Great Things in a Nondescript Package

For those of you who don't know - Sebastian is a cub scout.  And most things related to this club are completely over my head.  The first time we went to the boy scout store (there really is such a thing!) I asked for the cute little scarf and was quickly informed that the term is neckerchief.  Well, I won't make that mistake twice.

Sab accepts my limitations as a "boys mom" sometimes very graciously, sometimes not.  All was status quo until the discussion of the Pinewood Derby came up.  For some reason I pictured card board boxes with chalk drawings on the side.  Well boys and girls I couldn't have been more wrong.  During our field trip to the fire station (now I know how to correctly use a fire extinguisher) our scout leader distributed the pinewood derby kits.  And by kits I mean a block of wood with absolutely no shape, some wheels and a couple of axles to boot.  Good Lord.  The following Tuesday there was an entire presentation on this endeavor including all the ways you are not permitted to cheat - CHEAT - I knew we were in trouble.  Sab looked over at me very wisely and said, "Mom, are you getting any of this?"  It just so happened that we were showered with books, advice, and a visit from my parents.   I gave my dad one of my pep talks - let him know that the pressure of being Sab's mom is immense.  We had to build this thing regardless of the toll on our family :)  My dad visited Virginia's finest hardware stores twice that week.  He did an enormous amount of work (due to my pep talk I bet) and left us in a good position.  The act of finishing fell on Curt's shoulder.  Uh oh.  Should I tell you that the night of the test and tune - he glued the wheel axle closed, no movement, 9:30 p.m. the night before!!!!  Let me share the photos of this remarkable event (this being said in all seriousness) and then the results - stay tuned.

This is the top of the track.  This baby was three lanes wide, three heats for each car, computerized standings, track records . . . big time.

Sab with his friend Tanner.  No pressure for these boys - they are watching Garfield on my Ipod.  You can see Sab's NECKERCHIEF poking out of his fleece - tee hee.

Can you guess which one is ours?!?  Think of the title, think of us, yes - there's the black widow right by the PENCIL car!  Dad - do you see these?

Mia's bears in attendance.

Enough suspense sports fans?  Look at Black Widow's time!!!!  This bizarre little car won three FIRST places today.  Honestly, I almost fell off the bleachers.  Even Curt was awed.  People were picking this baby up to find out the secret - hmm, just cluelessness folks, pure honest miracle!

What's wrong with this picture?  Let me help you with this one - At the very beginning of the race, Scoutmaster Stakem made mention that it is quite possible to win all of your heats but not the overall trophy. Guess who that happened to?  You betcha - Sab!  Look at the face!!!  He missed third place by less than 2 seconds.  He couldn't get what a miracle it was that this thing actually ran - let alone WIN?!?

How about them apples!  Counting them folks - sorry, competitiveness even at the Derby - it is a sickness.

Dreams really do come true folks :)  The camping trip will be any day, I know it.