Eagle Scout Project

The first weekend of April we had a huge snow storm that took down and uprooted a bunch of trees at the park near us. When my third son called the city asking about Eagle projects they were very excited. The city just doesn't have the man power or money to clean it all up. So to have a service project like this will benefit our city greatly.

If you are interested in helping we start tonight at 5:30 and go until dark. On Saturday we will be there at 8am until 11am. Bring some work gloves and any pruners you might have.

It is also a great way for our children to take ownership of the things they use. Hopefully they will take better care of these things in the future. Keeping them nice. They will see that things don't just magically appear beautiful. They must be a part of it.

The men will cut everything in small pieces so the rest of us can put it on trailers or in piles to be taken to the compost pile.

Klondike 2011

It pretty much amazes me that anyone would go sleep out in 8 degree weather. Anything lower that 65 degrees makes me freeze clear through. But, here we have the scouts annual Klondike and no one complaining. It does look like they had fun, and I do appreciate the leaders who put up with it all.

Sled racing (fastest time!)

Fire starting (not:)

They didn't have time this year to do a snow cave, maybe they'll have to do one in the back yard.

Operation "On-Target"

A few weeks ago the scouts my husband is leader for participated in a very cool thing. It is called Operation "On-Target".

On-Target is a Varsity activity where 14 to 18 year old boys (Varsity Scout Teams), travel to mountain peaks to signal other teams on distant peaks. Signal mirrors, ham radio, FRS radio, and cell phones are used for communication. The activity is often referred to as “Peak to Peak”.

Teams prepare by learning how to build and aim signal mirrors, practicing orienteering and map reading skills, and learning about communication. Teams can use mountains, high buildings, open spaces, or other strategically selected locations for their signaling and communication locations.

Our team constructed a mirror with 4 - 1'x1' mirrors that could be re-assembled at the top of the mountain. I believe their signal was seen at another peak 72 miles away.

There were teams on almost every peak in the state and ours was the longest hit. Good job guys!

Goblin Valley

If you're needing a new place to visit and like to explore, I have the perfect place for you. It is called Goblin Valley. It's pretty much boy heaven. First you have the park where all of the goblins are. This costs a Park fee to get in but is totally worth it. The park then is surrounded by some great mountains with tons of great hiking. We love camping here because it has great facilities, easy hikes, and is a little warmer climate than we live in. We usually visit Goblin Valley in the Winter or Spring.

The boys found a cave this last trip that had a huge hole in the top of it. I believe one of them climbed to the top and threw rocks down. I'm Glad I wasn't there for that. Some things a mother should never know.

One Proud Mama!

I just had to post this picture of my handsome son. He recently earned his rank of Eagle Scout and will soon be having his court of honor. He worked very hard for this. When he turned twelve his Dad was deployed to Afghanistan for 15 months. So, with a great leader, and his own determination, he never let down but forged ahead so he would not be behind when his Dad returned. I'm so proud of his accomplishment. He is a wonderful son.