More Pics from UNI vs. ISU Game

Wayne is a Happy Man! The Rest of Us....Content!

The weather cooperated with us yesterday and it stopped raining right as we parked and were ready to begin tailgating for the big UNI vs ISU football game. Due to all the flooding Ames had, there were minimal spaces to tailgate. We found a parking lot right by a park that was very close to the field. Needless to say, when one comes, others follow and the parking lot filled with people. The kids had a great time playing football, bocce, and hanging out. My uncle Dean, my cousin, Blake, my cousin, Ryan, and their UNI posse joined us for a while as well as our friend, Tom, who used to play football for ISU. It was a fun afternoon, although Wayne felt a little outnumbered by all the purple. Alex was good and work a UNI jersey but ISU shorts (until he had to put jeans on). Wayne made us suffer on the way down to Ames. We weren't even out of Cresco and he blared the ISU fight song on the radio....

Anyway, Elyse's friend, Molly, want to her first college game as well as my "other son", Spencer, joined us. Nate, Kirstin's boyfriend, went along as well. Fun time tailgating!

The game....well....let's just say that Wayne was very happy!!! He usually cheers for UNI but NOT when they are playing his ISU team. I was content, as I usually cheer for ISU but NOT when they are playing my UNI team. I don't think UNI showed up.....it must have been a different team as they couldn't do anything. three turnovers won't help you win a football game. Oh well....

Good memories were created on a gorgeous evening of football! (I still love my UNI Panthers!!!)

Alex's Favorite Play

I thought I would throw up a quick post about my boys and their football team. Thus far, Alex's team has had 2 games and won both of them. Alex has done very well and has scored in both games, often by the play you will see her. Coach Wayne says it is called the "22 Dump Pass" and Alex loves it! Great job Alex! (Sorry about the screaming in the background....wonder who it is anyway????)

Oh yeah, you might want to know which one is Alex. He is the one in blue (which one?), on the line (where at?), the outside of the line on their left, and on the team's left running with his arm up to receive the ball and gets it thrown to him.

UNI Football.....after Volleyball All Day...Can't Get Enough!

After a full day of volleyball, we headed to the Dome to watch UNI football. It was a big game as UNI is rated number 11 and the team we played is rated 10! Elyse decided after a full day of volleyball to go home instead of the football game, and she really missed a super football game!!!! Alex had gone down with some friends of ours and tailgated before we hooked up with them to go into game. He was ready for some football.

We had seats in the 5th row, about 5 yard line, which appeared to be the place to sit to witness the action. Lots of "excitement" on our end of the field the whole game. UNI had three turnovers that would have been touchdowns, which lost them the game, but it was exciting all the way to the end. There were times when I would have called it a wrestling match as it was pretty brutal. Lots of penalties on both teams for unnecessary roughness and illegal hits. (I can't think of proper penalty terms.....but you know what I mean.) UNI ended up being 3 points short of winning the game (which wouldn't have happened if they didn't have so many turnovers or missed field goal), but it was a fun night for the Kerian family.....even if we were exhausted from being gone all day for volleyball. Proud to be a Panther!!!!

The funny part of the night was our seats were 2 rows behind my cousins and uncle who have season tickets. So it was nice to get to chat with them.

The football tickets also got you into the UNI volleyball match....which I heard was so intense....but we decided to go grab some food and head home since we had been gone since 7 AM. If Elyse would have been with us, we would have gone to UNI volleyball like planned, but Alex had football the next day and Wayne and I couldn't take anymore sitting on bleachers/chairs. I was bummed we didn't go as I heard it was a super match...next time.

Next week UNI plays ISU in football. Elyse's volleyball game was cancelled for the weekend so you know where the Kerian family will be.....Iowa State football field and tailgating. Wonder who will come out winner of the house??? Kim for the purple and gold or Wayne for the cardinal and gold?????? Bets are on!!!!

Volleyball pics vs. Indee

More volleyball against Indee!

Volleyball - Week Started Well but Ended...Not So Good!

It was a week and weekend of volleyball at the Kerian house. I think after yesterday's tournament all day, I might have bleacher butt. That might also be because I couldn't sit still all day. The price to pay for a week of volleyball ups and downs.

We started the week with a volleyball match against Turkey Valley. Girls looked great! Elyse's hitting practice with Lindsey Sir is paying off and she is really doing well. (Thanks Lindsey!) Came out winners of that match, which was great as Turkey Valley looked strong as well.

Then we ventured home to play Oelwein. This game was a different story. Some of you know Elyse's number 1 enemy plays for Oelwein. She has to play her in basketball (which last time Crestwood won in overtime), she high jumps against her in track ("enemy" placed 5th or 6th, Elyse placed 2nd in high jump at conference meet), both play some position in softball (enemy plays 1st base, as does Elyse), and now volleyball. Her enemy is the tall blond in the black uniform. I can't tell if she is number 20 or 10, but she has the blond ponytail in the black uniform. Game started out in our favor. Elyse blocked "Enemy's" first spike, and she was pumped. But the game went down hill for the team as we really struggled. Elyse probably had her best game of hits and blocks, but the team couldn't pull it together to win. Rough night of volleybal. At least the pain only lasted a while as the games were over quickly. Sadly, this was the freshman team's first loss of the season. Bummer. The pictures show Elyse on the block against "Enemy" as well as one of Elyse coming down after a spike between two of the Oelwein girls, one "Enemy")

So yesterday we venture to the tournament in Oelwein and guess who we play first????That's right...."Enemy's" team, Oelwein. I didn't include pictures of that game, but Crestwood did better. We were winning at one point and then choked. Elyse had some good blocks against "Enemy" and played well. Oelwein was the winner in the end. Without summarizing each game of the tournament, let's just say it was a rough day for Crestwood volleyball as the girls just couldn't move their feet and receive the ball. Fundamentals killed us and we did not come home winners. I hope it doesn't sound like I am bragging, but Elyse played well all day. Her grandma Janet was there and also said so. :) (Thanks for coming Mom!) Elyse had some great hits/kills and blocks. She hates that she is not a backrow player and has to come out after rotating through the front row and wait until they rotate her back in....stresses her out.....but that is what "Middle Hitters" do at Crestwood.

It was a fun day in that I got to see and spend some time with my high school friend, Joan. Her daughter, Abby, is in Elyse's grade and we meet up frequently at sporting events. We ended up playing Independence, which is Abby's team. We gave it a good run, but Indee came out victorious. I will post pictures of that game on my next post. Great serving Abby!

So...this week we start out with matches Monday and Tuesday. Let's hope we get back in the groove and turn it around.....(Monday we should win...Tuesday vs Waverly, cross your fingers.....)

Labor Day Weekend at the Cabin

Well, we finally all made it up to the cabin. First time all summer so it was nice to have the chance to go up and relax for a while. Wayne went up Friday afternoon before us to mow and do some work around the cabin. The kids and I headed up Saturday morning (had to stay home and watch high school football game -Elyse couldn't miss it) It wasn't the "hot" Labor Day weekend we were counting on, but the weather was fine and kids had a super time. The Lentz family joined us, which was fun. If you know the Lentz family, you know that Chris is a huge fisherman so that is basically what he did most of the weekend. Alex was his "fishing buddy" and we didn't see them for hours, unless we were driving around on the jet skiis and came across them. They caught quite a few bass, some northerns, and croppies. Chris shared his "secret bait" with Alex so Alex was way excited. You can see that our dogs, Vinnie and Norah, anxiously waited for someone fishing off the dock to catch something. Vinnie just goes crazy when someone pulls in a fish. Funny!

The weekend was spent on the water, tubing, jet skiing, knee boarding, and boating. Brenda, Chris's wife, loved our jet ski so much she thinks she needs one as a "new toy". Sat with the neighbors one evening to catch up and celebrate their anniversary with them. Of course, Brenda and I had to take the girls to Mankato to the mall for a while-not long though as we had to stop at Gander Mountain for more "secret bait" before it closed. Priorities. :)

Anyway, it was a nice, relaxing weekend that was very much needed. Until next time....which will probably be a year from now. Let's hope not.

Let the Games Begin!

Volleyball is underway. First game was tonight vs. Waukon. Elyse's freshman team came out winners, winning their match (best 2 out of 3). They looked good - a little nervous with first game jitters but good overall. Elyse is a "middle hitter" so no back row for her. Just front row blocking and middle hits. I enclosed a few pictures of Elyse (for my family and friends as part of Wayne's family was there). As you can see, she loves to go for the block. Good job Crestwood Cadets! Exciting season ahead!

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!