Father / Son Camping Activity 2012

This year's Father / Son camping activity was at the American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg (same place as last year).  If you remember my post from two years ago, you might recall that I do not particularly enjoy camping.  It rained hard as we were driving there so I was expecting a sloppy mess upon arrival.  I was not disappointed -- there was mud everywhere...

The Netherlands 2012

My father and step-mother came to visit during Oscar's spring break in April.  We scheduled a three-day trip to the Netherlands.  Of course we went to the Keukenhof (3rd year in a row).  The weather forecast called for rain each day we were there but it never rained once.  On the day we went to the Keukenhof, the sunlight helped me get some great photos.  My dad brought his fancy Canon 7D camera so I got to use that for the photos.

Oscar becomes a Bear

In May, Oscar graduated from the Wolf den and became a Bear.  At the same ceremony, he received his Bobcat badge.  New Bobcat badges are traditionally pinned on upside down.  The badge becomes eligible to be turned around  once the scout has done a good turn for somebody else.  The blue and gold paint on his cheeks represent the sign of the Bobcat.  The blue paint stands for truth and spirituality, steadfast loyalty, and the sky above.  The gold paint stands for warm sunlight, happiness, and good cheer.  Oscar is still new to scouting but he enjoys the activities and has made new friends.

Work trip to Naples

At the end of April, I spent two and a half weeks in Naples for work.  The view from the hotel was really fantastic.