Waiting for 2021

November, especially after the presidential election, feels that we are just holding our breath and waiting for 2021. With better understanding of the COVID-19, we are venturing out more while keepnig the necessary precautions. It is great that hand sanitizer is not out of stock anymore. We use it on regularly during the day. The mask is widely available too and we were able to get the ones that are with good quality.

Renee organized a troop hiking where each scout hikes on her own with the family but check in at specific points where we set up. The weather was really cool, switching between sunny and foggy.

Max' troop did food collection event as part of the annual scouting for food drive.

Renee lost her very last baby tooth! This is the moment when we treasurish every day with Renee and Max before they decide to go out on their own and take on the world.

We discovered this cool park where kids can ride around and do jumps on the bike. Max is still getting a hang of it.

We have continued our family hiking and picture taking.

We are kicking off backpacking training. This is the first time for the troop to get together. Everyone was nervous and stay with the family. On day 2 and day 3, however, the scouts are more comfortable talking to each other. We let them walk ahead. They are pretty good at keeping the mast on and stay enough distance from each other.

The scouts learned how to use JetBoil and cook the backpack food.

Scouting in Shelt-in Period

It goes without saying that this shelter-in period thing is weird for everybody. It is pretty much the opposite of why I have encouraged the kids to join scouting and do my best to support them as well as the organization. It goes without saying that everyone recognize it. With everyone still not sure about gathering, we are trying to do something outside the house while stay connected with the group.

The district arranged a virtual Camporee. While it is not nearly as fun as last year's two-night events, where our troop learned a lot about what it means to be a Scouts BSA troop, this year Renee and Max took it together to be with the program.

Renee signed up for First Aid Merit Badge. As part of the requirement, she needs to demonstrate and teach some first aid skills.

Max' troop 805 has better adult support to do something. On this day, they arranged a bike ride where the scouts can ride with the parents to a trail and compete for time.

Still Shelter In

I took fewer pictures than I thought this month. We actually went out for a few hikes. Just that these are normal routes, so we didn't feel the need to do it.

Max and I took up on learning Dungeon and Dragons. We got a hang of it but didn't realize how much time investment it needs. It was getting confusing with him playing all the characters.

I dragged Max out for a long hike. It was supposed to be 18 miles, but I stopped around 10 miles. Max took the hike pretty well.

Max is actually resilient when it comes to hard work. He will complain a lot but once he realizes that he does not have much choice, he will do it with good energy. I want to take him out on these activities more so that he gets used to them and grows good response to them. Otherwise, complaining about everything in life gets really tiring for everyone.

Renee has not continued her dancing class due to the shelter-in-place order. She tried to keep up with the practice. It is not as intense as what it used to be, though.