Snow

We had a very nice snow day today. Chachi and I had a snowball fight. On Wii Fit of course. We pushed the kids outside and we watched them from the warmth and comfort of the house! But it was a fun day of playing in the snow, and taking hot chocolate and popcorn breaks for the boys. I am glad we live in a place where they can experience the seasons. And I do love snow. Especially when I get a snow day out if it!

Alexander's Reflections Video

Alexander won his school's Reflections contest with his Video Entry. He didn't quite understand that he was the only student who entered in Video Production. He was excited that he was the only one who got a trophy! His video goes on to the state level. We have no idea if we stand a chance, one because of competition, and two because Alexander bent the rules. The video was to be shot and edited entirely by the student, and if he wanted to be in the video he had to use a tripod to film himself. Well, he wanted to add some clips we had of him on the zip-line and skiing that obviously were not filmed by him ousing a tripod. Whatever, he made the film he wanted to make so we'll just wait and see.

Alexander talks about Pinewood Derby

Alexander says: Pinewood Derby was boring watching my car lose, but I was proud that I at least got Best Design. I got a trophy for Best Paint and a medal last year, this year I got a trophy for Best Design and a Medal. In the future I am going to make an eel car.The best part was everybody thought I was the best design of all!

Car disaster

It has been a crazy two days. Yesterday I went to put the wheels on Alexander's car, and figured out I had no idea how to make it work. I called Russ in a panic and he told me what to do. Then- disaster. I broke the wood. A big piece came of of the wheel well. I called back in a panic. Thank Gosh for Russ. He went to Dads and got clamps and glue. He glued it last night. Today he went to put the wheels on and the clay making the tentacles broke into three pieces. Also he weighed the car. Disaster again- we were more than an ounce overweight! We carved out wood but it was clear we were getting nowhere. We had to carve into the epoxy holding the weights in, and pull weights out. Russ cursed my name. A lot. So there I was with a car that had been newly cut, clay broken, and a huge hole in the back I wouldn't be able to fill or it would be over weight. On top of that, the paint color was mixed, and changed under the finish I put on. So we rushed home and got to work. I remixed paint and repainted and touched up. Touched up the sharpie (Alexander 'painted' details with a sharpie because it is much easier to control). Painted the inside of the hole black. Glued the tentacles back on and together. Then I covered the wheels and axles and re-finished it. Between every coat of paint the car was drying under a hot light. Finally after every last thing was on I re-weighed. Pulled one more weight out for exactly 5 ounces. Painted the weights inside the hole black and really jammed them in because I wasn't going to be able to add glue or I might go over weight! As best as I can tell the wheels are fairly straight and flush. So after alllll of that I decided Alexander needs a box to carry the car in. No boxes. So I cut one up (like you do at Christmas, and was going to cut a blue gift bag up to cover it. Before I did, I noticed the box was about the same size as the bottom of the bag. Sure enough, I was able to slide the box down in the bag and then just fold all the sides in. Finally, something went right! I added a bright blue TU towel, and it's all ready. The graphite is tucked in the box under the towel, along with one little weight just in case we run light on the pack's scale tomorrow. That's right- tomorrow. This all happened JUST before race day! Miracle of miracles it got done (THANKS RUSS!).

Pinewood Derby

Alexander finished painting his squid car today. He was inspired to work on it after going to watch his cousin's Pinewood Derby race. So now his car is all ready for axles and wheels tomorrow. We know it won't be the fastest car, but he's hoping for a 'best paint' award.

Animoto rocks!

My favorite video website- Animoto. Here is a video of our Suzhou boat ride:



and a day at the lake

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Sledding after the blizzard of '09

Alexander and his den just lead the Pack flag ceremony. They did a great job. Alexander got to carry the flag, and let me tell you I was worried about it. He is such a squirrel and so immature during meetings sometimes that I didn't know if he could handle it. His name was chosen though, and in the end he pulled through. Great job, Alexander!

Tristan struts his stuff

First Whines

I figure it is time to set up a blog. Maybe I can make the whole family post blogs here, but let's face it- we are one lazy family so I doubt it. I don't know that I will blog much while I am doing by national boards, but hey, it's one more place to whine about that process.