Or so it seems. I certainly remember it like it was yesterday. Henry was camped out at a Pinewood Derby race - dressed up like a Tiger Cub, while William, his bona fide Cub Scout brother, was competing. I just looked at the date of this post. It was four years ago … I am not sure how that is possible, since it feels like it was just written last week.
This was a picture taken on Monday night, when Henry - who wasn't even yet a CUB SCOUT, in the above picture and was just wearing his brother's attire because he was so excited to join the ranks … is now a first year Webelo. Let that sink in …. my baby is a Web 1.
Webelo is short for: We Be Loyal Scouts … and the appearance of this plaid kerchief and hat means that Cub Scouts will very soon be in the rear view mirror and Boy Scouts are just 'round the bend.
HOLD ME.
Meanwhile, William participated this past weekend in his Boy Scout Troop's Camporee.
Effectively ALL of the Boy Scout troops in the Sam Houston district showed up and flaunted their skills in lighting fires, pitching tents, shooting targets, and a host of other activities. In the end, William's troop outperformed all of the other troops and won the Honor Troop, which is a HUGE accomplishment. Add to that, William's Patrol - of which, he is the elected Patrol Leader - won best 2nd year Patrol out of all the second year patrols that were gathered (~20).
He even has the ribbon to prove it!
I am so incredibly proud of him.
But as he was explaining ALL that he had to do to WIN these huge awards, I told him, "Little Dude, I am so proud of you it hurts. But I've got to tell you, THE GIG IS UP."
He gave me a confused look and said, "What do you mean, Mom?"
I pointed to the pile of camping gear that he had dumped by the door several hours earlier and said, "If you can tie a knot 20 different ways until Sunday, light a fire in the wind and rain, and throw a tomahawk so it hits a bullseye square three out of three times … you can most certainly unpack your duffel bag, put your tent away, and wash your own laundry. So giddiup ... get to it, cowboy!"
Hallelujah. Amen.
And thank you, Boy Scouts of America!
