Fall Soccer

Another soccer season has come and gone. This was Amanda's first time playing soccer and she was really good at chasing behind the pack that was chasing the ball. She always acted very tired at the end of the game.....I think that maybe she should look into acting. I believe that playing soccer was all about the treats, the trophy and goofing around on the side lines. She did love her coaches and I know she had a good time playing.

Kayla is starting to come together as a soccer player. She runs even when she is tired and really gets into the game. She did get a goal this season and that made the whole season worth it. Finally she had figured out position and her team is starting to play as a team and not just a bunch of kids chasing the ball.

Zach loves soccer....this is his game. He usually plays center midfield and occasionally he is a forward but his heart is midfield. He is on the small side for his age but there are few kids who can keep up with him. There have been games when he is the energy of the team and he doesn't give up. His games are so fun to watch. He has been on this same team with the same coach since he was in preschool....having played together for so long...they are pretty good. This season was a bit of a challenge and they did lose a couple of games but they also won a few games that we did think they would win. They were playing 5th and 6th grade teams and their team is 4th and 5th graders. They were also on the full size fields this year. Zach would go out and run everyday so he wouldn't get tired during the game. It was an awesome season and I can't wait for spring.

I will admit that it is nice to have a free night again where we don't have to be somewhere. Soccer added 3 different practices and 3 games to my already overloaded schedule.....and it is always a relief when it is over and we aren't eating fastfood every night. But I always look forward to the next season because I love to watch them play.....maybe it is the competitive side of me.

The Pianist

The kids had their first piano recital at my Mom and Dad's house. They all did great. The next day I was in my room and I could hear Mandy out "playing the piano" and singing. So I walked out to watch and this is what I found. She hadn't seen me so I ran and grabbed my camera. So here are the results. Who knew that you could look so good with a blanket and a winnie the pooh honey pot on your head.

Maybe I should try it next time I am asked to perform a musical number.

The Olympics?

Amanda loves to ice skate. At Anna's Birthday Party I decided to take some video of Amanda skating with my camera. I learned that unlike a Video recorder my camera only takes upright pictures one way and doesn't change if you turn your camera. That being said I hope you can get past the fact that the video is sideways and just enjoy the talent.

Is she really 12?

Anna is officially 12 now. She has been practicing being 12 for a quite awhile. Now she wears contacts and makeup.It is amazing how overnight she is no longer my little girl but someone who is much smarter than I can ever hope to be....at least that is what she thinks. Maybe it is the makeup (although she did ask for pointers so she didn't look like she had a black eye.) Anyway she had a party and invited her best friends for ice skating and a sleep over.

They had a lot of fun and there was a lot of giggling. They really enjoyed the ice skating.

There wasn't too much falling....but the skates did hurt their feet. So there was a bit of sitting.

Hunter had never been skating before and she seemed to catch on quickly but she liked to have someone close to grab onto. Anna had a great time and was so glad that her friends were able to celebrate with her. Happy Birthday Anna.....only 4 more years until you can drive and date....scary!!!

My Weblos

Zach had a busy summer and earned several pins and badges in cub scouts. He also earned his Weblos badge. He has only a couple of more things to do before he earns is Arrow of Light.

This is Zach giving me the mother's pin.

Zach showing off all of his pins.

Roosevelt

About a month ago we went to Roosevelt and stayed with my roommate Carrie from BYU. On Saturday we went out waterskiing on a lake close by. My kids have only tried to waterski one other time. Zach loved the wakeboard and it didn't take long before he had the hang of it. Zach takes all sports very seriously and if you watch the video he has his game face on the whole time.

Anna didn't want to try the wakeboard but she had a lot of fun on the kneeboard.

Even Kayla surprised us all and tried the kneeboard.

Like me Amanda was content with just riding in the boat. It was only about 70 degrees that day.
I have to end with Craig's crash. He never just lets go...he has to crash.

We had a great time and my kids talked about how fun it was for a couple of weeks after. It was fun to see them having so much fun with Carrie's kids. They want to know when we are going to see them again. Thanks to the Wallaces!!!

Almost Just Me

We hit another mile stone this year. Amanda started preschool. So for four hours aweek I am by myself. Almost 12 years ago (when Anna was born) I thought this day would never come. But it has and quicker than I ever thought it would. Mandy loves going to school and I am more than happy to let someone entertain her for a few hours a week.