Passing the (Meltdown) Torch . . .

Bryant, and his good friend Matthew Steffen, both passed their Eagle boards of review last evening. It is an ending of an era for me (my scout meltdown phase) and the beginning of a new one for Bryant and Matthew -- more prestige and responsibility in their scouting careers.

Here they are before they were called in for their interviews:

Undoubtedly they are wondering what questions they will be asked and if they will be prepared with a good answer. Br. Steffen prepped them by reminding them of some of their memorable scouting experiences such as overeating (and undereating) during their cooking merit badge phase, and Bryant getting sick at the veterinary science merit badge clinic . . . how could he forget??? Tracy reminded them both not to suck on their lollipops during the meeting . . . unless, of course, they were going to share with everybody! With such wonderful fatherly advice to put them at ease, how could they not be ready to face the board?

And here they are after they have both been informed of passing:

Yeah, they definitely look a little more relaxed . . . maybe even JUBILANT!

And a few more pictures of some of the immediate fan club:

Lissie made sure to share with them one of her favorite pick up lines: "Are you a BOY SCOUT ??? . . . because you have my heart all tied up in KNOTS!"

The one thing that I will remember most fondly about this evening is how Bryant seemed to radiate goodness.
I love this kid!

The proud fathers with their sons

And one last picture . . .

Matthew and Bryant . . .

trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. What a wonderful accomplishment.
Congratulations guys!

p.s. Marie, I'm passing the scout meltdown torch down to YOU!

A Bit of Crazy

CRAZY . . . the perfect adjective for some of the things the kids have been up to in the past couple of weeks:

Christian - climbed a mountain (with snowshoes) in Garmisch with his priest quorum . . . and then slid down on a sled. It was an all day, one time, ascend and descend!

This is a picture (not of Christian) off the zugspitze.de website:

Lissie - taking a "Crazy for You" tap workshop in preparation for upcoming Roadside Theater auditions. When she tap dances, she reminds me so much of Tracy. He actually tapped and sang for me one evening outside my Provo apartment when we were dating, and many times thereafter. Sweet memories.

Look at Lissie's new tap shoes!
(She actually wears about a size 4.5, but this pic makes her feet look gigantic!)

Bryant - went winter camping in the Black Forest (with fellow scouts) and slept outside instead of in the cabin . . . I guess he wanted the authentic winter camp experience.

Here he is with his soccer ball

(he can't leave home without it)

And here he is playing with fire, again!

And me . . . just going crazy until my new books arrive so I can begin my next BYU class which is about the history of The Family in Europe.

A sampling of the books I'm waiting for . . .

Crazy fun, I know!