Alex's First Tackle Football Jamboree

Alex had his first big experiences of a real tackle football game. His team played two games (14 minutes offense, 14 minutes defense each game) today in Waukon. They looked great! The first game, his team scored three touchdowns while the other team scored one. The second game, his team scored one touchdown and the opponents scored three. He had some great receptions on offense and played tremendous defense. It was fun to watch him as he is so into the game. We are looking forward to the "season opener" September 13! Fun day! Enjoy the pics. He is number 45! I guess he is not my little boy anymore. . . :(

Football, Volleyball and Fleetwood Mac

Bet you are wondering what the title "Football, Volleyball and Fleetwood Mac" mean??? Got 'cha wondering? Well, the title is one part about family and the other about the song "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks.
Football - Alex is currently at practice for his first set of scrimmages Saturday. He can not contain his excitement! We will see how it goes as according to one of his coaching, he might not get must rest time and may be in the game the majority of the time both offense and defense (He has a very proud father, that's for sure, who may be somewhat bias). So we are pumped for Saturday! I will take pictures, of course, and post them. Elyse has had her first week of volleyball practice and is loving it also! She was telling me that her finger tips hurt as they do finger tip push ups (for setting) every day. She asked me to do some with her and I just laughed. Told her I'd embarrass her. hehe The second day of practice though someone kicked her toe at school, she had flipflops on, and it ripped her toenail back. She is in a little pain, but she is toughing it out. We are very proud of her also.
Now to "Fleetwood Mac"- I was at our school inservice last week and the speaker is incredible! She is motivational and you could listen to her forever. Anyway, she showed us the video below from YouTube. It is about some elementarykids from PS22 school - located in very low economical area, many kids don't graduate, lots of gangs etc. Anyway, their teacher had them sing "Landslide" by Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac as a dedication to a teacher and put it on YouTube. I guess Stevie Nicks herself saw the video or heard about it, invited all the kids to her concert at Madison Square Gardens in New York, and had them not only sit in front, but go up on stage when she sang "Landslide". Wow! Yes, Ken, I did get teary eyed! Just thought I would share it. . .

First Day of School

We all survived the first day of school. Elyse and Alex both said they had a great day so that is good to hear. Hard to believe Elyse will be entering high school net year - oh no - and Alex will enter middle school. We will enjoy this year before the "big time" starts. :) I survived also with having a tremendous day and super bunch of students, a little chatty, but very enjoyable! Alex has had football camp every night this week also from 6-8 so he is whipped tonight! He is loving football and thinks it is the ultimate. Wayne is also getting pumped as he is one of the coaches. Nothing like a bunch of dads reliving their childhood in a helpful way! :) Elyse starts volleyball next week and has games in 2-3 weeks. We are looking forward to some successful sports seasons once again. (Notice the shirt Alex wore first day - thanks Ken once again!)

Adventureland 09 with the Fam

Everyone had a GREAT time at Adventureland this past Monday! There was not a ride that Connie, James or Wayne turned down- they were the brave ones of the bunch that's for sure! The weather was perfect, although hot at times, but at least it didn't rain. It was an awesome day spent with family from New York and various places in Iowa. I made it through the day as my toe was feeling better but was pretty sore on the ride home. Elyse and Alex went home with G'ma Janet so that I could get some school work done and write a paper for a class I took. Still don't have it done and it is due tomorrow. . . . :)

Wayne is Club Champion!

Wayne accomplished a goal he has wanted to win for a long time - he became the Cresco Country Club Champion '09! He is extremely proud of himself, as we are, so I have attached a few pictures of him with his trophy. He came back from being 4 strokes behind in 2nd place after 18 holes and won after 27 holes. Birdies were his buddies the last round. Way to go Wayne!

Busy Week, Fun/Painful Weekend, Last Week before School

Well, I have attached a picture of my toe. If you are wondering what is wrong with it - I am trying to cross them for good luck. NOT! I broke my toe late Friday night as I was busy getting ready for a bridal shower at my house the next morning and was gathering chairs from the garage. Needless to say, the outside door decided to get in my way and I nailed my foot on the corner of the door as it was open. Ouch is right! Went to ER and they popped it back in place. Not fun but oh well. No cast or anything, just wrapped up. Most of the pain today is coming from the fact that I have to walk on my heel so my calf muscle was so sore this morning. Just what I needed before a busy weekend with friends, a bachlorette party, and Adventureland tomorrow. I toughed it out though and am going to Adventureland tomorrow. . .with a broken toe. Bridal shower for my good friend, Tiffany, was a hit and bachlorette party was fun - even though I didn't celebrate much because I was taking some pain medication. Trying to relax today, get laundry done, and prepare for a busy week as I return to work Tuesday. Thankful that my mom offered to take Elyse and Alex to finish school supply shopping on Tuesday after I hurt my toe! Very much appreciated - my toe thanks you Mom!

Oh yeah, thanks to my mom for coming up and painting my hallway and down the stairs/around the corner. It looks wonderful and I have received many compliments already. You are the best Mom!

SlideShow of Pictures -All Good Things Must come to an End- Great Week at the Cabin

Well, the week is almost up and then it is reality check. Today was our first day that was too chilly to be on the water, so we went and did some POWER SHOPPING in Mankota, which was fun. Elyse and Alex are all ready for school, as far as clothing goes. Tomorrow it is suppose to be in the 80s so the plan is to enjoy the whole day and head home in the evening. Summer vacation is over for me as I have class this week and then will be working on my classroom and getting ready for the new school year. So, here are some photos taken at the cabin. Highlights have been Elyse water skiing, Wayne and Alexs' success fishing (Wayne caught a huge Northern!), jet skiing, bonfires in the evening, cards with the neighbor ladies in the evening, and hanging on the lake.