For most of the Thomas boys, earning an Eagle was an honor and a challenge, not a parental edict. Some of the motivation came since you didn't want to be the only brother not to get it. Larry and Sherry may not have pressured their kids, but they were always there to help. I'm just glad my parents were supportive. Sometimes we needed some help.
People seem to be minimizing the roll of the family lately.
There are no black sheep in the family. I wouldn't say it was her that earned the Eagle 11 times, but Mom was the Scout machine for us. With Eagles in hand, many of the boys are helping a second generation of young men in Scouting. Several of the brothers either are or have been Scout leaders. As Ralph tells it, watching boys he's helped get their award is far more thrilling than getting his own.