Momma had ladies night out with a few friends last night, so Ian and I went and had some fun at Boomers.
First up, a round of mini-golf. We both got a hole-in-one on the 12th hole!
Next was a race on the cart track. Definitely favorite part of the evening with Ian screaming “this is like real life Mario Kart!!!” as we raced around the track. Even with another car tailing us, we came in first place. Even lapped two other single drivers.
After that, dinner. No comment on the food, but good conversation.
Lastly we finished the night with video games (of course).
This past weekend, the little man had his Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby race. This is an extremely fun event that we’ve looked forward to since last year. Each year, he draws out his plans for the shape of the car, then using a saw and a Dremel (borrowed from my friend Tony) we work on cutting out his racer:
Next is a lot of sanding. He does all of this by hand. I feel it is really important for him to do a lot of the design and work, part of the experience is learning to take pride in the work you put into something. If he designs and helps build a car, then sees his own creation race down the track he can see the results of his own effort.
Next, the little man paints his car. His latest obsession love is LEGO Ninjago, so of course he designed a paint job around that theme. It turned out great too.
Last, he and I work on the wheels and axles. I’m not going to give away any trade secrets here, but let’s just say it is all about ensuring the least amount of resistance when speeding down the track.
Here is a great shot of him and Momma on our way to the races.
Weighing in, adding just the right amount of weight to ensure maximum speed
Ready to check the car in. Once it’s checked in, the pit crew can no longer touch the car!
We had a great time watching his car speed down the track. He won every race he was in!!! Watch him leave the competition in the dust
After round 1, he was a very happy man
We enjoyed watching each race, seeing his efforts continue to speed past other racers. And, at the end of the rounds, he had 1st place in his age group!
and 4th place overall!!!
He even received a nice ribbon for all his hard work.
The Pinewood Derby was a great event again this year and we are looking forward to next year’s race.
Here is a link to the full set of pictures, and a few more videos:
And whatever translation of the precept you follow, whether it is completely refraining, or consumption without drunkenness, my best wishes to you, your friends, and family.
Had a nice time at the beach today with the little man. We were building sandcastles close to the water so we could watch the water come in and quickly wash them away. Seemed like a good time to discus impermanence.
“Can you think of anything that lasts forever and doesn’t change?”
“Sand, no. Water, no. Plastic, no. There isn’t anything that lasts forever without changing.”
“true”
And so we waited for the water to come in and wash away the sandcastle.
Of course, if impermanence does not happen quick enough, an 8 year old boy can act like Godzilla and help it along.
This evening Ian let me know he wanted to sit with me. Admittedly, I am always excited when he decides he wants to try so we went right in after he brushed his teeth.
First, he decided to almost quit because he wanted to sit in his room, not where I usually sit. So, we moved the cushions to his room.
Next, he decided he would rather stick his tongue out at me while we sat. No big deal, just keep my eyes out of focus and let that pass as one does with the thoughts racing through your mind during meditation. (and of course, don’t crack up – because the little goofball is funny)
Next, he decided to get up and lay in bed; that he was finished sitting with Daddy. No big deal, we’ll try again when he’s ready to try again.
All of this gave me things to work with during my sit. I am always so excited when he wants to sit; don’t let my ego make him sit with me – he will when he is ready. Don’t attach to disappointment when he decides tonight isn’t the night to sit, just let it be.
I continued sitting, working with all of this, working in the present moment. Really, isn’t that the point?
The little goofball ended up fast asleep by the time I’d finished so I went to tuck him in. He must’ve been very tired as you could hear his breath. A sound I would rather listen to over any chanting I’ve ever heard… hearing your child laughing, or sleeping soundly is the most wondrous sutra there is.
