Super Jax Speed Demon

To say the boys are competitive would be a bit of an understatement. They are wildly competitive! I wish I could blame their father, but I fear it's a trait they were doomed to inherit. It definitely runs on both sides of the family. At least, I can say that they are rarely if ever poor sports. We've tried to teach them that you always give 110%, but it doesn't guarantee you'll come out on top. Yes, it's awesome to win, but it's being a gracious loser that really shows what you're made of.  Luckily, we don't have to show that side often! Ha! See...competitiveness is in our blood!

January seems to be a highly competitive month in our household. Why? That's when our Pack holds their annual Pinewood Derby. It's a chance for young and old testosterone-fueled boys to plan and plot while daydreaming of trophies and more importantly bragging rights! I can't say I completely understand the fascination, but the energy is contagious. I'm not necessarily saying that is a positive. I don't enjoy surrendering every inch of my kitchen table to the building of 4 cars every January. Yes, FOUR cars! Why four? Well, each of the boys builds a car for the race that must be surrendered at check-in. Then, they each build a "fun" car. You see, the fast cars aren't the most eye-catching. They typically are low profile wedges of wood that produce little drag. The "fun" cars allow the boys to show their personalities and add character.

Last year,  the boys were rookies at the event.  Baylor isn't eligible yet for the real competition since he's not old enough to officially join Scouts, but he is allowed to race in the sibling category.  In two years of competing, he has landed squarely in the middle of the heat. His cars serve as guinea pigs. The boys can see what works and what doesn't which allows them to form strategies for future derbies. In 2012, Jaxon's car performed well enough to take home the First Place trophy for the Tiger heat, but the older more experienced Scouts dominated in the Finals.

This year, the boys set out to improve on last year's performance. Ok, that's sort of a given, but I'm not going to lie. I was nervous! Anh spoke of nothing but total domination for weeks leading up to the race, and I was afraid the boys might be devastated if they walked away without a victory. Grandfather was the one who constructed the boys competition cars last year. Anh only helped with the "fun" cars. I wouldn't say is particularly handy with tools. So, I had serious concerns about how these new cars would perform. I felt it would be wise to prepare the boys for a possible loss, but Anh had a much different approach. Needless to say, I was a ball of stress at the Derby. How would the boys handle disappointment after such a grand prediction.

Well...I guess I'll discover the answer another year. In 2012, Jaxon won...He won BIG!

Jaxon's car won the Wolf heat by a wide margin. As we sat patiently through the remaining heats waiting to race in the Final, we saw that no car had matched the track record set by Jaxon's car. Barring a catastrophe like a wreck, we all knew Jaxon would take top prize, and that's exactly how it played out. Jaxon was the Superstar! He walked out of there with two trophies and bragging rights for the year.

Of course, Jaxon also strolled out of that cafeteria as everyone's target for next year. He's public enemy #1 in their eyes. At least, he's got some time to enjoy the victory before the pressure to defend the title sets in. Enjoy your time at the top, Son! You certainly earned it!

Jumping for Joy

From celebrating ONE to celebrating EIGHT! At least, it was a completely different child! Although, I swear time is passing so quickly that it might as well have been Jaxon's first. When I asked Jaxon what he might like to do with his buddies on his special day, the decision was easy...REBOUNDERZ, our new trampoline arena!

The boys were able to bounce themselves silly for over an hour, and they still had loads of energy! I wish I could bottle that magic!

Although, their energy levels barely dropped, the boys certainly built up an appetite. Back to the house for refreshments & cake!!!

Oh, and presents!!! Can't forget the presents!

Happy Birthday, Jaxon! You're an incredible kid and a son that makes us proud every day. You are going to grow up to do amazing things with that heart of pure gold!

Par-Tee

I certainly hope the boys never accuse us of having a favorite child. It's that concern that rarely causes me to deviate from past routines and traditions, but in this case, I just had to. We didn't throw true birthday parties for Jaxon or Baylor until they turned five years old. Why? They have always had every toy they could ever want or need thanks to Grandfather, and honestly, birthday parties are a lot of work! That doesn't mean we didn't celebrate the boys' special days. We always have family parties at home, and on most birthdays, we've taken treats to school to share with their classmates. We just never put ourselves through the stress of a birthday party with friends before the age of five.

Well...until now! Grant lucked out. He's the baby which means he's the last shot. I figured, why not celebrate the baby turning one? It is a big deal. We're saying farewell to babies and hello to toddlers a.k.a. "big boys!" I decided on a golf theme since we have a beautiful clubhouse in the neighborhood, and I also knew Jaxon & Baylor would enjoy the theme.  Grant is only one. He certainly didn't care as long as there was cake!

So, I guess we've officially ventured on to a slippery slope. One where we must tread carefully or risk creating a sibling rivalry.  Luckily, our sweet boys seem to operate with a team mentality. Let's hope it stays that way!

The Cutest Cake & Cupcakes EVER! I love my baker!

Donut Holes - "Bucket of Balls" Party Favor

Custom Balls with Grant's Name & Birthday

Decorate Your Own Golf Visor

Golf Club Favors

Ready to Sing!

No tears this time! I guess the Birthday Boy decided to display some patience!

Happy Birthday, Grant! We'll try not to spoil you rotten!

ONE in a Million

The title says it all, and these pictures back it up. Grant is ONE!!! Yes, you're about to be subjected to picture overload, but to me there is no narration needed. The pictures say it all & they are priceless to me.

Happy birthday, Grant! You are loved by so many! It has only been a year, but it's hard to remember life without you!