Kirstin Is in Washington DC/Alexandria, VA!

Kirstin made it to Washington DC/Alexandria, Virginia, Thursday and is getting all adjusted. She text frequently about her adventures and sites she is seeing, which I am so happy for her, as well as a little jealous I admit. I just know what a great area and place she is staying and know she will love it!!!! She has a few days until school starts to get adjusted and familiar with that area, plus take in some sites!

I had to include this picture of Kirstin at Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, that she sent. She spent the day there yesterday and loved every minute of it, as did we when we were there this summer! The family she is staying with is not far from Mount Vernon. So she is settling in and spending some time touring. It is nice that she is in the same area that our friends, Darby and Deanne, live so when they return from the Outer Banks (lucky them), they will get to see her as well and introduce her to some friends of theirs Kirstin's age. It's all about "who you know" right?

Today, Kirstin was touring the monuments through a riverboat ride on the Potamic (Potamac??? Not sure spelling and too lazy to look right now) and then stopping in Georgetown! So excited for her!!!! Enjoy Kirstin!!!! Enjoy!!!!!

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Today Alex had a football jamboree in which they practice and play against other teams going 15 minutes offense and then 15 minutes defense (or vice versa). It was a gorgeous day for football, got a little sun, and had a super time watching Alex's team. Alex's team did well, and they have some things to work on.....as usual at this level. He has a lot of "little" guys on his team and not a lot of height or weight so it might be an interesting season. Wayne, of course, is one of the coaches and he is about as much fun to watch as the boys on the team. Today, the coaches could be out on the field helping their players and giving plays. Wayne was all over the place. He is like that little dog that keeps barking and jumping around up and down....everywhere! He does a fabulous job with the kids though and helps each and every one of them.

Anyway, Alex did very well. He played all over the place, mainly tight end, center, and something else that I am not sure of. Incredible defensive player - made five sacks the first game! I enclosed some pictures from the day. One of them he is running behind the kid with the ball and going for the tackle - which he did get. Another has the opponent's coach in the way but Alex is out for the pass. Alex is number 45. Very proud of my boys - even Coach Wayne!!!

First Day of High School, Middle School, and East Coast Countdown!

I only shed a few tears this morning as I am still in shock that my children are as old as they are. Elyse ventured off to high school this morning so excited and ready for her new experiences. It was the first day she has not gone to school with me in the morning since she started kindergarten (besides randomn days here and there) and it was a little sad. I was excited to see her go off with her friends. I guess it is time for me to let go a little hehehe. I only hope for the best for her and know she will have a great year! (That may be the only thing I know.... I hear high school girls don't like to share everything with their mothers.....I think I shared EVERYTHING with my mom, right Mom?????? hahahaha)

Alex also moved out of the "elementary section" onto the middle school/jr high. He still road to school with me, which was nice as we had a little bonding time before his big move to the "other end of the building". He had an Open House last night and found out that a lot of his close buddies are in his classes so he was ready to go this morning and very excited! I saw him eating lunch with his friends and they looked so grown up. He said the first day wasn't too exciting as all the classes just went over rules, but he said, "I know it will get exciting and I am going to love science!" I hope he too has an awesome year!

Elyse has been busy working hard with high school volleyball and anxiously awaits their first game. Alex started tackle football camp this week every night from 6-8. After a full day of school, he was exhausted and told Wayne, who is one of his coaches to "take it easy on us tonight Dad!". Great moment as they walked out the door together. Of course, Wayne just smiled.

Kirstin leaves next week for the east coast to student teach and gets more and more excited every day. I can remember her first day of 1st grade!!!! Where did the time go? Tear. Tear. Today while I was at school outside doing an activity with my class, Kirstin walked by with some kids from the daycare (which is part of our Early Childhood Center) she has been working at. Some of my students had been at the summer school Kirstin worked at this summer and just lit up when they saw her. She's going to be a great teacher and I can't wait to hear about all of her "kids" this fall!

Good start to more memories!

Nadermann Family Reunion

Last Sunday we ventured down to Farley, Iowa, my dad's hometown, for a family reunion. This was a first for my dad's family as it was just his sister, her children, and his brother's children. You may not think there would be many, but his one and only sister has 9 kids (I think)....So you throw in the fact that they now have their own kids, there were many little ones to say the least, and half of my cousins and their kids weren't even there! It was a gorgeous day, and nice to see cousins that we really only see at sad occassions. We had a nice picnic and then my dad and his nephew, Mark, my brother-in-law, Derek, and Wayne took the younger boys down to the baseball field to hit some balls. I have to admit, I could see a sparkle in my dad's eye as all these young, little boys playing baseball....as well as his grandsons and son-in-laws. I think he was very proud. Of course Graham had to play as you can see in the pictures. The whole time, he was carrying a stick so Wayne thinks he is going to be a golfer as the first time he chased a ball, Graham put it down and thought he should hit it like a golf ball. So cute! Of course, Alex loved batting and hitting them out to his Papa. Treasured moment for me watching as it was priceless!

It was a wonderful day, although short as we needed to get so I could go work at school. Although I don't see my dad's family a lot, it was so nice to touch base with my aunt LuAnne, her kids, and uncle's family. They are wonderful, caring people whom I regret not seeing more often. Fun family day together to end the summer!

The Kerian Kids

One last photo from the wedding this weekend! I love my kids!

They are Getting Older Right in Front of My Eyes

We had a great weekend (besides Wayne's big golf win) as the first of Kirstin's high schools friends got married. Hard to believe that her friends and classmates are old enough now to walking down the aisle and saying "I do" with boys! I can remember most of their "first dates", girly sleepovers, and graduations.......again, time goes so fast. Kirstin looked beautiful and we are so proud of her! Amidst her tears after the bride's father read a poem he wrote for his daughter, which was both funny and emotional, Kirstin came "marching" towards her father and stated, "That's it, when I get married let's just face it that I am going to cry a lot and Dad, you are going to make a speech! I don't care if it is a poem like his, but you better have something to say......and I am just going to keep crying!" It was so cute! Wayne's only response was, "Well, alright then." and smiled.

It was a beautiful wedding as Courtney married her sweetheart Tim. The dresses were colorful and fun to go with the great summer day! You can see in one picture Kirstin is being "carried" in for the wedding party entrance....fun? Yes! Everyone had a wonderful time way into the late hours of the evening, including Alex who was a "dancing machine". Elyse left early to go to a friend's house for the evening but the rest of us had a spectacular night! It is so much fun to hang out with Kirstin's friends and just have a good time with them as they are so adults now! And oh.....the memories we created that night!!!!! You would never have guessed that I taught some of them years ago....(sshhhhhh! don't let that get out....I really am not THAT old!)

So, congratulations to Courtney and Tim! It was a beautiful day!

Wayne - Country Club Champion Again! 2010

Wayne came home very excited from his latest golf venture, the Club Championship at our local Country Club. He came behind by 2 to win by 2 in the final round of 27 holds. He is very proud and we are of him as well!!!! He played a lot of golf the last few days as he had friends here from out of state (and they played ALOT of golf!) so his "practicing" paid off! Way to go Wayne!