Grand Prix

So, this Grand Prix track is pretty amazing. Not a bit like the pinewood derby track my brothers raced on back in the day. And don't even get me started about back in the day. I'm not bitter that in Boys Brigade my brothers got to build derby cars and pumpkin seed kayaks that they took out on the bay while in Pioneer Girls I learned how to sew a doll and make tea. Oh no, I'm not bitter at all.Well, Lori, let's get back to the present. If memory serves, you last used your sewing machine a couple of days ago, and last we checked, the boys haven't built sea-worthy vessels since they were 12. Time to let it go.


Ok, then. They line these bad boys up on the trackthen let 'em fly!

This was the last Radcliffe hurrah. For some odd reason, we always try to go for speed. So far, that hasn't worked out too well for us. This year Brian was determined to win something, anything. Being the creative kid he is, he figured he would try for the best child-made car. Yes, that means the adults have to keep their hands off, though they are allowed to bestow their most helpful advice and oversight. I mean, come on, there are power tools involved. Someone has to make sure the kid finishes the project with all ten digits intact.

And lest you think the dads don't get overly competitive in these competitions, when the MC asked the younger division speed winners if they had even touched their cars prior to the evening, only 2 of the 6 raised their hands!

Can you spot the creative masterpiece?
Here it is at the finish line. It certainly didn't win its heat, but it didn't come in last either!

Yes, it's the one with the palm tree and half naked WWE wrestler basking under a heat lamp. And as you can see from the trophy in Brian's hand, he created a winner!

I don't know who made this one, but I thought it was clever. Note Jonah's legs protruding from the big fish's mouth. Mr. Big Fish looks as if he has a bit of indigestion.

I have to admit it was a long evening. I kept myself busy with taking pictures while Brian enjoyed time with his friends.
Ian did his share of hanging out with the guys too.

Some of the spectators, however, were forced to create their own entertainment.

Basketball Love

Today was an unusual Valentines Day for us. No hearts. No candy. No flowers. Instead, we had basketballs.

Giant ones.

Plushie ones.


Here Brian shows off his skillz. It was just a little warm up for him, prior to his game.
In case you haven't figured it out, we attended the NBA Jam Session, thanks to our very generous neighbor who was working the event. Brian and I had to cut out a little early so he could make it to his own game. He was a little disappointed to leave, but as I pointed out to him, some people just watch the game and other people actually play it.

Here he is winning a round in the skills competition.


The event was held at the Phoenix Convention Center. Unfortunately, the vendors didn't bring in their dollar menus.
We opted to wait for dinner--8 bucks for a chicken nugget meal! I don't think so.

As we were walking through the convention center, I spotted a crowd of people with their cell phones and cameras flashing. Being the intrepid investigative journalist that I am, I felt the need to ummm, well...investigate...intrepidly.

We pushed into the crowd, snapping away. See all the security? Can you spot the celebrity? I'll give you a little hint. He's got a bling of a ring.
And a rock in his ear.

Figured it out yet? Yeah, well we're so unhip, we had to ask. Because that's what investigative journalists do when they're in a pinch. They ask. So, I'm here to report (intrepidly, of course) that Busta Rhymes made an appearance at the Jam Session.

Now, this guy I know. I mean I know who he is. I don't actually know him. But if I saw him I wouldn't have to ask.

Keeping Busy

So I just totally wrecked my "post-a-day" goal for October. I blame these two knuckleheads.

Here they are on Saturday, reading John Calvin and watching football, because isn't it every young man's dream to combine theology and sports? Well, maybe just the brainiacs in the Torrey program. By the way, that's Drew from Texas, otherwise known as Geoff's Ride Home.


Meanwhile, I'm still slaving away at my little baskets. Okay, not exactly slaving, because if I actually gave them some attention they'd be finished! Tune in tomorrow...

Saturday Checklist

What a day! I think I did just about everything today. Let's see . . .
cleaning...check.
baking...check.
shopping...check.
laundry...check.
talk to mom...briefly, but check.
swim meet...put hubby on it, check.
sewing...check.
football game...check.swim practice...check.
return last night's DVD...check.
rent another DVD...check.
go shopping for the things I forgot on the first trip...check.
supervise another birthday party...check.
check blog...check.
surf the web...check.
talk to Geoff...check.
eat way too much sugar...double check.
have a good day...check!