My Cub's a Wolf.

  Bradley is now a cub scout. A very CUTE Cub Scout.

He loves to wear his Wolf hat. 

His first Blue and Gold Banquet had the theme, "Shoot for the Stars". He had to bake a cake with his Dad to go along with the theme. They made our favorite chocolate bundt cake. 

"Bundt" is such a strange word. Bun-d-t.

They translated the theme quite literally with a gun shooting for the stars.

He was thrilled to come home with a prize for his yummy cake...but even more excited to feel so official at his first banquet. He was frozen during the flag ceremony as he watched the more experienced scouts post the flag. His eyes were huge. I will never forget how cute he looked.

He began working on his car for the Pinewood Derby that was right around the corner. 

The weigh in.

Bashful.

Call to order.

The Bracket.

The Listener.

Waiting for his car to race.

His turn!

The nerves kick in! He chokes himself.

 He chokes himself, tighter.

Grandma, Grandpa, and cousin Dave come to cheer him on.

His best friend, Connor, offers him moral support.

The juicy lips were there, too.

The thrill of competition was alive and well with all of the sub scouts.

One of Bradley's Den Mamas, Denise. We LOVE her! She is an awesome leader and always has the best activities planned for the boys. You can tell how much she loves them and she puts her heart and soul into her calling. Her daughter, Melissa, is the other Den Mama and she is a chip off the 'ol block. Incredible lady who is great with the boys. We are blessed to have such strong cub scout leaders in our ward. Bradley doesn't want to move because it will mean leaving his pack. They do make it tempting to stay.

Bradley was so excited to get his derby trophy and certificate.

Cloud 9.

 

Flying High

Donkey Hill is the perfect place to fly kites. The wind that comes through the valley stays pretty steady and when there is a storm rolling in...you best be holdin' on to sumpin. 

It was still technically "winter" but it felt so much like Spring that we decided to head to The Hill right after school was out. 

Sometimes it takes a little experience to get that kite flying and SOMETIMES there is a child that lacks said experience yet doesn't want anyone to help....which results in this look...

 It's hard being 5.

Bryce had some cuddle time with his pup and that cheered him up. 

Piper has a way of cheering anyone up. She's a special girl.

Finally. Victory was his.

Tommy T was out of town on business and so we were expecting his return.

He surprised us by driving up the back of the property.

We were all excited to see him...

But I think Piper was the most excited.

She greeted him at his truck...ready to play fetch.

The other animals looked perplexed. This must have been their first kite flying party.

Hoping for many more days like these...

Love my cubs.

Bradley's Baptism

Bradley's baptism day was beautiful. 

 Aunt Josie captured the gorgeous sunrise on his special morning.

Tom and I left the kids with Grandma while we made preparations.

Tom filled the baptismal font and I prettied things up.

Bradley was really nervous...so when everyone was busy mingling before the program began, I took Bradley into the Primary room and we said a prayer together that his nervousness would subside and he would be full of faith and confidence and know that every person in that room loved him.

Our prayer was answered and he walked out with his shoulders back and head held high.

They were so handsome.

 I can't believe this little boy.....

turned into this young man.... Over Night.

Bradley was so touched that Uncle Mark woke up at 5 am to drive all the way from Kansas City with 5 of the cousins in order to be there on his special day. He was also thrilled that his friend Emily and her mother, Marie, chose to come and share such an important day with him. The room was full of people who loved him and wanted to show their honor, respect, and support for the decision he made to be baptized.

The program was beautiful. We sang "When I am Baptized" and Courtney gave a beautiful opening prayer that got me crying before anything started.

Grandma A. gave a sweet talk about obedience and told a story about when she was a little girl and ignored her Mother's counsel to wear a scarf over her face when she walked home from school in the cold Wisconsin air...and how her nose froze and turned completely white. She talked about the safety that comes from following the Lord's commandments and obeying his parents counsel.

Tom baptized Bradley and then confirmed him a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and gave him the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Those in the circle were: Daddy, Grandpa F., Uncle John, Uncle Mark, Uncle Bart, and Brother McGary.

The words spoken were beautiful and reminded me of what a choice spirit Bradley has and what a tender heart he has.

During intermission we showed this beautiful video by President Uchtdorf about "The Ugly Duckling"and wrote notes to Bradley.

Grandma F. shared a talk ont he Holy Ghost that she had found in a file that my Dad had written years ago. It was neat to feel both Grandpa's presence at the baptism and especially cool to actually hear words that my father had written. 

The closing hymn was, "I feel my Savior's Love" and Aunt Josie closed everything with a heartfelt prayer. It was such a beautiful, precious experience that I will always remember. I am so proud of the person Bradley is. He wasn't "raised" to be such an amazing boy...he just came pre-programmed that way and we count ourselves blessed to be able to have him as our son.

We love you Bradley, Boo!

So happy for you!