Cub Scouts - An Education for Mom!

Aaron only had one thing left to do in order to complete his requirements for his Wolf Badge and that was to visit a fire station and learn how to prevent fires. So, I made the arrangements and off we went last Friday to our local Snohomish Fire Station. I was harboring the delusion that they would walk single file, raise their hands with relevant questions and not be the least bit silly - even after my "Boys, we're going to behave in here... speech" before we went in. Just shows my naivite. I'm seriously a bit old for that amount of energy. I know you moms of boys are laughing at me right now. But hey, you wanna know how to deal with a bunch of hormonal girls at Girls' Camp - I'm your girl - my expertise!

Nevertheless, here is the beginning of our tour. Five cub scounts plus a friend, Duncan were in attendance. This formerly horse-drawn fire truck in the background was from the town of Snohomish - 1888 - I found way cooler than the boys did:

Aaron in the seat of a fire engine:
J.J. standing behind our guide, Gabe in the driver's seat, Aaron in passenger's seat, Cameron in the back right above Duncan who's sitting in the backseat, then Kyran on the outside, right.

Inside the aid car where instead of asking questions about cool ambulance stuff, they proceeded to have a best joke contest. I think Aaron's won... ask him sometime what the different between Roast Beef and Pea Soup is...

Aaron trying on smoke mask. They especially liked it when the fireman covered the front part, with his hand, and they could talk like Darth Vader - "Luke, I am your Father!"

Not quite big enough to get a job here yet...

Then, last night was Aaron's first Blue and Gold Banquet. Here is Drew Gidewall and Aaron - buddies since birth:

Carly and Brie Gidewall - they're 4 days apart and as I've always said: "Twins separated before birth by a loving God!"

Me pinning Aaron's Wolf badge on upside down - he has to do a "good turn" to turn it right side up and have me sew (I say sew loosely here. I use the stick on adhesive stuff. This mom doesn't sew!) it on:

Aaron and Kyran both received their Wolf badges this evening. Aaron also got 1 gold and 3 silver arrow points to boot.

And next month is the Pinewood Derby! Our first and boy are Aaron and Paul excited. I think Paul's been dreaming of this day ever since Aaron was born. Big, big racing plans... I just shake my head, sigh and take a couple Advil...

Brianna's going to BYU and Happy Valentines Day to ME!

Late on Feb. 12th, Brianna got the official word from BYU that she was accepted. Here are the many faces of a thrilled girl getting ready to spread her wings and FLY!

Here is a slightly annoyed Kenzie, who is realizing her buddy, Brianna, is leaving her in 6 short months.
Kenzie helping me model my pretty Valentine roses from Paul:

Me poised on my throne in front of the computer saying "Hey" to my peeps on Facebook:
Seriously - our home is going to seem strange and lacking when Brianna leaves...