Good Grades Tradition

Each semester when the kids get report cards they can earn dinner. Ok, ok, I mean a special dinner . . . we do feed our kids dinner each day. If they have all A's and B's then they get to choose to go to dinner wherever they want. Tim and I are glad when they choose the same place because then we don't have 3 different dinners to go to. Not the case this time. Big J. chose Round Table, Little J. chose Olive Garden (mmmm . . . good food), and Big T. chose Pizza Factory. It takes a few weeks to get those all in but the kids enjoy it and so do we. It's good motivation for them.

Cub Scout Awards

Last night Big & Little J. both got awards at the pack meeting. They have both been working very hard to earn badges, pins, etc. Little J. received his Wolf Badge along with a gold arrow point and 4 silver arrow points. He also received several belt loops (BB gun shooting, archery, golf, and others). It was a big night for us.
Big J. received his Engineering activity badge, Traveler activity badge, Handyman and Outdoorsman. He also received several belt loops from participating in Cub Scout Day Camp. He is well on his way to receiving his Webelos Badge so hopefully we'll have more awards to tell you about next pack meeting. Both boys are working towards getting their religious knot. I'm so proud of my little Cub Scouts!! Keep up the good work!

All-Star Soccer

Both Big J. and Little J. were chosen for the All-Star Soccer Team. The soccer league chooses a few excellent players who have good sportsmanship and work hard. Both boys were chosen from their team and they were very excited. The soccer league formed 2 teams from all the kids chosen and they competed in an all-star game. Big J. and Little J. were on opposite teams and they both played great. It was a fun game to watch (and not fun at the same time) since their game was played in the middle of a huge rainstorm. Everyone was soaking wet, the grass was totally muddy and everyone had fun. It was a fun game and the boys were proud to be on the teams.

What great looking brothers!

Pinewood Derby

The pinewood derby was last Thursday and we realized that this was a special pinewood derby - the only one when we would have 2 boys racing. This is Big J's last year and and the other boys don't fall together because of where their birthday's land so this was a big deal. Plus, the boys did great! It was a double elimination race with a total of 16 cars. Towards the end both boys were still in the running so they ended up racing each other. They tied (since they race twice to make sure there is no lane advantage) and raced another time. Because of that race Little J. got 4th and Big J. got 3rd. They had a good night and we all had fun. They even got to race Dad's car that he built a few weeks ago. Can't remember who won -- I'll find out and let you know; I think it was the kids.

Basketball

The two oldest boys are playing basketball and Big J. had his first game tonight. He did great, so much more confident than last year. In the first quarter he got a basket and throughout the game he got the ball and got a chance to put up a couple more shots. We had a good time as family watching the game tonight but next week there are three games so that will be busy. Little J. does Basketball Camps on Saturdays. They work more on skills and learning the game and keeping it fun. He has been to two already and next time they'll break them into teams and scrimmage and teach the kids some basic game skills. Just wish it was a little warmer so they could go outside and practice in the backyard a little more.

More lost teeth

Little J. lost his second tooth. He did not put it under his pillow because he wants to show Grandmas and Grandpas first. I was looking at photos and I realized that when we previously went to Disneyland, Big J. had a front lost tooth. Now that we'll be going to Disneyland again soon, Little J. will have a couple lost teeth too. We are so excited about our upcoming trip. The boys made a chain to count down and I added things to do each day when we take off a chain (such as: clean out the van, watch a Disney movie, make a list of things to bring for the drive, shop for food and snacks, etc.)

A very special day

Little J. shows off his new set of scriptures We were very fortunate to have Grandma & Grandpa come (both sets of Grandparents were there). We are so blessed to have family close by.

A wonderful family on a wonderful day.

A proud Dad with his son on a wonderful day. The day was so wonderful that Big T. was a little jealous and he said he wished it was his baptism day. I'm sure the time will come more quickly than I realize.

A proud scout

Little J. was so excited for cub scouts! He has done about 30 requirements since he turned 8 about a week ago including making puddle jumpers, writing in code, sprinting and others.

Birthday

Little J. had his birthday party on Saturday. This is his pokemon cake. He had 10 friends at his party and we played tag, musical chairs, ring toss, and an obstacle course. One of the gifts he got from us was a gift certificate to go bowling so after lunch the family went bowling and then birthday boy got to pick where we went to dinner. He chose Denny's since he knows they have hot chocolate with whipped cream. He gets baptized on Sat. 15th and he is excited and a little nervous.

Teeth & Sicknesses

We've had a busy few days. First K. was sick so I watched her 3 kids for an afternoon. The kids were fantastic and we had a great time. Next Little J. got bronchitis and at the same time lost his first tooth. As soon as he discovered his loose tooth, he wiggled it like crazy. He wanted to get in the World Record Book by getting his tooth out the same day it got loose. Well, this morning at 2am he came in my room and said he pulled his tooth out! He is very excited to get a visit from the tooth fairy. And Baby T. now has a total of 4 teeth (two on top and two on bottom).