgiving - #4

Some very nice weather on Thanksgiving was perfect for some biking through the pasture.

Scenes From Thanksgiving - #4

Some very nice weather on Thanksgiving was perfect for some biking through the pasture.

Scenes From Thanksgiving - #3

We burned a dead tree all day long and the next morning he did not want to see that fire go out.

Scenes From Thanksgiving - #3

We burned a dead tree all day long and the next morning he did not want to see that fire go out.

Scenes From Thanksgiving - #2

As late afternoon approached, Jacob took his turn to go spend some time in the blind with Dad.  While we didn't find any wild boars on this trip, Jacob spotted a nice 8 point buck.

Scenes From Thanksgiving - #2

As late afternoon approached, Jacob took his turn to go spend some time in the blind with Dad.  While we didn't find any wild boars on this trip, Jacob spotted a nice 8 point buck.

Scenes From Thanksgiving - #1

We really liked this picture but thought it was missing something.....namely Jacob.  He ran off ahead of us and missed the photo opportunity.

Scenes From Thanksgiving - #1

We really liked this picture but thought it was missing something.....namely Jacob.  He ran off ahead of us and missed the photo opportunity.

Thanksgiving Performance

The first graders at Doss put on a Thanksgiving performance just before the break.  

A great job by all and they were all about as cute as can be.