On your mark, get set, go

Yesterday was the Pinewood Derby for Andrew and Nicholas' scout troop, the last for Andrew as he will be crossing over to Boy Scouts next month. I thought about all the years we've spent in Cub Scouts and how quickly they've flown by. I sat at a table in the front corner while helping collect money for the upcoming Blue and Gold banquet. It was a good spot because I could sit back and take in the atmosphere, watch the activity. My how things have changed. Click here for last year's take and here for the 2010 race. You'll be amazed at how much they've grown.

For example, Katie was involved. For many years she wanted nothing to do with anything scout related, but now it's different. Gee, I wonder why? She and her friends, who also have little brothers, manned the concession stand. Every time I glanced over, there they were taking pictures and cramming their mouths with candy.

Meanwhile, Nicholas had an entourage of girls following him and he was loving it. He tried to take them backstage, but I put an end to that real fast. I know he's only in third grade, but you just never know with him.

Andrew was helping with the actual races. He sat and watched calmly in between. During their basketball game earlier in the day he had been hit in the head with the ball. I'm sure all the chaos drove him nuts. The boys didn't win this year, but they really didn't put much time into it. Pete's in grad school now, remember?

There was a lot of unstructured time. The young kids got rowdy after the first hour. By the third hour, we were ready to go. As I close, let me quote another mother my exact sentiments, "Why can't they just let the little cars roll down the ramp and be done with it?"

The thrill of excitement

Andrew- 4th place, Pete- 2nd place, Nicholas- 1st place in their divisions!

Well, another Pinewood Derby has come and gone.  Cars have been laboriously built after hours of scrutiny and nitpicking.  Dads have returned to their inner child, sometimes showing more excitement than the children.  Moms have had to break their boys (Dads and children) from their race car mania and hypnotism, sometimes having to lure them back inside with trickery.  The boys remind me of preschoolers who are glued to their moms before school and won't let go; only it's not mom the boys are glued to, it's those cars.  Heck, some of the dads have brought their saws inside and worked at the kitchen table!   Saw, sand, paint, oil and then repeat (for those of us who have more than one boy in scouts).  If it is like this now, what will it be like when the boys near "the driving age" and start piddling around with real cars and engines?  I know Pete spent many hours with his head stuck in a hood when he was growing up.

You might be wondering how I can stand the mess, the silliness of racing homemade Matchcars all day; because it's fun!  Families come to the big event ready to race, cameras in hand.  The scouts run crazy through the church hall and around the grassy field, breaking planters and knocking down full-sized American flags.  All of this happens while the grown-ups are either setting up or cleaning up; maybe even catching up with a friend they haven't seen in awhile. 

Then when the race begins, the kids stuff themselves with pizza, chips, Coke and cookies from the snack stand because the parents are so engrossed in the standings and placement of their babies (cars, not boys).  The day is long and drawn out as each race has to be absolutely perfect and deemed 100% acceptable from the higher-ups.  Children become tired and cranky.  They have tummy aches and just want to go home and play electronics.  Some cry because they didn't get a trophy, and some even resort to violence as their limits soar.

~sigh~  Now why was it I liked this?  Oh yeah... because my boys competed (and won)!

The Cub Scout Pinewood Derby was today. I'm pretty sure it washed away any leftover grief Andrew had from yesterday's spelling bee because he got second place in his den, second place overall and first place in the open class race. Pete got third place in the open class (a race at the end that anyone can compete in). Pete should feel proud, though, because of the twelve cars in the final competition, he helped build the three cars that placed.

Nicholas was disappointed that his car did not place this year, but he got an award for the "red-hottest car." Andrew generously gave one of his second place trophies to Nicholas, who won't put it down.

The boys had a great day at this annual scout event and Katie and I enjoyed watching the races. It is always refreshing to see good sportsmanship being used. As far as I'm concerned, everyone who participated is a winner.