Pinecar Derby

February has been another busy month in the Rice household. Several of the highlights included the 4th Annual Glenhaven Youth Ranch Chili Cook-Off and a night away for Mom and Dad. We also celebrated Grandpa Tucker's birthday and had a chance to hang out with cousin Isaiah several times.

The cook off took place in the barn on a Saturday afternoon with the typical cowboy theme. There were 17 chilies for everyone to enjoy this year. Jeff made an awesome white chicken chili. We did not win this event but we hope to make some improvements and compete again next year. This years cook-off also included a Pinecar derby. Eli (and Jeff) had fun making their car into a Craftsman Screwdriver. As you can see, Eli did most of the work (okay, maybe not). While we did not win for the fastest car we, I mean Eli, did win for most artistic design. We are already working on a better design for next year.

Eli is always coming up with ways to entertain himself and others (such as running around with his blanket over his head running into things and falling down). His newest feat is climbing on the kitchen chairs. It took him a couple days but he did eventually figure out how to get back down too. (I didn't actually leave him up there for a few days :-))

Jeff and I got away for a night during Valentine's weekend. Some friends of our from the ranch excitedly volunteered to watch Elijah so we made our escape. Jeff had booked a beautiful B&B near Fayetteville, AR. The room, hospitality, and breakfast were amazing. It is so much fun to meet new people over a truly gourmet breakfast. If you are ever in the area check out the Apple Crest Inn!

Here are a few pics of Eli being Eli. He enjoyed "playing pool" at a recent ranch birthday celebration... after someone helped him onto the table that is.

He also loves playing with Daddy's tools.

Elijah had an especially good time lately playing at Nanna and Grandpas. It was a beautiful day and they have the perfect porch for the adults to lounge on and the kids to play. Eli loves going up and down the stairs and playing with the rocks in the driveway. This particular day he found the dogs water dish. He LOVES playing in water and as you can imagine much fun ensued.