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:
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.
This weekend, we were able to attend the Viking Festival down in Vista, CA. It is put on by the Sons of Norway and Norwegian Fish Club Odin, and appears to be an annual event. Dawn had found out about it in the AAA magazine and I’d been looking forward to it ever since.
One of the first things we saw was a demonstration battle:
They had information about a ‘Viking Log Toss’ competition that I really wanted to enter, but it turns out that was held on Saturday. Oh well, maybe next year; I’ll be able to practice before then.
A ton of vendors were there selling anything from handmade chainmail, helmets, swords, and leather to shirts, flags, jewelry, and cooking supplies. I couldn’t pass up a shirt that had Mjölnir on the front with ‘If you can read this you are a Viking’ spelled out in runes. (yes, it is awesome)
A lot of the back area was set up with camps displaying tents and living quarters
(I told Dawn we should try to see if we can stay overnight in one of these next year; though I’m not sure she’s convinced.)
and, quite a few people were in costume
(as a side note, I spoke with him and they have a group that does ‘Viking flash mobs’ in Los Angeles. Their Facebook page is here: ‘Norse Hollywood Dining Vikings‘ – how great is that! I may have to start working on a costume so I can join them.)
Although it was the longest line in the place, we waited and the lefse was well worth it, as you can tell by Ian’s look of approval here
The little man also got to paint his own sword and shield
which he tried out in battle against two worthy foes
as you can see, he fought valiantly and made his ancestors proud!
I think the one thing we all enjoyed the most was ax throwing! Dawn made great attempts
I landed 4 of my 5 throws (beginner’s luck I think)
and we gave Ian a turn and he landed it! (proud Daddy here!)
One of the excellent things is that I was able to get a bit of information that will hopefully help me in researching my ancestry back to Sweden. This is something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time. Also, found there is a local lodge of the Vasa Order of America.
All in all, it was a great time and we can’t wait to go back next year
Last week, Dawn surprised me with a trip to MOCA to see the Art in The Streets exhibit. MOCA really went all out on this, from the bus parked out front completely painted, to the entire side of the building painted with a mural, the multiple installations by Space Invader (a favorite of mine), work by Banksy (another favorite), and an area dedicated to Fab 5 Freddy. Fantastic!
If you are in the Los Angeles area, I highly recommend going. I’ll likely go at least once more before it end.
According to Richard Cizik, president of the New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good, which helped to pay for the ad, “Being consistently pro-life requires more than caring for the unborn, it requires following the Biblical call to care for the poor and the downtrodden.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a big fan of Stephen Prothero’s outlook (or, at least the little I’ve heard). I’ve not read his book, “”God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions that Run the World,” but from all the excerpts that are touted around the internet, I think it is rather the opposite of a useful outlook on things. But, enough about the disagreements.
I have to agree with his sentiments in this article. It is definitely worth a read.
