All about James

James has had a pretty eventful week. It all started with his first Pinewood Derby competition. When he brought home his kit a couple months ago I had a serious talk with Ben about how this was James' car...not his :) He bought a book from the Scout store called "Pinewood Derby speed secrets" that had lots of different plans. James picked the one he liked best and they got to work. James helped him every step of the way, from cutting to sanding, to painting, even sanding down the nails that held the wheels (Ben will have to explain that one). I thought they were going a little overboard. I was concerned that James wasn't going to do well and that his whole experience would be ruined. We had a conversation about how winning wasn't everything and how we should cheer everyone on. Boy did I eat my words later!

There was some fierce competition going on. There were 49 cars and 6 heats for each car. They had this crazy cool track that recorded the time and speed in mph. James was up first and I was shocked that he came in first. That car was FAST! Each time his car raced I was nervous and then excited as he won every one. My dad and Ben were keeping track of the other races and felt like James was keeping up pretty well with the leaders. After everyone raced they took a little break to let the computer calculate the results. While we were waiting they gave out awards to everyone based on what their car looked like. James got the award for being "the Holey One" (his car had a hole in it).

Then the moment we were all waiting for. My dad felt that James was in the top three, I still wasn't sure. They announced third place - not James. Second place - not James. At this point I looked over at my dad in disbelief...there is not way my little boy took first place overall. Sure enough, he did! I wish I could have captured his face that moment, I have never seem him look so happy or proud. 

The next day James had his first baseball game. Again, I was nervous because he had been having some trouble hitting during practice. I don't know if it was the confidence running over from the night before or just his sheer talent but he hit the ball each time on either the first or second pitch. He was unstoppable! He even got to play catcher which was the cutest thing ever.

I just got an email today from James' teacher that he is getting an award next Monday at a school assembly for self-discipline and integrity. James makes us proud every day but I had to brag about his stellar week!