The James Report

It's high time for a report on all the boys.  James is first.

EXTREME CLOSE-UP!!!!

i.e. what happens when James gets ahold of Spencer's iPod.

And below. 

James came downstairs in this dark outfit one day for school.  Mark asked him why he was dressed in all black.  "I'm going goth," he responds.  I'd better hide my eyeliner.

Every six months we watch the LDS General Conference in which the prophet and other leaders of the church speak.  The boys are good to sit and listen, but they are even better when we dump every lego we have in the house in front of them while listening.  This is James's creation.

James's class went to the State Capital for a tour to help them with their 4th grade Utah studies.  We were able to see the opening of a session of congress, learn about the symbols in the capital building and see the rollers beneath the building which will help it survive an earthquake.

James received his bear badge for scouts in January 2015 and I received by bear pin. Hooray for us! 

In the Spring, well snowy March, James's scout troop help the Raingutter Regatta.  Previous to this event I was sure that with all his hot air, he would be a frontrunner for the event, but alas, there were more tip overs than "steady as she goes."  All scouts had fun though and enjoyed a dessert of Swedish Fish.

One of the Sunday traditions is to read the comics.  If you are lucky and sneaky, you get to read them before anyone else.  James is usually both, but being an early riser helps.  In the picture above, he is displaying his multi-tasking capabilities by reading the comics AND balancing a notebook on his head, most likely placed there by his father.

While we are on the subject of reading in uncomfortable situations, James and Spencer are reading together on the stairs.  I would just like the viewing audience to know that there are 2 banana chairs, 3 foldable styrofoam mini couches, a large couch that comfortably fits 7, 2 sitting chairs, one extra large chair, 2 office chairs, four barstools and six dining chairs in our house.

They choose the high-traffic stairs to read on.

James's school holds an annual Shamrock Shuffle 5K and James was intent on running the whole way.  Last year he hardly ran at all, so I figured I could keep up with him, but he left me in the dust. Roxy was my running/walking buddy though and James cheered me on as I neared the finish line.

James told me in the winter that he wanted to try baseball. He figures if he tries all the sports now, he can see which one he really likes and then stick with it.  Fine by me!  He is really enjoying baseball with Centerville City, being on the Blue Jays team.

Excitement on the field!  He has a great coach and gives each team mate a turn in each position.

It's interesting to watch James because, while he writes with his right hand, and hits the ball with his right, he throws with his left.

One game, James was able to make two runs because the pitcher hit his thumb the first time and then his side the second time.  He was happy about making two runs, but was not happy about being hit.  The above picture is the hit in his side.  Thankfully it didn't get any darker than this or more tender.

Since Mark is the Scoutmaster, James gets to go on a few camp outs with the older scouts once in a while.  He was invited to go to the Spring Camporee, and begrudgingly, he went.  But he returned a happy camper, full of enthusiasm for throwing hatchets and climbing walls.