Chase's First Pinewood Derby (well almost)

Chase had his first Pine-Wood Derby activity for scouts today, well almost anyway. Chase and I spent about 10 hours cutting, glueing, sanding, painting and detailing his car and excited about the final outcome. Then we go to the derby this morning and are told Chase's car is disqualified. We asked them which rule we broke and they said I had to use the kit in its entirety. I said that I did use the kit, except that I had to use my own wood to the bottom half of the car because the kit wasn't wide enough to make wheel-wells. Anyway, apparently this scout program here is run by ex-Navy Seals with something to prove cuz they didn't change their mind and Chase then had to just watch on the sidelines as his friends raced their cars. Then we were told he couldn't even enter it in the "best looking car" part of the derby- it was disqualified from EVERYTHING!!! I was so mad I was afraid it would turn into a vulgarity contest, so Allison went and asked them why not. One guy told her it was becuase we didn't use the wood in the kit. She said that the top part was from the kit and he said that it shouldn't have been disqualified then. Then "Hitler in charge" came over and said we didn't follow the rules, so she asked which rules. He said you can't cut the block of wood apart and then put it back together. When she said she didn't see that in the rules, he said that's how he interprets the rules and he is the final judge- end of story. So that was the end of the derby for this year. Fortunately Chase is a good sport and cheered on all the scouts (can't say the same for his parents!)

Welcome 2009!!!

Well, to start off 2009 we decided to put an ornament in our yard. Isn't it pretty?! Both Jon and I cried when we saw the sign. We can't believe we are moving AGAIN! At least this time we get to come back to our home. Besides putting the sign up in the yard we have been busy going through everything we own. Man, we have collected a whole lot of JUNK for the past 11+ years. It's not good to go through this JUNK together. I think all of my stuff is important and his is garbarge and Jon thinks his stuff is important and wants to throw all of my stuff away. It has been quite the experience.

Also this past week we have begun our Dutch Language lessons. It is so HARD! I can now say "My name is Allison" and "I will live in the Netherlands for two years." I know it's not much but hopefully by the time we leave I will be able to say more or at least understand more.

We are hoping 2009 will bring us lots of happiness and many memories. We are going to miss all of our friends and family but hope to see most of you when you visit the Netherlands. (HINT HINT)