As told in pictures - Pinewood Derby

Pack 254 pinewood derby.

As instructed, we arrived an hour before the race time to register. Actually, we were intentionally 15 mnutes late, because this seasoned mom knows too much time before the structured and organized activity begins coupled with nearly fifty 6-11 years old boys yields too much opportunity for wall-climbing. Which is exactly what they did:

Waiting for the race:

Announcing the race:

Some are more enthused to pose for pictures:

Than others:

Race time:

Obligatory Mommy and me pose:

Waiting at the finish line:

Obligatory Mommy and Me pose take 2:

Again waiting at the finish line:

The results:

Some are more pleased: (1st place of 2nd graders)

Than others: (didn't place for 1st graders)

Fear not, Grant, other's share your sentiments:

The real designer and engineer behind the cars, the hero to some and the goat to others (I'll let you use your deductive reasoning to determine which child currently thinks he is a hero and which thinks he is a goat.)

POP-O!! (Daddy's Dad)

It was one of the first events in which the boyz have ever participated that didn't have participation trophies or ribbons - you know, every child gets an award just for showing up or signing up or paying dues. I hate participation awards. I think this was a great lesson. I am just sad that while one of my boyz  learned the glory part, the other learned the heartache part. Especially for something over which they had little control - pinewood derby is a DAD thing. In consoling Grant, I was explained that had Gavin been in 1st grade, his car would not have placed. The first grade cars had some STIFF competition. Grant just knows he walked home with the same car he arrived with while Gavin also left toting a trophy. That's all that matters to him.

KEEP BELIEVING