Pinewood Derby

This was our first Pinewood Derby.  Since Nathaniel got a late start to scouts, he never participated in one.  So, Jonathan's first was ours too.  He and I were both excited.  Grandpa Bill was happy to help us make the car with his cool woodworking equipment.  Jaaromy and Jonathan spent an evening with Grandpa making the car.

Unfortunately, the day before the derby, Jaaromy's work made him take a trip to California and he would be leaving early in the morning on the day of the derby.  Jaaromy was really disappointed.  I wasn't planning on being there because I had orchestra rehearsal and our concert was next week and we were getting a brand new piece that night.  Well, plans had to change and I stayed to go to the derby.  I'm glad I was able to be there, though I really didn't like choosing between the two in the first place.

 When we got there we checked the car in and Grandpa and Jonathan looked at all the other cars.

Grandma Patti came too.  I'm so glad, because I knew Brigham would be a handful and I wanted to be able to take pictures.

Brigham didn't disappoint, he was immediately interested in the track.

 He wasn't shy about going where he wasn't supposed to go.  Only the scouts whose cars were racing at the moment were allowed beyond the flags.  As soon as I took his picture I got him right out.

Finally it was Jonathan's turn.  He made sure it was on the track right.

 Then ran to the end to watch the race.  There was a strict rule about not stepping over the track.  The guy who owns it said that anyone caught stepping or jumping over the track would have to pay him $5.  I think Jonathan owes the guy at least $25.  In the first heat he got 4th place.  He was really disappointed, I was really surprised at how competitive he was.  For the rest of the race he sent his car down backwards.  After that he did much better.

 Since this was our first Pinewood Derby, my expectations were kind of low.  Not that I didn't think Grandpa Bill could make a good car, it didn't have anything to do with that.  I just wanted Jonathan to have fun. Turns out his car did really well and he got 3rd place.  Interestingly enough, the top three cars we all from our ward.

 It was so much fun and I'm thankful that Grandpa Bill could help with it.

I'm so glad I could be there, even if it meant Jaaromy couldn't be there.  I'm proud of Jonathan.