Boy Scouting

Well, right off the bat I am starting off with a weekend recap. But I do want to remember these things and since it happens to fall on the letter B that's just what I'm going with.

Realizing he had an open schedule and not wanting to miss a minute of family fun, TJ purchased a last minute flight to come visit me for a few days. I don't think he really knew what he was getting in to. We had a few days just to ourselves and then Saturday we drove over to my aunt and uncle's house near by. Also in town- my parents, one set of grandparents, more aunts and uncles and of course my two cousins.

It was a rainy wash-out weekend but everyone was pretty eager to get to know TJ so being stuck inside wasn't a big deal. He is definitely the kind of guy you don't have to worry about taking home to meet the family. I don't feel too bad leaving him alone to be grilled by the relatives or to listen to stories from the grandparents while I spend some one on one time with my parents. He is so easy going and just a great sport.

In between the "20 questions" and dinner we had a little friendly minute-to-win it competition. TJ and were on a team and below are pictures of me being a little bossy and then being a little too serious about winning. Hah. Thankfully he is equally as competitive.

Later, sitting around the dinner table no one could resist sharing embarrassing stories of younger Shannon. The most popular one being that as teeny tiny girl I loved the pool and swimming but wasn't too good about keeping my mouth closed under water. I'd swim and swim and breathe in water just like a mermaid.  Then when I'd come up to the surface... I'd let out a disproportionately loud belch.  So B is also for belching. But rest assured, I have learned not to do that anymore. I can also tell time, make change, and blow my nose like a normal person- other things I used to struggle with.

 Anywho...back to the boy scouting part of this post. It wasn't just about my family scouting out TJ, making sure he's as great as I say. No, the main reason all the family had gathered was to attend my cousin's Blue and Gold boy scout ceremony. I have loved living close to them and have actually gotten to go to three of these banquets over the years that I've been up here.

There was pasta dinner and then we watched the tiger cubs become wolf cubs, the wolf cubs become bear cubs, and the bear cubs become webelos before it was finally my cousins turn to bridge from the cub scouts to the boy scouts. My dad was an Eagle scout and all his brothers, really all his family, were heavily involved in scouting. So it was special for them to celebrate this next step with him.

I lured TJ there with the promise of a homemade dessert table. And luckily all the crazy/wild/awkward/hilarious scouts provided ample entertainment for the entire 4 hour program...

 

It just felt normal for him to be there, surrounded by my family, putting up with the picture taking, and the talking over each other. It was like how a big family holiday might feel. And as we were going around saying our goodbyes before hitting the road back to my house, everyone gave me an extra squeeze and made sure to whisper how great he is, how happy I look. He just fits, you know?

**Also, be sure to check out my mom's blog this month! She's doing the A-Z challenge as well.