Pinewood Derby Days!

Holy Crap! We won a race!

The past few years of pinewood derby's have been sad ones for the Hatch family. Mostly for Christopher.

Although we have built some good looking cars, I just could not help Chris put together a winning car. In the picture above, Christopher's car is the good looking black truck in 3rd place. That was the best finish we ever had in any heat in three years of derby's.

We have been so consistently bad that we took special efforts with Preston to prep him for loosing. We sat him down the night before and tried to explain that the Derby is mostly about having fun and not about winning.

Well after several years of utter failure we have finally entered a winner! Who would have thought a happy go lucky sponge from the sea would take top honors at this year's races. Preston did most of the work himself on the car. He had the idea and I helped him find the right pic of Spongebob.

We could not believe the car was winning. I even had dads come up and ask what our secret was. The problem is, I don't know what the secret was. That worries me since I am sure Preston now expects to have a fast car next year.

Sizing up the competition!

Spongebob by a Nose!

The winners circle!

Way to go Preston...and dad :)

Spring Break with the Kelly Family

Easter Retake

Easter Sunday 2009
Easter Sunday 2005

It's amazing how they change in four years!

Preston

As most of you know, Preston has a severe allergy to peanuts. So severe that if he happens to eat some and not get meds, he could die within 10 minutes. This is nothing new, we have known since he was a baby and have lived accordingly. Most of the time Preston is good about it, but once in awhile he feels down. Especially if he is at a party and everyone else is eating treats and he can't because they either contain peanuts or were processed in a plant that contains peanuts.

I had to run to the school this morning to drop off some things. I ran into Preston's teacher Mrs. Z. who we absolutely LOVE! She adores Preston as well. She stopped me and told me about a conversation she had with Preston last week. I have been laughing ever since. Last week, a child in his class brought cookies. He told Preston they didn't have any peanuts. Mrs. Z., being very cautious, told him he couldn't have one because she didn't know where they were bought or processed. Preston left her side. About 10 minutes later, Preston approached her and said, "Mrs. Z., I can have these cookies." She replied, "Well, how do you know that?" He answered, "Because I ate one and I LIVED!" She said his eyes were just big with excitement and had a grin from ear to ear. It was like he truly contemplated his life and put it on line for this cookie. Oh he makes me smile.

Just thought I would share.

Girls Camp Cookie Dough Fundraiser

The Young Women in the ward are making and selling cookie dough as a fundraiser. They are selling it by the tub. Each tub costs $12 and will make 3 dozen medium sized cookies. There are three different cookies:

1. Chocolate Chocolate Chip
2. Ginger Molasses
3. Snickerdoodles

We had a great response on Sunday. Thanks to all who have signed up so far.

All cookie dough will be delivered between March 18th and the 21st. We will have more cookie samples on Sunday in the main foyer after church if you are interested.

If you didn't see the sign up sheet on Sunday and want some cookie dough, give me a call!

Thanks!

Christopher turns 11!

Can I tell you what a cool kid Christoper is? He's awesome! He has such a sweet spirit about him. He is always willing to help and at times he just wants to hang with you. He has been sooooo busy lately. There were last minute changes made to sport calendars so his basketball and lacrosse seasons are over lapping. He gets home from school and heads off to lacrosse for 2 hours and then straight to basketball for a couple of hours. Then whatever time is left over, he squeezes in his homework. Christopher gives 100% in all he does. He runs his guts out at lacrosse and immediately starts as the point guard on the basketball court. It does frustrate him a bit when all team members don't give it their all. He doesn't understand it. Christopher has also completed his Webelos Merit Badge along with his Arrow of Light. He will be receiving those in a couple of weeks. He also just finished his Science Fair Project. He is a do it yourself kid and did the whole thing on his own, poster board and all. He got an "A" too!

This was his first lacrosse game of the season. Actually it was just a scrimmage. They won
2 to 0. He even had a shot on goal. Not to shabby for the first game.

1 down and 4 to go!

Wahoo!! Jaycee made her first goal of the season. Jaycee plays year round soccer for a competitive team named the Marauders and we travel all over Washington and into Oregon. She has to tryout for this team and they only select a handful of players. Last season she tried out and made the "B" team and did really well. They called her Jamba Juice because we promised her a juice if she made a goal. She collected about a half dozen Jamba Juices that season. This season she tried out and advanced to the "A" team. She has worked so hard and definitely deserved this. She has had to earn her place with this team. Most of the team is returning players with a returning coach. She has really thrived in this environment and has been challenged and risen to the occasion. She is one who so far has come off the bench and given her team a much needed lift. Today she earned the right to start. Oh, she played incredible. Her New Years resolution is to make five goals this season. She knew this would not be an easy task. The league she is playing in is tough! Her goal was SWEET. She had a powerful kick that went right above the goalie and just inches below the goal post. We were all freaking out, coaches included. It was so exciting Aaron didn't catch a picture of it. It is one though that we won't soon forget. She was thrilled to get her first Jamba of the season. Go Jaycee!