Some you Win, Some you Don't

Another busy week has gone by. They seem to go faster and faster and I need them to slow down a little bit. Alex had a football game today and played well but they didn't come out winners. It was tied 0 to 0 with 1 minute left in the game. Alex's team fumbled on the handoff to the QB and the other team got them ball on around the 10 yard line. They held them up to 3rd down and then one of the opponents slipped by and scored. Rough end to the game but they did well. Alex was very bummed out big time. Besides playing offense and defense, he did get to do the only punt of the game and did fine. It had a huge amount of hang time (almost too much as it went up more than down the field) but then it took some huge bounces to our benefit. I have posted a picture of him with his punt.

Elyse had two volleyball games at the beginning of the week. Her team won both sets, one against a very good traveling AAU team from Osage. It was definitely fun to watch! I have posted a picture of her and her cousin Miranda, the setter, getting ready for switch in positions. They play together very well as Elyse is a hitter/blocker. Next game, this coming Thursday.

Wayne has been on his golf trip now since Thursday. Sounds like he is having a great time and golfing A LOT! I had a grad class all day Saturday, which was not fun, so I am now trying to catch up on school work. Stalling. . .big time. Next weekend. . . .Iowa State vs Army football in Ames! Who will I cheer for???? Can't wait!

Big Win and Beautiful Wedding

I think summer finally came to Iowa as it was warm today at Alex's football game! Perfect weekend though so I am not complaining! Hey, maybe we will even have an early out this week due to hot weather?? Just joking. School is going well for all of us. Alex is loving 5th grade and his teachers. His homeroom/literacy teacher is my very good friend Kelly, aka Mrs. Sorenson. She is crazy and a super teacher - Alex loves her! Elyse is liking school also - busy with 2 high school classes she is taking as an 8th grader. She just told me she has 100% thus far in both of those - so proud of her. Volleyball is almost half way done and soon basketball will be starting. Wayne leaves for a golf trip this week Thursday for about 5-6 days. I asked Alex if he wanted me to step in and help coach on the football field next weekend when Wayne is gone and he just rolled his eyes. It's so fun to tease him.

His team came out big winners today! They won 36 to 6. He did well as did a bunch of 6th graders on his team. The teams consist of 5th and 6th graders. This team he was added to this year never won a game last year so they were all pumped. I have enclosed some pictures. He did attempt 2 field goals and made both of them. He obviously didn't stretch well enough before hand because he was a little sore in the inner thigh afterwards but appeared fine after a little stretching. He was very glad to see both his grandmas, his Papa, and his uncle Ken at the game! It meant a lot ot have them watching his first real game so I thank you too! Thanks for bearing through the hot weather Ken!

My very good friend, Tiffany, was married this weekend! She was beautiful - just like a princess! She married a great guy named Jason. We have spent a lot of time together, as couples and as friends, and I wish them all the happiness. Tiffany stays with the kids when we take our trips in February, sometimes stays with the dogs, and has basically spent many nights in our guest room after fun evenings out with the adults! She is one of my very best friends. She is also the guidance counselor at our school. We love them both so I had to throw in one picture of their big day.

This week consist of volleyball Monday and Tuesday for Elyse. Alex has practice this week and game next week in New Hampton. Wayne takes off for a golf trip, which he is very excited about and has been golfing a lot to get ready for. Me, well, same old same old. Thus, the picture of the dogs with me. They were feeling left out of the blog! :)

Win Against Waukon and Field Goals

Elyse had volleyball game tonight. Her team won all three games! Kind of uneventful games as the other team was not very good at all. She was once again front row hitter and blocker and didn't play back row. Had a few good hits down but not many opportunities as there weren't a lot of sets to her. No blocks because the other team rarely spiked over the net. So. . .good game to win but not too exciting. Next up. . .Alex's football game this weekend! He just found out he is going to be the team's field goal kicker and punter besides his other positions. Could be interesting! :)

First 8th Grade Volleyball Game

Elyse had her first 8th grade volleyball game tonight. She did very well - played front row blocker and hitter. I was amazed how high she can jump if she wants to- yes Ken - she has a verticle jump!! When she is in the front row, she is the only blocker for now so she has to push herself. Check out the pictures! If she would do that with her jump shot in basketball. . .it would be awesome. Anyway, she started for the "A" team. They lost the match though. The first game we won, 25 to around 20, second game lost 18-25, and lost third game 14 to 16. Should have won the second game and had been done with it, but we couldn't stop a girl from serving on the other team. She served at least 10-12 points in a row. In other words, we couldn't receive the ball. Elyse did an excellent job blocking, actually blocked some, and had great attempts. Had some good hits also! She has to hustle to go from being the block and get back to hit so she did well. Next game is Thursday and hopefully we will come out winners. (Yes, Ken, I know in some pictures it looks like she was jumping with her legs spread out (Sara) but she was shuffling from one side of net down to other and jumping. Not similiar to our wonderful sister's jump. Just kidding Sara.

Kasie's Beautiful Wedding and Fun at the Sioux Falls Zoo

We just returned from a great weekend at Sioux Falls, SD. Kasie looked like a princess and it was just a great day all around! Congratulations to Kasie and Dusty, as well as Kevin and Kelly (parents)! Kids enjoyed spending time with their cousins, dancing, eating, and swimming at the hotel. Where the reception was also had a water park. The slide show contains pictures of the wedding so you will see how gorgeous everyone looked. Today, Sunday, before returning home, we spent some time at the Sioux Falls, SD, with Randy, Lori, Justin and Cody. It was a perfect day to spend at the zoo! Weather was great and the kids had fun. It was not a huge zoo, but it was nice enough for us to enjoy the sunshine and time together. Thanks for spending the day with us Randy and Lori.

I'm glad we have a 3 day weekend as I am exhausted. We were just invited to a bonfire at the neighbors. Great way to end the Labor Day weekend.

Need a Good Laugh?

A friend of mine sent me this and it is too funny not to share! Watch the kid in the red shirt. Hilarious! This will give you a good laugh for the end of the week. I hope you all enjoy your long weekend. We are headed to Sioux Falls, SD, for Wayne's first niece getting married. Should be fun! Then the action starts: Elyse's first volleyball game Tuesday! Can't wait!

The video is kind of blurry - I couldn't get it to be any smaller for some reason. If you want to see it better, check out this address: Kid Dancing in Red Shirt on YouTube

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.

More Cabin Advenutures and Videos

Well, even though we are sorry Nancy couldn't make it up for the weekend, it enabled us to stay longer at the cabin and enjoy a few more days. The five days we were to be here went by so quickly, now we get to stay through Sunday! Everyone is having a great time, spending the majority of it on the water. We did have time to run into Mankato and do a little shopping two evenings, but otherwise, it was tubing, swimming, fishing, kneeboarding, jet skiing, and water skiing on the schedule with bonfires in the evening. I am attaching more video of the kids and their experiences. One is Elyse water skiing (sorry that the video "wonders" off in the middle. . .stay with it) and the other is of the kids tubing. We have had the lake to ourselves all week, but it is getting a little busier now that the weekend has arrived. Two more days and then back to reality-bummer! As you can see, we are having a super time.

Fun at the Cabin

We are having a great time at the Kerian cabin! A lot of it has been spent on the water the last 2 1/2 days so I decided I would include some video of Elyse and Alex doing their favorite activity: kneeboarding!!! They are getting so good at it that Elyse said she needs to learn a new trick to do with it. We are heading to Scheels later to check out some "trick videos" for her to learn to do on the kneeboard. The kids have also been tubing and swimming, as well as riding around the lake on the jet ski. Jet skiing is my favorite! We only put one of the jet skis in being there are only the 4 of us here-usually the kids each bring a friend. We have had the lake mostly to ourselves so far this week, which is nice! Fishing has been super for Wayne and the kids - Kim watching. :0) Wayne usually goes out early while the rest of us sleep in. Norah has already jumped/fell into the water multiple times, loving every minute of it. She will just walk down into the water and stand there to cool off. I went for a 3 mile walk this morning on the trail and it was wonderful! Bonfires in the evening have been a relaxing way to end the day. I guess one night we are eating fish as the croppies are biting, I am told. It is breezy today so Wayne and Alex went golfing, Elyse relaxed as she is sore from so many water sports, and I read a book (yes, school work) down on the dock catching some sun! Anyway, enjoy the videos!

Oh Yeah. . . .Guess how tall Elyse is???

Forgot to mention the news: Elyse had physical yesterday. Measured at 6 ft. 1/2 inch!!!! The nurse told her she is the tallest 13 year old she has ever seen. Elyse is excited about it! I said, "Well now your dad can not argue that he is still taller than you. You can for sure call him Shorty". Elyse turned to me and said, "And I can call YOU Shorty too." I just nodded my head. :)

Alex Golfing and More time with Graham

Alex golfed in a tournament by himself and scored in the low 50s (can't remember exactly) and that includes 2 out of bounds. He didn't place as he was put in the older bracket but did well! It was for a good cause as it was a tournament put on by a father who lost his son in a car accident - kind of a memorial golf tourney.

Graham left his morning - sad to see him go as it is much quieter here. :) Spent a lot of time outside on the swing, wagon rides, at the pool/fitness center, and just having fun. Of course, after all those days with us, he still loves Wayne and cries when Wayne walks out the door. Yes, I may be jealous but it is very cute!

Elyse and Upper Iowa University Basketball Camp

Elyse returned home today from a great 4 days of workout at Upper Iowa basketball camp. After getting used to the bed and little sleep the first night because of it, she adjusted, learned a lot, met some more friends to add to her Facebook, and did very well! Her team got first in league play but were beat in the tournament. You can pick her out in the picture of her team- yep - she is the tall one and proud of it! They have an awards ceremony at the end of the camp, and Elyse took first place in two individual competition! One was called the "mican" and the other competition was "speed layups". I guess she made 14 baskets in 30 seconds for the "mican" and I am not sure how to describe the "speed layups". Anyway, I have enclosed her getting the recognition for those two first place competitions. We are glad to have her home and very proud of her. Now comes doing all the laundry. . . . :0)

Fun with Graham

Graham has arrived at the Kerian household! I decided to just post a few pictures as he will be here a few more days and I will post more later. Today he went with us to pick up Elyse at basketball camp at Upper Iowa. He was so excited to see "Lyse" as he calls her, as were we. We also spent a lot of time outside on Graham's new swing, which he never wanted to get off. Someone has also taught him how to smell flowers because he can't walk by some of my flowers without smelling them. So cute. It was a great day. It is good that he goes to bed early because I need my sleep to prepare for tomorrow's adventures - taking Graham swimming at the fitness center. Stay tuned. . . .:)

ISU, Basketball, and Baseball

We just dropped Elyse off for 4 days of basketball camp at Upper Iowa University. We walked in and their women's head coach goes, "Ah, now there is a familiar face. Good to have you back!". So that made Elyse happy and excited. Funny how this time (her 4th year of basketball camps) she didn't need her parents to hang around. As soon as we had their stuff in their room, they were ready for us to go. Anyway, she is excited and has been practicing a lot to get ready. She is rooming with her cousin, Miranda, so we told them to make sure the "Kerian Cousins" leave their mark at basketball camp! I'm sure they will in one way or another. :)

Alex's baseball team had their end of the season cookout the same night as the All-Star game. Alex was all decked out, thanks to Uncle Ken, in Cardinals gear, as was Wayne. Thanks for the shirt and hat Ken! To say that Alex loves that shirt would be an understatement. Anyway, their season is done so he is spending a lot of time shooting baskets and playing baseball with his friends at the park. We have been playing a lot of "Around the World" in the driveway. You will have to ask the kids who beat them yesterday big time! - yes, their mother can still shoot the ball. hehehehe

Elyse and Alex both attended a small camp put on by ISU basketball players. They travel to various high schools and put on day camps for kids of all ages. Alex won a competition for his age level and Elyse came in 2nd in two competitions for her age level. Both had fun, learned a lot, got some autographs, and were amazed that one of the players wore a 18 size shoe!!!!! Wow! Came home with lots of ISU gear! (Pictures are of Alex getting medal and Elyse and her friend Megan standing in line for autographs)

This week we are excited because my nephew Graham will be staying with us for most of the week! I'm sure he will wear all of us out, but that will get us in gear for school routine. :) It is going to be super having him around and I am sure I will post about our week with Graham next time, as well as Elyse's time at bball camp. Until then...