Pinewood Derby

As we discussed in a previous post, Bode is now in cub scouts.  This past weekend was the annual Pinewood Derby.  This was our first experience with Pinewood Derby, and we did not realize the amount of work "scouts" put into their cars.  I put scouts in quotes because there is obviously a lot of parental help and internet advice put into a lot of these cars.  I can imagine a purer time when one could not simply Google, "Fastest Pinewood Derby car" and receive a length list of tips and advice on how to construct a winning car.  We were happy Bode was somewhat interested in the car when we worked on it.  We didn't do any of the tips--we figured if Bode wasn't concerned, we wouldn't be concerned.

When we arrived at the Derby, we got a picture of Bode with his car.

Before the races started, the Den master (I think that's the right term) had a friend bring his souped-up mustang to the location.  Supposedly this car has over 500 horsepower.

The owner was a kindred spirit--a fellow car enthusiast.  I asked him, "How many pistons does this thing have?"  He looked at me awkwardly, and gave me some bland answer.  Ashley whispered in my ear, "The correct term is 'cylinders' you jacka*s."

Back inside, we were able to run some tests on the track prior to the start of the event.  Our car (I mean Bode's car) was dreadfully slow.  We weighed it, and we were a full two ounces light.  Thus, we scrambled to find some pennies and dimes to weight the car.  Luckily, one of the parents had brought a caulk gun to help glue weight-items to cars prior to the impoundment at the start of the race.  There was one guy with a whole tool box of items, and he was talking about how he had hoped to apply powdered graphite on the wheels every night for a few weeks before the race to reduce friction, but ended up doing it only a couple times.  I think we hammered in wheels on the night before and quickly (but not effectively) checked the alignment.  Bottom line:  We have a lot to learn about Pinewood Derby.

The racing started, and Bode wasn't too thrilled with the results.  However, there were many heats, and I think Bode started against some of the top cars.  Fortunately, towards the end, he was matched against cars (parents) that had the same skill level.  Here are some action photos.  Note Bode's car is in the far left lane.

He got nosed out at the line.  So close.

One of the great things about scouts (at least for cub scouts) is everyone gets some sort of prize.  Plus, with only four Tiger cubs, third place (which is was Bode got) is not that hard to get, but it still is worthy of a trophy.  Here's a shot of all the Tigers.  Logan (far left) won, Dylan was second, Bode was third, and Tylen was fourth.

We had a very nice time on Saturday, and have already started our designs for next year.  Maybe I can schedule some time in the wind tunnel up at work :-)  Ashley will be in Virginia this week, so it's just me and the dude.  Should be a busy (and lonely) week.

The Hunt

We had a nice Easter weekend.  While not the most pious of families, we (and various relatives) get Bode Easter baskets.  In obeisance to Easter traditions, one of Bode's baskets contained a Star Wars clone trooper mask.  Very cool.

Bode is big into Star Wars (as he should be).  He also got a nice Easter basket from Grandpa and Miss Janet, delivered all the way from Milwaukee.

The Easter bunny came and he/she/it hid some eggs outside.  The bunny remembered errors of previous years when eggs were hidden where Harley could get to them, so all eggs were hidden in the front of the house.  Here's a movie of Bode off on the hunt.

We had a beautiful day here on Easter.  The mountains were picturesque, and by mid-morning, it was warm enough for shorts.

By noon, Nana, Papa, Grammy, Teddy, and Charlie arrived from Denver.  Ashley cooked us up a great ham for Sunday dinner.  Here's a nice shot of the boys feasting.

Afterwards, we decided to do another egg hunt.  Nana and Papa brought some eggs, and we combined these with ours, giving us a grand-total of 93 eggs (some hard-boiled, some plastic).  Ashley and I did the hiding, and when we were done, the boys were ready.  We made them pause for a pre-hunt picture.

Then, the boys were off and running.

We figured it was best to not keep track of the total egg count for each boy, lest there be any hurt feelings.  All boys had a great time.  Even the adults got into the hunt, because at one point, we had recovered 91 eggs, and we couldn't find the other ones.  Ashley and I could not remember the locations.  Fortunately, with the help of everyone, we were able to find them.  

In the late afternoon, David and his friend, Jenny, came for a visit.  We sat and talked and had a nice evening.  We hope to see them again this weekend at the mountain estate.

Today, Bode had scouts.  Nana took this picture of Ashley, Bode, and me.  Little Dude looks so grown up.

Pleasant week to all.

Family Photo

This will be a short post--just wanted to show a nice picture of Ashley, Bode, and me at the base of Peak 9.

Gotta love little Dude's hat :-)  Happy Monday to all.

The Mountain Estate Video Tour

For some, still pictures just don't cut the mustard (is that even the right phrase?).  To meet the overwhelming demand (in my mind), I took a series of videos walking through the mountain estate and giving some narration.  After watching the videos, I've concluded I'm certainly no Spielberg when it comes to film making, nor am I Morgan Freeman-esque when it comes to narration.  Still, these videos should give you a good idea of the layout of the mountain estate.

Sorry for the choppy video.  When we get a million-dollar beach estate, I'll hire a professional video team to create a series of videos...but the chances of that happening are very small, so don't hold your breath :-)  Pleasant weekend to all.

More Mountain Estate

Per the previous post, I promised some more pictures of the mountain estate.  I am good to my word.  First up is a shot of the third bedroom.

Next are a couple shots of the outdoor space.

Finally, a series of shots of the views from the backyard.

The weather has been quite warm, as evidenced by the lack of snow on the back patio.  Ski season is rapidly approaching an end.  We thought Bode was doing well with his skiing and the number of lessons he was able to take.  We didn't realize there was an "unlimited ski school" package.  Our new neighbor has been to 38 sessions.  Something for Bode to shoot for next year :-)  Pleasant weekend to all.

The Mountain Estate

The second of the big happenings in McGuirkville has happened.  We told you we sold our Mountain Palace last month.  Yesterday, we took the proceedings from that sale and cashed in some funds from the international and offshore accounts and bought a new house.  A Mountain Estate (well, that's stretching it).  We really loved this house when we looked at it in January, and realized buying this was our best option in order to get a very comfortable home in Blue River, Colorado (about three miles south of Breckenridge).  Below is a picture of Ashley and me in front of the home.

Here's a shot of the entire front of the house and also a shot of Ashley's butt, which is important to maximize page views for each post.

The house is pretty slick.  Just over two thousand square feet, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a very open, mountainy floor plan.  Here are some shots of the home.  First, here is Bode in his bedroom.  Note the furniture--we were able to buy a good deal of the furniture, so we didn't have to worry about getting large heavy items into the house.  We were thrilled when realized Bode's bed is a trundle, meaning we have room for friends to visit.

Next, is a shot just outside Bode's bedroom.  This is the main living space, with a dining table, couch, chairs, and a TV.  There is also a nice wood-burning stove, which throws off sooo much heat.  We were too hot last night and needed to open a windown.

Here is a shot looking down from the upstairs loft.

Next is a picture of the bedroom in the loft aka the master bedroom.  There is a nice sleigh bed, along with a little nook for a desk, and a huge walk-in closet with tons of built-in drawers.

There is also a third bedroom and a beautiful sun room.  Plus, the outdoor space in the backyard has a hot-tub and an incredible covered bar.  I'll try to remember to take more pictures tomorrow.

My Mom came up for a visit today.  The three of us (Ashley, Mom, me) went and picked up Bode from ski school.  Here's a nice picture of Ashley and Mom waiting for Bode to come down the mountain.

We somehow missed Bode coming down the mountain, because we were looking around and saw him sitting in the finishing area.  Before leaving, we took time for some family shots.

We expect to spend some quality time in the mountains.  We also extend invitations to friends, family, and anyone that wants to hang out in the peace and tranquility of Blue River, but with the caveat you must also be able to tolerate the occasional moose and bear.  Pleasant week to all.

The Recital

Sort of.  Bode didn't really do a piano recital in front of an audience.  But his piano teacher did suggest we have Bode practice some pieces and he could then perform them while I recorded them.  The purpose was to both to get Bode used to playing in front of an audience (you don't just show up at Carnegie Hall for your first performance) and also to document his progress.  Of course, there is the added benefit that these videos make great blog material.  Without further adieu, here's is Bode McGuirk's first performance.  The first song in the program is Itsy Bitsy Bird.

Next, we have Go for the Gold!

Finally, Pirates of the Sea

The last two songs in the recital were the last two songs from the Level 1 work-book Bode has been using.  He's now Level 2, and we couldn't be prouder.  He'll practice without us even asking him to--he just goes to the piano and starts playing.  Very neat.

A couple more weeks until our spring break.  Hopefully the second item of the big-happenings on the McGuirk agenda comes to fruition.  Until then, we'll continue to plod along, always yearning for the magical day when we no longer have to work.  Pleasant week to all.