This last week Nate participated in his first Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. It was a "just for fun" derby with 2 other cub scout packs. (The official one to qualify for districts will come in April.) Nate did pretty good. It was a double elimination tournament, and each race was best 2 out of 3 races. Nate & his "Bat Mobile" won his first set of races then lost his next. He was very sad when he lost but not nearly as hard on himself as he was a marble shoot - what a relief! Once we were able to get it through his thick little head that he wasn't out & he would get the chance race again he was much better. His 3rd race - took all 3 to determine the winner, there were only 2 races all night that took all 3 to determine the winner - the rest were done in 2. There were a couple of re-dos that were hard to call but I'm not counting those. Nate won his 3rd set of races & lost his 4th set. When he lost the second time & was out of the tourney it didn't register with him - he kept asking if they called his name yet (to race again) - not yet is all I would say - I didn't have it in me to break his heart & tell him he was out. By the time it was all said & done he was totally fine with someone else winning the champion's medal. He got a participation certificate & his car back (that I promptly, under great protest from Nate, took back away from him - until the qualifying races) and that was good enough for him. So in the end he won 2 & lost 2, learned about being a good sport & didn't that pretty well - WHEW. The qualifies as success in my book!
Some of the derby cars - Nate was in the biggest group of boys (the wolves)
Waiting at the finish line
The next night Nate had his music concert from school. Usually they are asked to dress up but this year their performance was all about eating healthy & exercise, so they were asked to wear work out gear. Nate got to wear one of his favorite outfits and was happy about that. He was so excited to share "the show" with us. He would let me help him practice his "line" but he wouldn't practice any of his songs for me- he wanted it to be a surprise. The show was called FIT. It was very cute & Nate did a good job. I recorded all the musical numbers & posted them on youtube (if you want to see them - or any of our other videos, there are more from derby there too - just search for oneradfam), this song was my favorite (I missed the beginning of the song - well kinda, it's actually now a blackmail video for when Nate is older - but to avoid current embarrassment it's only in the family files for now.) It was a fun show!
Funny side note - I was replaying this video as I was working on the blog & Nate came over & said "Mom do you see some of the girls crying?" Me "Why are they crying Nate" Nate "because of their emotions" Me "This song made me want to cry too Nate - it was a really special song." Nate "Not me mom, I was thinking happy thoughts - I thought of chicken burgers, butter noodles and popcorn - things that make me happy". Oh well....
Now for his impish grin (waiting for things to begin)
Nate & his infamous clenched teeth smile (after the show)
I really appreciate the school staff & all they do for my children. I'm glad my children attend the school they do. The both love it, but Nate especially - he really truly loves being there & talks about the staff all the time - from his teachers, to the ladies in the office to the janitor - I just think that it's great how much he likes everyone! Nate is very aware of people who are around him & what they do & appreciates them all for what they do - which helps remind us to always do the same!
My gratitude also applies to all those who touch my children's lives - not just teachers & staff at school, but primary teachers, nursery leaders, cub scout leaders, & soccer coaches just to name a few. I do my best to always express my gratitude to them for all they do. They are jobs that are not always easy & often thankless - but these wonderful people are appreciated more than words could ever express!
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