Ryan's Advances to 2nd class in Scouting

I'm proud of how hard Ryan works in scouts.  He enjoys being with his friends and he has had great leaders over the years.  I love to see the kind of young man that he is growing into and how Scouting makes him better.

The Triumphant Return (although The Exhausted Return would be more appropo)

The 15 days went slowly/quickly by and it was finally/already time to welcome our boy home!  We drew a message for him on the garage door and Isabelle and I colored a sign to take to the airport.  We arrived at the airport a little late and out of breath but fortunately, the boys were later than we were.  So we anxiously waited for the first sign of the "boys with the yellow hats".

 Excitedly waiting

 Ashley and Brig enjoyed playing together while we waited but refused to hold still for a picture. (Have you noticed that most of Ashley's friends are boys??  I have.)

 Although the pictures don't do it justice, these boys were delighted to see each other.

 Actually we were all delighted.  All three of the other kids followed Ryan around the rest of the night vying for his attention.  I think he couldn't decide whether he loved it or not!

 I was so glad to get my boy back.  He's growing up but he's still my little boy and I love him so.

It was a little to dark to see the sign well but at least he knew he was loved.

 While he was gone, Scott and I cleaned and organized his room including a nice new dresser.

 The only birthday balloon that we managed to get a picture of.

 Happy to be home and waiting for birthday presents.

 

Ryan's National Boy Scout Jamboree July 9-24

For the last two years Ryan has been working and saving and preparing for the National Boy Scout Jamboree.  Finally the day arrived!!  He was nervous and excited and I was a little (or a lot) sick to my stomach about sending my not yet 12 year old clear across the country for two weeks.  It was awful and wonderful all at the same time.  There were 6 boys who went from our ward and he went with several excellent scout leaders.  I was so proud of how hard he worked to get himself ready for this trip.  He celebrated his birthday while he was gone and it was kind of a rough day with lots of rain and homesickness.  We spoke with him twice that day and fortunately by the second call he was feeling much better and much happier.  I'm so fortunate to be the mother of this fine boy. 

 They had a special visitor before they left, Taysom Hill (BYU Quarterback) came to talk to them and shared his testimony.  It was a great kickoff for the whole event.

 My cute boy that I insisted on getting one last hug from before he left.

 He's watching us from the left window and was nervously excited to get on his way.

 The moment of truth (for me - I can't believe I dared to let him go!)

Deanne and I commiserated together often while the boys were gone.  I was so thankful that Ryan was able to be with one of his best friends for such an adventure.

Ryan's Jamboree Activity

Ryan is excited to be going to the Boy Scout National Jamboree this summer.  He'll turn 12 while he is there and will be gone for 2 weeks and 2 days.  He is ecstatic, I'm stressed :)

To help them get excited about the church history and American History they would be experiencing they had an activity with the man from "American Ride".  Scott went with Ryan and they said it was a really interesting evening.

 This is his jamboree troup.  I think most of these boys are from our stake.  Six of them are from our ward!  Ryan is excited to be going with his best friend Sean Moses.

Court of Honor



 Ryan's first Court of Honor.  He earned his Tenderfoot rank advancement. 

 He didn't even poke me when he pinned me.  (To be fair, he's never poked me before either.)

 I think he was pleased.  So were we.

 Several boys were recognized for going on the Klondike.  He had a grand time but didn't love how much work it was to prepare for and clean up after (not to mention he had to help cook and clean while there).  It was a bit eye-opening for our 11 yr old who generally lives in his own little world.

 We were very pleased when Ryan was called up again and awarded a special service award for helping Brother Jones shovel the church sidewalks.  He was the only scout who came and he didn't complain at all, he just went and helped.  I was proud of him and thankful that a leader would recognize him for his hard work.  Life isn't always like that, but it's nice when it is.  (Thanks Brother Jones!)

Jamboree Campout

Ryan's first cold weather campout was this weekend with his Jamboree troup. He had a grand time but struggled to walk with his pack.  :)  Scott helped him pack his needed gear and he attached everything to his backpack.  It was hilarious to watch him try to walk.  Luckily they didn't hike to their camp spot.  He said it was a great night minus the bathroom accommodations (hole in the ground).

Ryan graduates from Weblos

Ryan graduated from Weblos when he turned 11.  He was so excited to move on to 11 yr old scouts!

In this video clip he is enjoying his moment in the sun.

http://youtu.be/N-wqhvmx5KM