Art Institute - 2010

We took a trip into the city today to check out some of the ancient art at the Art Institute~
Sometimes museums are boring, but Sam and Mary were good sports~

Part of the gang we were with~

We only passed through the new modern wing. But we spent quite a bit of time perusing the perennial favorite - the miniatures.

Pinewood Derby

Tonight was the much anticipated pinewood derby at AWANA. Before the race, though, Sam volunteered to recite some scripture~
He did it, and was pretty pleased with himself~

On to the race~

Each car was in three heats. Mary enjoyed watching~

Sam was really excited~

They had a great set-up, with a video monitor to make viewing easier~

The competition was fierce, and there were a lot of pros. We didn't know we had to sand the wheels, and bearings. Unfortunately, the boys' did not cross the finish line but once. Hence Charlie's expression~

But they were both good sports, and now we have a better idea of what to do next year~

Firestarter

Sam was called up out of the audience this evening at the Nitro Joe Science show~
Of course it involved fire, and that thrilled Sam~

I timed this photo almost perfectly, you can see the explosion on its way out~

Our library hosts several of these awesome free shows every year - we're very lucky to live where we do :)

Alley Cats

We hit the lanes with some friends today.

Nice pick-up~

I brought a jigsaw puzzle to keep the "waiters" occupied. I think I was a little too ambitious, though. They only got the border done, with a few inside pieces off the 600! They had fun trying, but I told them I'd bring a 300 piece one next month :)

Motor City

Charlie and Sam have been loving AWANA this year. This weekend is the pinewood derby! Who better to help fashion a car made out of wood, then the fine Hungarian craftsman we call Grandpa?
Starting to take shape~

Looks like he is in 100% compliance with OSHA~

I loved the smell of sawdust when I was Sam's age~

Charlie made a Mustang, and Sam a VW Beetle~

Now to paint them at home, and we're off to the races!

Heart of Gold

Charlie came home today with flowers for me - he used his own money, asking Scott to stop at the store on the way home from church (Mary and I stayed home because she is sick), so he could get me something for Valentine's Day. It's things like this that make it clear to me that I can take no credit for how wonderful Charlie is - he is sweet and loving beyond measure. I am so grateful for young man he's becoming~
Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world.~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lucky in Love

Charlie, once again, found some cool valentines to make for his friends~
They are scratch and win "Lotto" cards, given with a chocolate coin for the scratching. Kind of time intensive, but worth it!

The Fun Never Stops

This morning, Aunt Darlene, Uncle Dan, Jack, Madeline and Luke, came out to watch Sam's basketball game~


It was an 8am game; a little early on a Saturday~

Afterwards, we had McDonald's for breakfast.

This evening we celebrated Sam's birthday with our extended family. In lieu of his traditional Superbowl party, Sam wanted to watch a Blackhawks game. He designed this hockey cake~

Sam is definitely my party animal~

I think this concludes Sam's birthday extravaganza. This year :)