Pinewood Derby 2013

Being how Gavin has been a cub scout for less than a month, and we have not had a boy to participate in the Pinewood Derby before, I was a little concerned.  If you haven't recognized it in previous posts, I will put it plainly, Gavin has a competitive streak. (I wonder where he gets it?)  And in our ward/troop we have a couple of the most competitive fathers boys that I know.
I didn't care if he won, I simply wanted the night to be fun, and positive.  (And for him not to have the slowest car.)

Creating a competitive car was going to take a little more than one night of cutting, sanding and painting.

Shawn and Gavin adding graphite.

When asked, Uncle Matt spent some time talking to Shawn about key aspects to making a competitive derby car and Shawn and Gavin set to work to make it happen.

Gavin making sure his car has his name on it, just in case there is another one just like it.

Good friends of ours--who had access to a master car maker--invited Gavin and Shawn to tag along.  On the first Saturday the guy greeted Shawn and asked if he had set apart 4-6 hours to work on the car.  Shawn smiled and began to laugh, thinking he surely was joking.  However Shawn quickly realized that he was not!  After the first 6 hour session,
Gavin and Shawn were sent home with tasks to complete and an appointment to return the following Saturday.

Tiffany and Melissa were shocked at the results!

Shawn's Dad and Mary attended the Derby.

Gearing up for the weigh-in.

The results were undeniable   Gavin's car aptly named by him  "Speed Demon" made it into the final race and in the end placed 4th overall. An incredible feat for the first-time derby duo.

Gavin cheered every time.
 Even when his car was not racing!

Gavin taking his walk of fame after placing 4th overall.

What was most endearing though wasn't how excited Gavin was when his car won, but rather the way he reacted when the others cars were racing.  "Matt!  This is your race. Your car is going to do awesome!"  "Bryce! Your car won! (fist bump)

One Dad remarked "I was watching through my camera lens and I couldn't tell if Bryce won or not. Then I looked next to him and saw Gavin jumping up and down and congratulating Bryce saying 'Hey Bryce you won! Congrats dude!'"

What a fun positive experience.  Kudos to Shawn for putting so much time, energy and love into making the car with our Gavin.  To the leaders who organized and helped put on the event, and to our Gavin for enjoying the event-- win or lose.