All about Bryce

This week has been focused on our oldest son (not that we ignored everyone else, but he's had lots to get done and has ended up at the forefront of our adventures).

First of all, after just over a month of patiently waiting, we finally had Bryce's party for his birthday.  We invited a few friends over for some sleepover excitement.  He is a little "too old" for themed parties anymore (sigh, I'll miss that).  So instead we rented a couple of movies, the new Mario London Olympics game for Wii, pizza (well, that wasn't rented, that'd be weird) and had loads of fun. 

Bryce decorated the basement family room by himself (he wanted it done just right) then waited for friends to arrive.  The kids played football in the yard, swam in our pool, played Wii and watched shows and just had a great time.  We took everyone home the next afternoon and after 24 hours of birthday our house was still standing (which I call success).  Most importantly, Bryce had a wonderful time and said it was his best party ever!  That's what I aim for every time so whew, big relief.

Also this week we met with Bryce's scout leaders about their upcoming excursion to Camp Tomahawk.  Things were pretty heated at the parent meeting because information has been slow to come and there have been some last minute changes, but after some intense discussion I think we're all on the same page and the camp should be great for the boys.

As part of camp prep we had to hurry and get Bryce a doctor's physical and have him do a swim certification.  I was a little stressed (understatement) trying to pull those together with only a few days notice, but what else could I do.

So, I shuttled Bryce to the doctor (not our normal one who is out of town, but an associate across the way).  Josh had sat Bryce down and explained that sometimes at a physical the doctor needs to assess his "boy parts."  Bryce was less than thrilled, especially since we would be seeing a stranger. 

When we walked into the office and found our doctor happened to be female his face fell a bit, but he took a deep breath and plunged in.  Toward the end of the visit Bryce looked at her and asked her if there was anything else she needed to check with a loooong glance down.  She smiled and explained that normally unless her male patients express concern she just stays out of their nether regions once they are this age.  Bryce was pretty relieved.  She was pretty adorable.

That night my mom helped me out and took Bryce to a local pool to try for his swim test (because of soccer Josh is pretty much not available this month so I sometimes have to get substitute parent figures to help me out...lucky me, I have great ones readily available and willing to help).  I know Bryce is a good swimmer, but to pass he had to swim 75 yards in a "strong" frontward stroke and then 25 yard in a back stroke.  I have never really watched him swim a long distance so I wasn't sure how it would go. 

No worries, he did it no sweat. 

My mom said he jumped in with no fear and glided his way through the pool.  He passed off the swim and then my mom made him do the whole 100 yards one more time just for good measure (this is where I learned to be the meanest mom in the world, we don't quit and we don't do the least possible to get by).  The cute little life guard signed everything off and then my mom took Bryce for ice-cream to celebrate his accomplishment (because she is awesome like that).

While at Dairy Queen Bryce turned to my mom and said, "You know, I'm not really sure it is fair for me to come home with ice cream and the other kids don't have any, would it be ok if we got some for them too?"  Weren't they all thrilled when Bryce came back and everyone got a treat to celebrate his success.

Geez I love that boy.  He has his flaws, who doesn't, but he has such a good heart and such a kind nature.  I feel incredibly lucky to have him as my boy.