Thomas Edison reborn

Griffin just finished up his first play. Hopefully it won't be his last! He played Thomas Edison. The entire play was about great American Heroes. The rehearsals were twice a week for about two months. Griff loved his costume (church clothes with a bowtie) and now wears it every Sunday.

Good job Griff.

Griffin with "The Babe" one of his best buddies, Daniel Garcia.

Swimming in March

It's a beautiful 75 degrees outside so why not jump in a pool?

Seriously, we got to teach this girl to swim!  Maybe this summer Grandpa Tom can come and teach her?  He has taught all the other children.

Thanks to our friends, the Hixsons, for letting us come jump in their pool.  

Scout O Rama

This was our first ever SOR and it was so fun. It was a free activity making it even better. I took the kids. Then we all drove to Stockton's small airport to pick up Mike from a work trip to Vegas.

I think going on the boat was the best part or Caleigh volunteering to climb the wall. She's not usually one to participate in new things willingly. Especially in front of strangers.

But I think the kids highlight was going over the rope bridges. FUN!

Mile's and Griff making "rockets" to launch.  They didn't go very high, but were fun to make (just tightly rolled cardstock with electrical tape)

 The Rock wall was so cool.  I couldn't get Miles to go (nervous Nellie) But Caleigh shocked us all by going.  She was excited to do it.  And Griff went too.  Here's Tristan Chan, one of our newest cubs.

Eva Hixson!  Way to go!

Here goes Isabell Hixson showing up the boys.

Up goes Griffin, I think he got the highest out of our group.

Now "Goose" who knew she would love this so much.  She made it half way then couldn't figure out how to go higher so she dropped.  I'm so proud of her!

Oh, my Miles loves to talk about the army and the Marines (who ra).  Maybe all boys love guns and the thought of fighting.  Who knows?  But he was super stoked to hold this real gun.  Please don't ask me to name it.  And I tried to not get any of the ARMY guys in the picture out of respect to the Marines.  Don't worry Gpa, we know where our loyalties lie.  

Here's Thor the Stockton Thunder's Mascot.  Go Thunder!

We just can't seem to get away from boats!  Loved touring this beauty.  And learning all about the scouting program on the water!  It's a sailors life for these guys.  

And finally the rope bridges were a big hit.  All the kids went multiple times.  So Fun!!!

 Xavien Kilpatrick

Darrien Kilpatrick

What a fun day, and can't wait till the next Scout-O-Rama.

Our Last January Birthday

On January 31st was Griffin's 10th birthday (wasn't he already 10?)  He had a great time opening presents and playing with them.  A few days later he had a few friends over for a late night party.  We played minute to win it games and then I sat down and let 4 10 year old boys run through my house.  Along with Miles, Caleigh, and Elliot.  Mayhem ensued but good fun was had by all.  

The hit of the party was glow in the dark wall ball in our living room!  Our front room is two stories high and the boys made good use of it playing wall ball.  Even Mike got in on the action.

These pictures were taken on a different day.  Griffin did not wear his pj's to his party.

Griffin is an old soul.  He loves Niel Diamond (thanks to Mike), documentaries, keeping the peace in our crazy house, and in general being very wise beyond his years.  

On the flip side he is a very typical 10 year old boy, he loves any and all sports, he's usually found glued to his ipod (a birthday gift), and he is very involved in scouts right now.  

Griff is a very self motivated kid that loves to learn.  He has about 10 notebooks right now that are for different subjects.  When he learns something new he writes about it in one of his notebooks.  What kid does that?  

According to Griffin-

His main loves are: school, sports, writing, reading, drawing, his ipod, especially his ipod, his family, scouts, and his rat, Crumbs or "Crumb-os"

He's not a fan of:  girls, (but he like's the "ladies" don't ask) haircuts, cheezy 70's movies, low battery on his ipod, the color orange "it's scary", mushrooms, and annoying alarm clocks. 

I'm in awe of this amazing kid.  I admire his confidence, his talents, and his humor.  We especially love his funny expressions.  I'm pretty sure he practices them in the mirror (though I don't have proof). 

Happy Birthday Griff!   

Beautiful Play-dough

The kiddo's have been hard at work in the kitchen...with play-dough that is.  Caleigh loves anything that challenges her artistic skills and Elliot and Griff love it too.  Those three will spend hours at the table creating and documenting their creations.  I love how positive they are to each other during these times.  Needless to say, our house, hearts play-dough!