8th Grade Volleyball

Ellie has had a great time playing volleyball the past month.  One of her strengths is her serving.  She had 95.1 % accuracy for the season.  Some games she had 100% of serves go over.  Pretty impressive to this mom.   I loved to watch her because not only did she focus and try her best, but she also cheered on her peers.  I observed her even praising those who really struggled.  That makes this mom so proud!

                                                                                                                                

The smile on your face when your ankle is healed and you are back on the volleyball court.

2nd place in your home tournament!

Tackle Football

Sam has been waiting for years to play tackle football. Although his mom was a bit nervous Sam was ready to start.  He seems to be having fun although he is on the offensive line and he says he prefers defense so you can tackle people!

He is number 74 on the Cowboys team.

His dad and his Godfather Bruce joined in on the fun of the first game.  These would be the two that introduced Sam to football..

Number 74 in action

First Day of School

 The first day of school seems like ages ago now.  Ellie is back at Junior High and Sam started something new with being at an intermediate school for 5th and 6th grade.  I also made a change and teach early childhood special education at Woodson Kindergarten Center.  So far I am loving my change to kindergarten. 

Ellie had an ankle sprain during much of September but it healed and all is well!

My Movie Band Camp

Sam attended 5th Grade Band Camp last week.  The kids went to camp 2.5 hours for 4 days.   The teaching staff said they were able to teach 2-3 months worth of lessons in that time.  I was quite impressed with what the kids could do after only 4 days.  Sam had a great time and is enjoying his new instrument, the baritone.

Birthday Time

June is birthday month at this house.  Yes it is true I am a mother of a teenager and a double digits aged brother.  In case you are wondering I am not growing older just the children. 

 

 

 

Dave made Ellie an elephant cake at her request.  She is very into elephants.  We think it is because her Uncle Colin has always called her Phant and given her elephants, but she says that is not why.

Backyard Birthday Fun

 

This cake looks just like Sam's hockey jersey.

Sam had great fun with his friends at the Owatonna outdoor pool/water park for his birthday party.

Black Hills, SD

 We started the summer with a little family trip to the Black Hills.  We jam packed our days with fun and site seeing.  This post is a bit long but I had to add a photo from  most of our stops. 

Quite possibly running into my co-worker was the most exciting thing about this place.  But Corey and the kids had never been there so we had to stop.

There was plenty to see at Wall Drug

I think I may need a giant tortoise for a pet.  And who would have thought I had a blast at Reptile Gardens.

One of my favorite photos of Sam.  Mostly because he first took one with a smile and then said, wait that is not the right face and had me retake this one. 

Bear Country- After you Bears...

The Cosmos Mystery Area was a favorite of ours.  It is so weird how you think you are standing straight, but you are not.

Go Carts are a favorite of the kids- mom just watches as she is too slow and careful. 

Both kid did rock wall climbing too.

1880 Train Ride - such neat views along the way.



A little family fun at Mount Rushmore.

Sure Buffalo we will wait for you on this winding road.

Wind Cave and Wind National Park- kids had never been to a cave before.  We all loved it. 

Laura and Corey posing at the Bad Lands

Sam had fun climbing up and down on some of the Bad Lands formations.

We all had so much fun and can't wait to see what our next year's adventure will be. 

It's Baseball Season

 

 

Sam is playing baseball with other 9-10 year olds this summer.  He is on the Lion's team and he can't figure out who picks out a black shirt for hot summer baseball.  So far he hasn't melted.  He definitely is catching on to the game and prefers first base or short stop for his positions.   I just have fun watching!