Raingutter Regatta

 One of the best things about being a mom of a young boy is scouting.  I never thought I'd say that and true, it's taken almost two years of being a Wolf Scout leader for me to admit that, but as these Cub Scout days are flying by and May ends this phase of Ethan's life, I've come to enjoy and love his participation in Scouting.

One night back in September, I took the girls out for a mommy/daughter date...shopping, looking for earrings for Brynlee and a treat before we headed back to the boys.  Have I mentioned I love having four little girls too!?  We left the boys with specific intructions to work on Ethan's boat for the upcoming Raingutter Regatta and thought if we left, they'd be less distracted. ;-)

When we got home, we found the two of them playing WII together and a little raft creation sitting nearby on the table.  I think we (cough..I) were a little skeptical of its' talent (especially since it seemed that most of the actual boat and sail had been cut and carved away) but the boys sure seemed excited about it.  Apparently, they had a different idea of making a boat this year and after referring to the internet, they came up with what they later name "The Arrow", a slightly different and ususual version of a normal regatta boat.

We gave Ethan all the normal talks before we got to church.  "Even if you don't win or the boat doesn't make it very far, it was the fun in participating." You know, all those fun things parents have to try and remind their children so there isn't a meltdown or too much disappointment in the event of great loss (haha...like last year).

Well wouldn't you know it, that little boat actually sailed! Not tipped, not sunk and didn't even lag behind.  It actually started coming in first for every race...

I looked over at Ammon and he just winked at me. 

As a mother though, I was mostly grateful for Ethan.  He didn't make a big deal about his winnings.  He just smiled at me and gave me a small thumbs up that no one saw.  I could tell he was beaming inside but you wouldn't notice it too much from the outside. 

And when they finally narrowed down the results, Ethan's little raft came in first place!  I'll admit, I was shocked...I didn't have very much faith in that little raft, but it just proves "small but mightly"- the same thing we tell Ethan regarding his height. ;-)

And you know what? Even if we aren't blessed with another son, this year has been fun and so good for Ammon, Ethan and their relationship.  They came in first at the Pinewood Derby in the Spring and now first in the Regatta.  I love these two and am grateful for the scouting program. 

Haha...I do have to say that they need to hand it to the mother's too.  Ethan and I have spent hours working on the book requirements which is no easy task either! And I thought scouting was just a boy thing! No siree! ;-)

Here are many of the Webelos and Bears Ethan gets to be around each week. Love these good kids!

Ammon and David Smith, Ethan, Alex Harston, Weston Howell and Spencer Cook

That fun night was finished with a bang.  Sister Mills, the Scout Master, awarded each of the boys with all their treasures and goodies from Scout Camp.  Ethan loved getting that big baggie of patches and belt loops...can you tell?

And now this Cub Scout mommy gets to help her son finish earning his Webelo award, Faith in God AND his Arrow of Light in the next five months before the baby is born and the move happens. 

We have our work cut out for us!