Hiking with Boys

We went on a few hikes this week because it was Spring Break and it has warmed up a bit. We talked dad into going on a hike Saturday since it was going to be in the 70's and sunny (so rare here in Washington). We ended up at Wallace Falls and apparently hundreds of other people had this same idea. It's amazing what the sun can do for me though. I never think that the cloudiness bothers me but then on a sunny day I just feel GREAT! The hike was beautiful with all the green that coats everything here and there were numerous waterfalls along the way. Hiking with boys is a unique experience because every rock becomes a springboard for a jump, every log is a balance beam, and each stick is a new found treasure. Their boundless energy comes in spurts, sprinting ahead until they can't be seen then needing a drink and rest on the nearest stump. Mike was reminded that hiking with boys, unlike hiking by yourself, is not relaxing and peaceful. It takes loads of patience and you have to enjoy life in the moment. I know he will miss that one day as I have to constantly remind him. Moments are what we live on around here.

Pinewood Derby Panic

This happened a few weeks ago, but nobody knows that but us. . .
It was 10:00 on a Friday night and all the lights are on in the Tonks home. The stubborn and determined dad who has tried so hard not to take over on the Pinewood Derby is in fact sanding wheels while Gabe sits in the Lazy Boy his eyes glazed over with a need for sleep. Mike has his goggles on, a tiny wheel clamped onto the end of his drill, a small scrap of sandpaper in his hand, and tiny flecks of black plastic spewing all over his face. Now imagine Andrew, who had gotten out of the bath an hour ago, asleep under the table, where all the Pinewood Derby action was taking place, still naked and wrapped up in his towel. Then there was Caleb who insisted on not being left out of the Pinewood Derby and so he talked me into helping him cut a car out. He painted it this great silver color and it looked sleek, shiny, and just cool. Then when it was dry and nobody was really paying attention, he took all the other colors and slapped them on so now you can see no silver, just blobs of orange, blue, and yellow. Now it looks exactly how Caleb wanted it, not mom. So zoom to Saturday morning and the frenzy before the Pinewood Derby is to begin. Mike finds out his wheels are illegal and in the process of trading them for another set he breaks the car a bit so the axle no longer fits in. Even super glue cannot save this mess. After several comments such as"be careful, don't touch that wheel, etc" Gabe is able to race his car and even win a few of them. In the end, success is measured in the fact that the car holds together and doesn't fall apart. We survived another year of the Pinewood Derby, just barely. But don't worry, Mike has almost 10 more consecutive years to try again with all the scouts we have coming up.