Blue and Gold

Since Taylor neglected to take any thought for the Blue and Gold banquet besides the joke entertainment, awards, and drumset, I got stuck doing the rest.  In hindsight I should just have left it all alone and let it be simple or nothing, but when 14 boys and their families are expecting a dinner and event, I felt like I had to step in.

Last minute balloons at walmart.

And the tables and chairs and decor got done at least.

Everyone came through on the food.

And the boys only wanted a bigger table so they could fit all 14 of them around it (plus the siblings who really, really want to be a part of the group).

Taylor did this joke night 3 years ago with his Webelos that have moved on.  It was such a hit that he's made it part of the 3 year rotation so all the boys get to do it.  He borrowed a snare drum and cymbals from his brother and then asked each of the scouts to come prepared to tell 3 jokes.  Some told a lot more.

Ethan could have gone on for hours!

And then of course after taking their turn telling jokes, they got to do the rim shots for the next joke teller (ba-doom-ching).

Then there were Webelos and Bear badges to be handed out.

And a bear cave to climb in even with the "bear" roaring into the microphone.

And proud parents.

And siblings who refused to stay at the table.

And of course the required kisses for mom.

Lots of happy boys and families!

Valentine's Day

Usually I only get to help with one of the school parties, but this year since they were scheduled at different times and the 4th grade was desperate for extra mommies, I got to see both kids.  I was feeling overwhelmed with other things so I just grabbed our Valentine card box and brought that as an activity.  The kids loved it, it was mostly not messy, and they were quiet and engaged.  Perfect!

Another mom was more adventurous and brought supplies to make door hangers.

And of course there was bingo like always.

And then the best part of all- several moms got together to do a waffle bar.  They seriously brought in waffle makers, mix, spray, and then way too many toppings to count including fruits, sprinkles, marshmallows, syrup, and even homemade whipped cream.  These kids are spoiled!

Ethan's party was a little more tame.  I got their in time for passing out of cards.

Then they all went out to play a group game.

Back inside for my craft- the ever popular card making.  It may not have been the favorite activity of the kids but they all seemed happy to write and decorate and give a card and I was happy it was so mess-free and calm.

Here's Ethan next to his Valentine's box- Bob from Monsters vs. Aliens.  Every year we spend some time on pinterest perusing the boxes other people have made and then we copy them.  This was Ethan's instant choice.  And pretty easy with some blue spray paint and cardstock.  I'm realizing now I forgot to take any pictures of Isaac's box.  He made a giant minecraft creeper out of shoe boxes and little squares of paper.  It sadly was very cool.

When Daddy's Away

Taylor got invited to go back to GW and serve as a judge for their annual law school Religious Freedom Moot Court.  So what to do with ourselves for a 4 day weekend without dad.  First off, basketball in the park since it's 60 degrees in February!

Saturday breakfast at iHop complete with a very skilled balloon animal guy.  Isaac wanted a ninja.

Ethan wanted a fire breathing dragon.

Isla wanted Elsa no less.

And Miles wanted a shark.

These things were amazing and instantly beloved.

After breakfast we went to Target to let the kids spend their gift card money their Uncle Jeff sent for Christmas.  Pokemon cards and princesses.  And happiness for hours with new toys to play with!

And Sunday after church since it was 70 degrees we had a picnic lunch.  We're loving this weather and can't wait for dad to get back!

Ethan's Junior Jazz Basketball

This year for basketball Ethan wanted to play with some of his friends from school.

It meant a longer drive to his practices and games but also that he'd practice more with them at recess.

He became the king of stealing the ball.

And he always is very good at showing his thanks when Grams comes to watch.