Hello Blogging World! I am Back!

Hello blogger world.  Yes, the Kerians are alive.  I realized today while taking pictures off my camera that I have not blogged in a long time!  So here is a quick run down of some events in the past six months.

Elyse had a fabulous summer of Lightning baskeball.  They traveled the midwest and came home with lots of hardware (medals and trophies).  She loved every minute of it, as did we.  Best memory would probably be coming home from Wichita with seven wins and one lost to claim 5th place overall with many, many great teams in her division!  The Lightning families truly become one big family and it is so awesome!  And of course, I need to thank my parents who attended many of the tournaments and cheered Elyse's team on!  Thanks so much!

 

Alex had a super season of summer basketball.  He dominated on first based and pitched a lot as well!  While baseball is not his favorite sport, he did super.  Once and a while he would get his golf swing mixed up with his baseball swing, but he usually pulled it together. 

 

We had a wonderful time in Galena with the Deutmeyer extended family.  Galena is a beautiful place to rent houses and there is so much to do! It was great seeing cousins that we hardly ever see!  Looking forward to the next time!

We also had a fabulous week vacation in our summer paradise, Fripp Island.  This year, most of Wayne's family ventured along to celebrate Judy's 70th birthday.  Judy's sister and family also surprised Judy and rented a house on the island for a week.  Nothing better than the beach, sun, and the ocean!  I know everyone loved it!  How could they not?

 

On our way to South Carolina we made a slight detour and stopped to see our friends, the Sallah's for a few days in Tennessee.  It was so beautiful there, and we had a wonderful time!  It was great for the kids to hang out and for us to touch base with Michelle as we had not seen her in two years!  We could have spent a few days there as it was really beautiful.  Of course, Wayne and Alex golfed while we were there and we all enjoyed some "southern barbeque food".    We hope it not the last trip we make to Tennessee!   Thanks for a great time Michelle, Nicole, and Jess!



Elyse's varsity volleyball team had a season of ups and down.  We won't dwell on it but it was rocky.  While the team could beat most other teams from out of our conference,  they couldn't pull a lot of wins from teams within the conference.  Elyse did awesome though, dominating at the net.  She finished 4th or 5th in the conference on total blocks for the season.  She was also lead blocker in the state of Iowa for a game one week.  We loved watching her, as did her grandparents!  (Elyse is number 14 in the blue)

Alex's 8th grade football team won all their games except the last one.  That was a bummer because the other team caught a "hail Mary" pass with 3 seconds to go in the endzone to win.  Bummer!  Alex had a super season playing both offense and defense!  We can't wait until he starts high school football.  The varsity coach, a friend of our's, just last night told me that he better see Alex in the weightroom all the time because he has "plans" for Alex. 

Now we move on to basketball.  Alex has already started his AAU basketball season, winning first place last weekend at a tournament in Maquoeta Valley.  He loves his basketball so we are excited for his 8th grade basketball season at school to start.  He has been shooting in the mornings every day for the last three weeks with the high school boys so he is pumped!  And yes, Alex is now the same height as me, if not taller.  I think he will catch Elyse soon.  Poor Wayne....

Elyse is into her junior year of basketball.  She walked in just a few minutes ago from a jamboree/clinic and said they looked good.  She was also exhausted as she left at 5:30 this morning, so that is all I got out of her.  She has made many comments that it is great being back on the court and is pumped for a super season. Crestwood varsity has the potential to go far this year.  We can only wait and see. 

My sister, Sara, and I enjoyed a few concerts the past few months.  We did go to the 'Boys of the Sun" tour with Jake Owen, Tim McGraw, and Kenny Chesney.  While Jake Owen and Tim McGraw were awesome (yes, Jake Owen is now in the running as fav with Keith Urban), we were disappointed with kenny Chesney.  Not sure why, he just was not a crowd pleaser.  We had a fun night though with my sister in law, Lori, joining us on our concert fun.  Sara and I also just attended the big Madonna concert last weekend.  While it was great to see someone so famous, it was more like a show.  When we left, we could still hear and talk, which is not normal, so needless to say, we need a Keith Urban fix soon.

And of course, we did our part to raise money for ALS and did the Minneapolis Walk to Defeat ALS.  While it was cold, it was a special morning of walking for a good cause.  Ken's sign was posted so of course we had to stop and take many pictures by it and with it.  We had a super time that evening with Derek and Sara and the boys, as well as my parents, going out for dinner and bowling at a really fun place.  Great weekend! 

Wayne and I are still doing the same, chasing kids, working, golfing (me more work than golf)  We enjoyed a weekend trip to Milwaukee to a friend's wedding and various other trips the past few months.  You won't find us home much, which is how we like it.

So there is a recap of some of our adventures. I promise to be better at posting things more often as I know my east coast family members (yes, you Dennis) read them often!  I love that!  So until next time. 

AAU Volleyball - Let's Add One More Thing! Why Not?

Elyse goes for hit!

Another hit by Elyse

Kaitlyn and Elyse get the block!  Yes!

What else could we squeeze in our schedule?  Sure.....we have time.......

Crestwood decided to set up some AAU volleyball teams to travel around and play.  Elyse, along with her cousin, Miranda, played up with the few juniors out and did very well.  They played in three tournaments, placing 3rd in two of them and 2nd in one.  The last one, the girls placed 2nd out of 15 and qualified for the state volleyball AAU tournament, but due to previous commitments by many of the girls, they are not able to go play this weekend.  Bummer!  It would have been fun to watch them play some more.  If this is any sign, hopefully next season of volleyball will be an exciting one. 

Throw in volleyball practice the last few weeks of basketball and start of track, these were some busy girls!  But they did it and did a super job.  Elyse had to leave half way through the last tournament to get to Des Moines for Lightning basketball, but she was so glad to be a part of a great team of girls!  Exhausted.....but happy! 

Great job Elyse and Miranda (and the other girls on the team). 

Elyse Starts Track and Alex Starts Baseball, Track Next Week

The kids are getting into track.  Elyse has already had two indoor meets and is anxious to start outdoors.  Alex has started baseball practice for AAU and will be starting track next week.  We can all be honest that he is NOT excited about track, as he would rather be in the weightroom working out or on the golf course.  (Friday, he and his friends golfed 36 holes as we did not have school. He is so like his father!)  But he will be at track practice starting Monday as he knows it is a good way to keep in shape.

I had to post this adorable picture of Elyse and her favorite fans.  Have a good season Elyse and Alex!

Jamaica - I Love You!

riding horses in ocean - common activity for many tourist.  This is a local trying to entice tourist to do it. 

Wayne snorkeling right off beach edge

Yes.... it is "Teachers"

Our favorite bartender....Keeno.  Specialty drink called "hypnotist".  Yummy!

My daily view on the beach! 

Once basketball wrapped up, sadly too quickly we thought, Wayne and I booked a quick trip to Jamaica.  Being we booked two weeks before we left, our choices were limited but we found a place that we had been to before that was adequate.  It was exactly what we needed.

The beach was heavenly, the weather was 85+ everyday, the food was good, and the drinks were better.  Wayne golfed every morning at 6:30 with his caddy while I slept in, and he was back by 9:30 in the morning when I woke to head to breakfast and the beach. 

I'd like to say we left the resort to do some touristy things, but this time, we didn't. We signed up to go ziplining through the jungle area, but did not go when we saw how beautiful the weather was going to be that day.  I needed to be on the beach (and of course, Wayne had to golf for a few hours)  We had all we needed and I was content on the beach as it was perfect.  We did snorkel but we did that right at the resort as there was a reef right off the beach that had beautiful fish.  The fish were obviously fed frequently by people as they would swim right up to you looking for food.  The water was crystal clear and heaven. 

There was a sign about how much I needed to get away for a few days.....We were walking by one of the bars, as there are many, and I saw a bottle of liquor called "Teachers". (see picture) The bartender made me come around the bar and took my picture with it but I thought it best not to post that.    Of course we tried it - not my flavor as it was like a scotch/whiskey!  Yuck! 

There is something about Jamaica.......Yeah man! Much needed rest....and heavenly atmosphere.  Keeno....my favorite bartender.....took good care of Wayne and I!  What more do we need?  Sunshine, sand, ocean, and smiles.  No stress!  (I did miss the kids though....:)

Yes...We are Still Alive! Elyse's Confirmation! Alex - Wake Up!!!

Elyse and her "Besties" - Alexis, Elyse, Molly, and Megan

Connor helping make fruit pizzas - after he would eat the fruit

Kerian granddaughters confirmed, Miranda, Elyse, and Lydia

Elyse and Kim

Elyse and Sara, her sponsor for confirmation

Hello Blogger world!  Sorry it has been FOREVER since I have last blogged.  Time has just flown by so quickly and my world has slowed down a little with basketball wrapping up and track just starting that I forgot about my blog post.  For my friends far away, sorry about that.  We are still alive and busy as usual.  Here are some quick updates.

We had a wonderful weekend just pass as Elyse had her confirmation.  Sara, Derek, and the boys came and spent the weekend with us.  They couldn't get enough of "Wayne" and "Alex"......tear, tear for myself.   Cutest site....two little boys trying to wake up a 14 year old(Alex) on Saturday morning!  :)  I don't know how many times Connor came back from Alex's room saying, "Alex no wake up!"  It was adorable!  They didn't give up though and eventually Alex rose from the dead.  The boys had a fun time watching the 500 runners in the "St. Patrick's Brew and Stew 5K" run by our house.  Some of them had on some interesting outfits, which were fun to watch. 

My parents also came up Saturday to spend the day and go to confirmation.  Gma Judy had time to stop after mass as well to celebrate Elyse's confirmation with us, which was very nice!  It was a wonderful weekend, beautiful weather outside, and so great to have everyone over for the weekend!  Lots of laughs!  Thanks to Sara for being Elyse's confirmation sponsor and spending the weekend with us!  Everyone always says that Elyse is so much like my sister, Sara, and I say that is great!

Congratulations to Elyse on her confirmation.  Not only did she have that on Saturday, she had the first indoor track meet for the season.  While she was not too happy with her high jump, she was extremely happy with her run in the 4x200 as the coach told her right afterwards she "had a super run and her speed has increased so much from last year!". Her relay team did well.  He just asked her today if she would like to run the 400 as well and would give her a few days to think about it.....hmmm...what will she do????

Congratulations to Wayne's nieces Miranda and Lydia, who also celebrated their confirmation the same evening.   Everyone looked wonderful!

Where Did all this Snow come From?

Alex shooting from outside....and made it!

Alex's team getting "talk" from Coach McCaffrey

Alex driving down lane for 2...made it!

Alex (on inside) had an awesome blocked shot

Elyse scoring on Oelwein

Elyse guarding Nikki from Oelwein

Elyse shooting and getting fouled vs Turkey Valley

Elyse on defense against Turkey Valley post player

Well, we are on snow day number 2.  While I was excited about having a snow day last Friday, simply because we had gone to "Rock of Ages" (Broadway show touring) in Cedar Falls and it was a late night Thursday night, I am not too excited about today.  Yes, it is nice, but I was excited about how early we were going to get out of school originally in May....notice I said "were going to".  Who knows what will happen now.

"Rock of Ages" was amazing once again.  Wayne and I had both seen it in New York City (and it wasn't quite as good as NYC but it was still good).  We took some friends of ours along and it was amazing how all of us knew all the songs (kind of scary too). Brought back lots of laughs and smiles for all of us....some we won't share with each other.  Hahahahaha.  Needless to say, when I was in New York and saw it, Vince Vaugn, the movie star/actor, was sitting 2 rows behind me.  This time, some teachers from Cedar Falls were.....hoping for a snow day tomorrow.  Teachers.....Vince Vaugn.....not exactly the same but it was still fun! 

We did get in a few basketball games last week that weren't postponed due to weather.  Alex was suppose to play Waverly today, which he was pumped about, as it was already postponed due to weather once, but guess they won't be playing today either.  He did play two great games against Charles City and Decorah.  He is discovering just how much his coach loves to yell, especially "KERIAN!", but she (yes, I said "she") is doing a great job with the boys and doesn't put  up with anything.  (They could not find a coach for the 7th grade boys so the jr high girls' basketball/volleyball coach is doing it.  She loves it and is VERY good!).  His team is still undefeated so way to go 7th graders!

Elyse had games last week vs Oelwein and Turkey Valley.  They came out losing one and winning one.  Elyse was a little disappointed after the loss to Oelwein as she had good minutes, they just couldn't pull of the win.  The varsity team is experiencing some "issues within" from some of the seniors and everyone is feeling the tension".  Let's just say this was the only night Elyse came home shook up and upset, one, because they didn't beat Oelwein (whom she hates) and two, lots of yelling by some teammates in the lockerroom throwing blames.  Hopefully the team will work through it and move on.  They pulled out a win Saturday night against Turkey Valley, and Elyse had a good chunk of play time the whole first half and 3rd quarter.  Somehow, we were up by 20 going into the 4th quarter and TV came back within 4 at one time. STRESSFUL!  We did pull of the win though.

She did get some play time against Nikki from Oelwein and did well on her.  Elyse chuckled afterwards that Nikki would not "shake her hand or pat her on the back" like players do to the girl they were up against after the game.  Nikki did the other post players, NOT Elyse.  Elyse just laughed and loved it!    She also put on her Twitter that night, "Until next time" towards Nikki.....

So, here we are today stalling to clean and do laundry.  I did make a quick run to the grocery store, cautiously as we have a lot of ice under the snow, and it was like a ghost town.  I suppose I should get something done today being I didn't do too much yesterday.  I did, finally, get to enjoy a book on my nook and I haven't done that in a long time!  Loved it!  That sounds like a great idea for today, right???

One last thing....GO GIANTS!  If it can't be the Vikings, it might as well be the Giants!  :)

Stay warm!

Elyse's Basketball....Full of Ups and Downs

Elyse's basketball season since Christmas has been just that, ups and downs.  The JV continues to dominate and are still undefeated, while the varsity continues to win some and lose some (in frustration).  Elyse is still staying positive (more than her parents) and hanging in there. 

She is getting some JV time, but still only part of 2 quarters.  She is enjoying being "back with her team" as they are her classmates, and she is doing well making the best of that play.  She had some nice buckets against New Hampton this past week and strong defense. 

Varsity - When we came back from break to play Waukon, while in and out the first two quarters,she went in the 3rd quarter with the team down by 10 and helped to get us tied up, but then he took her out.  She was very confused after that but not complaining.  Just confused. (and her Grandpa is NOT happy as she can be doing really well, score, and coach will take her out....let's just hope that Elyse's grandpa and her coach never meet in the hallway...could be ugly!)    So while she is getting varsity play time, it varies to how much and how the game is going.  But she is playing aggressively and hustling down the court.  I continue to be amazed how quickly she gets down the court as one of the tallest girls out there. 

Her team came back after break to lose to Waukon and New Hampton but won against Decorah and Osage.  Round two begins this week playing everyone again....and we start with....Oelwein!  Elyse is pumped!  She had her best game thus far against them last time so hopefully she can go in an dominate against "Nikki" once again. 

Great job Crestwood and Elyse...keep playing hard and staying positive....I enjoy not having to cook on game nights....although my butt and back are suffering from the bleachers.  :)  Top two pictures are from a JV game and rest are varsity.

Living and Breathing Basketball

Alex shooting for 2 and made it!

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas".....oops....wrong song and a little too late. Christmas has past but we finally have some snow on the ground and it is cold!  I am not happy about this, but what do you do? 

As the title of this blog post states, we have been living and breathing basketball the last two weeks.  Alex is fully into his 7th grade basketball and are 2-0 thus far.  He is loving it and enjoying his time on the court.  While the first game of the season for the team was fairly easy against Turkey Valley, the last one was a little tougher and Alex did have to come out a while 3rd quarter due to some fouls and the need to "refocus" as he had a guy with 10 foot arms around him when he tried to pass the ball.  He did a super job starting out and made the team's first 6 points on some nice drives down the lane.  Great job Alex and the 7th grade A team!

It is definitely hard to go from a high school varsity game to a 7th grade game, but Alex's team is pretty agressive.  They are definitely fun to watch!  Two more games this week and hopefully they can continue to stay undefeated!

Oh yeah....Alex is number 44.  He wanted LeBron James's number...but they didn't have it.  Poor Alex.  :)

Wonderful Holiday!

Wayne skyping with Kirstin and Pete putting antlers on him

Randy and his White Elephant gift..wears it well!

Wayne opening gifts at home

Kids opening gifts...dogs playing with theirs

Alex, Graham and Connor flying kites at Gma's.

Alex and his twin, Connor, watching basketball

Connor, "Let me help you Graham." 

Playing cards with Great Gma Rita

"Alright!! Jump in the paper!!!"

We will help you Elyse

Elyse, Graham, Alex, Connor

With my holiday break soon over (yes, we return January 2nd...too soon!), I thought I would quickly send out a post sharing some pictures of our Christmas gatherings.  We had a wonderful time at all of the gatherings that we had with family and friends!  Thank you to Randy and Lori for hosting the Kerian Christmas gathering, my mom and dad for hosting the Nadermann Christmas, and Wayne for cooking for our family Christmas as I was not feeling well Christmas eve day.  Everything was perfect, it couldn't have been better, and it was so nice to have Kirstin home!

With the weather being in the 30s and 40s Christmas day, Wayne brought his kites to my parents and the little boys enjoyed flying Wayne's kites, as did Wayne, except there were a lot of power lines around that we had to be careful of.  Connor can now say "Kite" and it is so cute.  He can also say "Lyse" and "Aex" but not "Kim"....come on Sara.....get working on that! 

It was also nice that on Christmas day we got to spend some time with my grandma, the kids' great grandma.  She is a major card player, so she played cards with the kids, chuckling at "What kind of game do you play...this is crazy!"....as Elyse immitates Gma Rita in her older lady voice.  I was very glad to get to chat with her and see her!

Kirstin was not able to be home in time for the Kerian Christmas, but we did skype her in to watch and be there as much as she could.  She, sadly, left to fly back to NC this morning.  It was a very emotional morning for her, as I think she realized how much she misses Iowa (or maybe just sleeping in and never having to cook...yeah...that might be it! :)  Just kidding Kirstin!  We were so glad to have you home!  Your dad is still pretty shook up about you leaving....

I came across some old pictures of Ken that some of his friends had on Facebook while he was at West Point.  It was fun and bittersweet to look at those pictures and show the kids how Ken "really looked".  Kind of warmed my heart for the holiday break, but still miss him endlessly.

We hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends over the holidays!  Thanks to our families for a wonderful holiday!