Elyse Survived Snow Valley Basketball Camp/School Again!

My little girl returned home late Monday afternoon after 4 days of intense basketball camp (school as they call it) tired and hungry. The last time she went to Snow Vally Basketball Camp was when she was going in 5th grade - an excellent experience but too intense at that point. Before returning this year, her friends were calling it "Death Camp" but afterwards, she realized it was not all that bad....Her return to this camp was successful and beneficial....plus she met some more new "facebook friends" along the way (the priorities of a 14 year old). hehehehe Anyway, they put in LONG days, getting up at 5:30 to get ready to play by 6:15 and then going sometimes until after 10 PM at night. Not a lot of "down time" but that is not what they were there for. Wayne and I are VERY proud of her (as well as our niece Miranda who also went and the 7 other Crestwood freshmen who also went). It is an intense camp, recognized by Sports Illustrated, but well worth it in the long run. Elyse's only "little" disappointment. . . .four years ago her and her friend Hannah won this competition called "Cut Throat".....not this year......oh well....can't win them all Elyse....And I don't think she will be running for a few days. I included a picture of the back of her heels that were broken, open blisters. Her toes were covered as well. Ouch! Other pictures are just during game times and during the "Cut Throat Competition".

Oh yeah....one final comment.....at her physical Tuesday Elyse measured 6' on the dot! She thinks she shrunk as she was measured almost 6'1" at school. I told her maybe the scales were off...she just chuckled! We do know that she is officially taller than her father, who continues to claim he is taller than her coming in at a whopping 5'10". Go Wayne!

Happy Birthday Ken!

My last post is to wish my brother Ken happy birthday! Today is his birthday and I hope he is having one hell of a party up there. Even though he is not here with me physically, I know he is with me in spirit (and that I am crying now as he thinks I am a bit emotional) :) Yes....so true...there were many tears shed during our vacation. I couldn't help think while driving the last few weeks how Ken has pulled so many family and friends together over the past. I also realized that he is the reason my family first went to the Outer Banks years ago (Sara, Derek, Kim and Wayne-had a blast with Ken) as well as the reason we ventured to Fripp in South Carolina as we loved the beach so much. Ken was the one who first invited us to the Outer Banks for a few days before Deanne and Darbys' wedding. If it weren't for that moment...my family wouldn't have all the wonderful memories we have had over the past years....9 to be exact as Deanne reminded me....or all the great friendships that have developed over the years. Deanne, Wayne and I sat on her deck one night with the sky full of stars and the waves crashing talking about all the people and friendships Ken helped create. I have so many wonderful memories and new friendships because of him. In a way, I guess that is how he will live on in us. Even so, I miss him a lot and wish he were here. I only hope that as I sat on the beach in the Outer Banks the last few weeks, he was sitting on the beach too or watching the same stars at night.

Happy Birthday Ken! Love and miss you!

Fripp Island, South Carolina - Fun in the Sun!

The last week of our adventure was we enjoyed some time on Fripp Island, a familiar place to our family. Kirstin and Nate arrived with Elyse's friends, Megan and Molly, as they flew into Atlanta and drove from there. Everyone adjusted and got settled for a week of fun in the sun. The weather was beautiful, 90s all week, rained a few nights later in the evening, which was fine as it was so humid. Everyone had a fabulous time. The house we rented was from the same owner as last year, just different house, and it was beautiful! Everyone was sad to leave yesterday and can't wait until next year.

Here are the highlights of Fripp:
* Kids loved high tide as they tried to "jump" the waves and ride them out. This was usually in the evening, towards dark, which was kind of nerve wracking as we couldn't see each other after a while. Kids thought it was "way cool"!
* Spent the days on the beach....boogie boarding, swimming, etc. Kim and Kirstin read some and "people watched" of course. The ocean was perfect and the beach was not too crowded. We usually had our own little area so it was perfect. There were also many "bocci ball" games during the week.... Wayne and Nate appear to be the partner champs as they usually came out winning.
* Evenings were wonderful as the adults sat out on the front porch chatting and enjoying a few drinks while the kids played cards and games until midnight or later. They also made milkshakes every night and enjoyed tons of laughs while blasting the music. This of course, was after the golf cart rides around the island. The girls thought it was cool they could drive with their permits (with an adult of course) and wanted to drive as much as possible.
* Wayne and I saw an alligator in the canal that was over 12 foot!!!! It was so large that it was kind of freaky! I think it was the alligator that Justin and Cody call "Mean". If it was, he moved spots because the alligator in the pond was much smaller than in the past.
* I took all the kids and teenagers to Hunting Island one afternoon. We loved shell hunting, swimming in ocean, and going up the lighthouse.
* Wayne rented a boat the last day - spent all of Friday out venturing to Bull's Point, which is a great place to shell. He had to make two trips, and of course, got lost once or twice, but it was great. He also had to manage the boat around clam beds, which was interesting. While we were at Bull's Point, the girls looked for shells, went swimming, and hunt out. We took our time going back as we watched dolphin swimming and feeding. Alex and Wayne tried fishing (Molly too) at Bull's Point. Alex caught two sharks - one a hammerhead that everyone thought was cool. You will see pictures of it below in the slide show. When we dropped the kids off at the marina, Wayne and I went back out and trolled around following dolphin and fishing. Great way to end the week.
* Elyse's friend, Molly, turned 15 while on vacation with us so of course we had to take her to the local "Johnson Creek Tavern". It was a fun night for all of us. We then walked into "Barefoot Bubbas", which is the local t-shirt/souvenier shop. When we walked in, the guy behind the cashregister goes, "Hey, you guys have been here before!". We just laughed. Yes.....a few times over the past years!
* Wayne, Nate, and Alex did get a few rounds of golf in. Not as much as the past, but they did enjoy themselves.

So, once again, Fripp has left us with great memories with family and friends. It is always sad to leave.....but exciting to know we will hopefully be back next year.

Next Stop - Outer Banks. . . .Old Memories and New

From Washington DC, we went to the beaches of the Outer Banks, North Carolina. We were anxious to get to the Outer Banks as we have many fond memories from the past...there were some tears along the way. . .good chats. . . new memories created. We stayed with Deanne and the girls at Darby's family beach house. It was a beautiful place. . .ocean to the right and the sound to the left. During the day, we sat on the beach as well as used the pool at Darby's stepmom's home, which is right on the beach.

Highlights:
* Chats until late in evening on out deck....sharing memories and thoughts while enjoying wine.
* Intense waves of the ocean - we were thrown around a lot!
* Wayne teaching Ellie how to fly a kite. It was adorable and precious!
* Watching dolphin in the ocean as we hunt out on the deck.
* Swinging in the hammock by the beach while enjoying the view and pool

I could go on and on about the Outer Banks. It was wonderful, although there was someone missing....missed you Ken!

Washington DC - Can You Say "Hot"? Yes - But Awesome!

We returned from our trip to the East Coast last night at 2:00 AM. We drove straight through from South Carolina to my parents, picked up dogs, and drove home to Cresco. Made pretty good time considering we added an hour on due to construction/delays. I will not lie.....there were tears shed at various times throughout this wonderful trip.....tears of sadness and tears of happiness. It definitely was a memorable vacation and good for the heart!

So instead of trying to put all sorts of pictures on one post, I will be sharing three post. Within each one, I will list the highlights of the various places we visited.

Our first stop was the wonderful Washington DC. We stayed with some friends of ours, Deanne and Darby, only Darby was gone on offical "Army" business. It was great to spend some time with Deanne and the girls, Molly and Ellie as well as travel and tour Washington DC.

Highlights of the trip:
* We had the pleasure of watching amazing fireworks of Washington DC being shot over Washington Monument. Because it was over 100 degrees and utter chaos, we decided to watch them from the Potomac River, right by the monument. It was so intense as there were 29 other surrounding suburbs doing fireworks as well so it lit up the sky. A moment I know none of us will forget.
* The first night we were in DC we decided to visit the monuments and White House. As we get close to the White House, security police show up pushing everyone out of the area. They were very intense. As we started walking away, the sky because full of activity - lots of helicopters etc. Next thing we know, Air Force One is landing with the President. We did not see him, but it was pretty intense.
* Spent one day at Mount Vernon, George Washington's home. I didn't think this would be very exciting as I am not a history person, but it was very cool! I suggest it to anyone visiting Washington. Kids loved it. They even shot off "day fireworks" that were colored powder. It looked just like the real thing, only spread out like powder. Very cool.
* I loved the monuments and memorials - Last time I was there they did not have the World War II memorial, which was beautiful. The most impressive one for all of us was Arlington Cemetary as we watched the "Changing of the Guards". Good for the kids to see and learn as they had lots of questions afterwards.
* Rest of visit was full of touring and fun. Kids got really good at figuring out Metro and getting around.

So, while it was very hot.....it was a wonderful vacation and time spent together. Enjoy the pics!

A Week of Baseball, Softball, and Family

Ahh...finally some sunshine without the humidity and chance of storms/tornadoes.. I thought I would make a quick blog post in between running kids everywhere. It has been a very busy past week but very enjoyable.

Baseball and softball continue to take up our world. Alex has his last week of AAU this week. Combine that with Park and Rec and he has 9 games from today until Friday night! Busy boy! Their AAU team continues to do very well and winning the majority of their games. Alex is doing great and loving every minute of AAU. Yesterday he had a double header against Decorah, who they ended up crushing, and Alex had his own little cheering section as his grandma Janet and Papa came. They brought a special visitor along to help cheer on Alex, my brother's dog, Cal. hehehe. It was great of them to make the trip up just to see Alex play.

Elyse. . . .don't really see much of her lately in her busy schedule. She spent the last week at softball, basketball, volunteering, and babysitting the last 5 nights in a row so I didn't see her too much. Her softball team is doing very well as well and have not had many losses all season! She also had her own cheering section last week at her game as both grandmas, Sara, Graham, and Connor came to cheer her team on to a win! The laughter of the game was when my sister cheered, "Come on Blue. . . There are two duckies on the pond!". (meaning 2 girls on bases to get home as Elyse was batting). Oh Sara!!!! Good times!!! I know Elyse appreciated having everyone there! She and I did have a "girls weekend" - when she was home that is- as Wayne took Alex and some of his friends for a weekend of tubing, kneeboarding, and jet skiing at the cabin. Bonding weekend for all!

As I mentioned earlier, my sister, Sara, and her boys came down for a few days to visit and watch the kids play ball. The rain didn't cooperate with Alex's games so she only saw a little bit, but we loved having them here and miss them already! Connor is getting bigger, and it was fun to cuddle with him. Hard to believe he will be a month old this week. I found a new toy for Graham, a motorized Gator that a friend of mine was selling. He loved it! We all thought he would be scared to death of it at first, but he jumped right on and calls it his tractor! So cute!!! Alex was just bummed as he didn't fit (explains the picture).

It's another busy week of baseball (9 games) and softball (2 double-headers)before we head out for vacation in the Outer Banks, NC, and Fripp Island, SC. Lots to do before then but very excited about getting away. I have a wierd, nervous, sad feeling about going back to the Outer Banks without Ken being there but I know he would want us to have a fabulous time. We know we will be missing him and thinking about him. . .as usual. Bitter sweet return to Outer Banks I guess. The kids have friends meeting us in South Carolina who are flying in with Kirstin and Nate so we will have a full house full of laughter! A good vacation before a new school year full of big changes . . Elyse and her 2 friends, Megan and Molly, will be going to high school, Alex and his friend Spencer will be going to middle school, and Kirstin will student teach and graduate from UNI. Tear. . . tear. . .Life goes so fast.

Enjoy the sunshine and great weather!

Happy Golden Birthday Alex!

My little boy is not so little anymore. . .even though he will always be "my baby". He would give me quite the look right now if her knew I wrote that.

Yesterday was Alex's 12th birthday - his "Golden Birthday". After 7 years of celebrating his birthday in either North or South Carlina, he finally had a birthday in Iowa and had a party with some of his friends. He wasn't sure which was better - bday in the Carolinas or bday in Iowa with friends - although he thought it would be great to combine the two. Anyway, he had a bday party Friday night with his friends, complete with a Minnesota Twins bday cake made by our friend, Kelly Sorensons (who has turned into quite the cake maker! Yummy!)to go along with his new Mauer's jersey. His uncle Ken would be "giving him the look" right now as Alex has slipped from the dedicated "St. Louis Cardinal's fan" to a "Minnesota Twins" fan. . . .don't worry Ken, the rest of the family are still Cardinals fans! The boys spent hours playing baseball behind the house with a tennis ball - mainly a homerun derby. It kills me that we have a big baseball park right behind our house, but they choice to play on a field that combined our yard with our neighbor's. They played until they couldn't see the ball anymore and then retired to the house for cake and fun inside. I think they finally went to bed around 3:00 AM.

For once, it was not raining and turned out to be a beautiful night Friday night. Wayne, Elyse, and I sat on the deck enjoying the clear sky and looking for various star constellations. Kirstin and Nate (yes, they are back together) joined us as well for a few adult beverages (not Elyse on that part). It was nice to all hang out and relax for once. It's great to have Kirstin back home and spend some time with her as well.. . . .she is a busy lady this summer working to save money for the fall when she is student teaching. Anyway, turned out to be a beautiful night!

Saturday, everyone slept in as it was raining again. . . .even the boys from the party. Spent the day cleaning up. Alex chose to have his family birthday dinner that evening at the Old World Inn in Spilleville that recently reopened. It was delicious and great atmosphere. The tunnels in the restaurant are from the "bootlegging" period and they have been restored. So he wanted to sit down there and eat. It was great and he enjoyed it! His favorite - fillet mignon - turned out to be a hit! When we got home, Wayne and I finally watched the movie Avatar! (I know. . .we are behind. . . ) Wow. . .what an amazing moving. . . .but we should have started it before 9:15 PM as it is an extremely long movie. . . .but very good! I recommend it to all if you haven't seen it. . . intense!

Today he was to have a double header baseball game. . .but thanks to the rain. . . .it was cancelled AGAIN. So. . . his team is practicing at this time and then the family is headed to Rochester. Alex has some birthday money he can't wait to spend.

Happy Birthday Alex! Love you lots!

As Always, Proud Mom and Dad

I had to share this video I took the last day of school. . . .it is kind of fuzzy because it was fairly dark in the auditorium (not sure why) and I was far away. You may also have to turn the volume up on your computer to hear what he is saying. I would also pause it until it is all loaded otherwise it will stop at various times to "catch up".

The morning of the last day of school, the guidance counselor (the guy speaking in the video and also a coach in our high school) came to my classroom to tell me Elyse was getting an award today at the Jr. High awards assembly. I kind of looked at him because I knew they gave out lots of certificates that day for variety of things that Elyse participated in or achieved such as honor roll, sports things etc. He then said that she was getting what he would call the highest award given in jr. high as it is an award selected by the faculty based on character and involvement. He thought I would like to be there to see her receive it as she had no idea.

It was one of the last awards given, and Elyse saw me come in the auditorium wondering what the heck I was doing there (as there are not a lot of parents who attend). I watched her get a few other awards, 2nd in conference in track for high jump, high honor roll, Presidential something, etc. - very proud of her for all of them. The last award she did not know she was getting is called the Citizenship Award and Mr. Sickles, the guy in the video, explains what it is based off of and given for. Needless to say, Wayne and I were very proud of Elyse. . . .so this is our "bragging moment" so to say as all parents like to share the great things their children do. Very, very, very proud of her! Love you Elyse!

I actually got a little teary eyed. . . .very proud!

More of Connor James Johnson

See previous entry with informationa about Connor. . .

Welcome Connor James Johnson

We had an exciting Memorial Day Weekend, to say the least. Wayne went south Saturday (and north that evening) to help pack up all of Ken's things in his house to get it ready to put on the market while I went North Friday night to wait for the arrival of my new little nephew......I didn't have to wait too long as Connor James Johnson was born sometime after 2:00 in the afternoon on Saturday, May 29th. He weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces and was almost 23 inches long. As you can see by the pictures, he is adorable!!!!!!

Graham was so excited to meet him that when we were at the hospital for the first time, the nurses came to take Connor for some routine things and Graham got very upset. He kept saying, "Bring him back!" It was so cute and precious! He will make a great older brother.

Besides the excitement of a new nephew, I enjoyed spending the weekend with Graham while we waited for the big moment. We had so much fun reading books, coloring, doing sidewalk chalk, playing outside, and singing/dancing that I was wore out by the time Wayne and the kids arrived Saturday night. Forgot how busy 2 years olds are, but it was so fun!

I am sure there will be lots more pictures of Connor, but here are a few. His middle name of James was also Ken's middle name. . . . .bittersweet. . . . Ken would be very proud of his new little nephew. . .I guarantee it. . . and proud of his little sister Sara too!

Congratulations Sara and Derek!

Never Forgotten. . . Carolina

As the song by James Taylor goes:

"In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina. . . ."

Those of you who know my family well know this is the time of year where we would spend 2 weeks with my brother in the Outer Banks of North Carolina (me, sometimes 1 week, but Wayne and the kids always had 2. . .lucky them!) . .Ken would be there by now. . . we would just be getting ready to head out and make the long drive to the beach. . . .priceless memories made that will forever and always be close to my heart. . . . that brought so many people together for a small moment in time.

wonderful memories. . . never forgotten. . . We will be back soon. . . .I am sure Ken is sitting by the ocean, having a beer, or running the beach up there . there has to be an Outer Banks, NC, in heaven right?

"Yes. . .I'm Goin' to Carolina in my mind." Miss and love you Ken!

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame"

Alex's baseball season is well under way and they are going strong! A while ago I blogged that their first tournament was in Denver, Iowa. Well. . .they came out placing 3rd in a tournament when all the teams were 6th graders except our team, which are all 5th graders! It was a great tournament. . . .and yes, Alex's team beat his cousin, Blake's team. It was a good game and friendly competition. We had a lot of family members on the field that first game: his cousin, Blake, playing for Denver, his great uncle, Dean, coaching Denver, and his 2nd cousin, Ryan, umping behind homeplate. Oh yeah. . .can't forget his own dad, Wayne, helping coach his team. (Do you think baseball is a popular sport on my side of the family??? :) It was like a small family reunion on the ball field! It was a great tournament - chilly - but fun! Alex ended up doing some pitching and playing his usual, first base. The team picture included in this blog is the team after their third place tourney win! Don't you love their sharp uniforms? :)

Last week we played the 6th graders from New Hampton (not sure why we are always playing older kids but oh well. . .????). That was not quite such a pretty picture but the boys tried hard. Lots of little errors and just couldn't hit the ball. We'll get them next time!

Last night the boys played in Cresco against Oelwein 5th graders in a double header and won big time. Everyone hit the ball well, fielded super, Alex had 2 doubles, and it was a fun game to watch. This time, Alex played 1st base, pitched a few innings, went back to first, and finished at 3rd base. I have included some pictures of him batting, playing 3rd, and base running.

Bleacher butt hasn't set in yet. . . .thank goodness for lawn chairs. . . .his team has a week off and then back at it with another tournament the weekend of June 5th! Should be an exciting summer - lots of softball and baseball!

Elyse Places 2nd in High Jump at Conference Meet

It's been a while since I have made a post in my blog so I thought it was time I get the world caught up on how Elyse did in track, now that it is over. She had a very successful season in track this year and I think she really enjoyed it..... a lot more than last year.....mainly the high jump. Throughout the season she ran the 400' and the 200', usually placing 5th in the 400' (not so much in the 200'). Her determination really played into how she did in the high jump as she practiced almost every weekend. It was fun for Wayne and I to watch her determination. . . .She consistently placed 2nd after the first track meet in the high jump. . . .making 4'4" and 4'6". . . always getting 2nd place and very proud. That "consistency" carried over into the conference track meet. She competed against girls from 6 or 7 schools (can't remember)and came out placing 2nd overall! She was so pumped and excited! She easily cleared 4'6" and then attempted 4'8" but couldn't quite do it. It was between her and another girl. . .the other made 4'8". So 2nd place it was again. . . . great job Elyse! She has set some goals for next year and high school in the high jump that I know she will accomplish if she puts her heart and mind into it. Awesome track season Elyse! We are all very proud of you!

I wanted to also congratulate Wayne's niece and nephew, Miranda and Brandon Kerian, on having awesome seasons in track as well. Miranda broke the 8th grade record in at least 2 running events, and Brandon made it to state in three events! Yes. . .they are fast!!!! Way to go Miranda and Brandon. I did include one picture of Elyse and Miranda after they finished running the 400' at Charles City. Miranda usually does not run that race, but coach put her in, and she broke the record for the 400'! So, I thought it was a good picture of the two girls "starting" and "ending" the 400' together!

So. . . Elyse is now busy practicing for 9th grade softball. First game next week . . .can't believe my baby girl is playing high school ball already. (tear, tear). Looks like I better invest in one of those cushions for sitting on the bleachers. . .

Track Season has Begun - Baseball Starts Next Week

Elyse's track season is in full swing and she is enjoying it much more than she expected. Last year she popped her hip and was out for 2 weeks. This year, no injuries thus far (knock on wood). She had two track meets this past week, the first in Decorah and then in Cresco. She has spent every weekend practicing her high jump up at the high school and her extra practice is paying off. She placed 4th in Decorah in the high jump after three girls from different schools. The sucky part about the high jump is that if you also run a track event, you have to go do that and then return to finish your jumps if you continue on and have made it. Elyse just finished running a 400 and had to go finish her jumps. Tired legs! One picture above is from Decorah meet. (She is the girl with the blue shirt and black shorts in the pictures of running events).

Thursday night was in Cresco (home terf) in a 4 team meet. She placed 2nd and did fabulous by jumping and clearing 4'6"! She almost made 4'8"! She has never really practiced 4'8" so when it came time to jump that, she kind of freaked out and couldn't get her approach down. It was between her and another girl for 1st and 2nd. The other girl won by jumping 4'10". Elyse was very excited and still working hard on her high jump. I was not a "track girl" in high school, but my excitement to watch the track team is growing. :) Elyse also placed 5th in the 400 (yes Ken, once around the track. . . . can you believe it? :) So great job Elyse! Keep it up!

Congrats also go out to Wayne's niece, Miranda, who broke the 8th grade 100 meter dash!! Great job Miranda!!! (she is so fast!!!). Wayne's nephew, Brandon, continues to shine on the high school track team as well placing 1st in almost every running event he does. Great job Kerian kids!!!!

Alex has his first baseball tournament next Saturday. His team has been practicing twice a week and are ready to get started. It will be a busy weekend for us as we also have a wedding in Rochester, but business is what we are used to. :) Look for posting on how the tournament goes as we are headed to Denver, Iowa, to play. Alex will have the pleasure of possibly playing against his cousin, Blake, who lives in Denver. Nothing wrong with a little friendly, cousin competition. :) Go Cadets!!!

Kirstin is enjoying her final full week at UNI. I heard she had "the worst hangover of her life" last Friday as she went out the night she finished her tutoring/remedial teaching class. Wayne and I figure we don't need to know what all happened - some things are better left that way. :) Wayne is ready to go down to UNI for one final "move back home". One last time (for now. . . until she moves to get a job. . . .)

Wayne just walked in from spending all Saturday and Sunday morning at the cabin doing some "fixins". He took up our old microwave and mounted that to replace the old one as well as did some rewiring for some different TV arrangements I guess they have discussed. We are all anxious to get up north and spend some sunny days at the Kerian cabin - although that usually doesn't work out for us until end of July or August. Looks like Elyse will have softball (high school coach informed me that they start games already end of May) tourneys almost every weekend until mid July and usually 3 games a week. We go on vacation end of July, basketball camps, and then volleyball starts. We may never get to the cabin. . . . . should have went up this weekend with Wayne. Oh well. . . . .

Kevin and Kelly - Brandon looked handsome for prom!!! Hard to believe he is a junior already! Looked awesome Brandon!

"Fussin' and a Feudin'' 8th Grade Musical

It has been a busy start to the month of April for the Kerian family. Where does time go? So what is going on in our lives? Let's see. . .

Not only did Elyse turn 14, she passed her driver's permit test with flying colors on the first try! Yeah Elyse! This was much to my surprise, not that I didn't think she could do it, but because I didn't think she studied much. I thought it would be good for her just to take the test and see what it was like even if she didn't pass. I guess she showed me. . . .passed first attempt. So, she has been out driving around a few times. She is not that eager to jump behind the wheel. I keep forgetting that she didn't learn to drive like I did on the farm way before I was 14. Over Easter weekend I tried to get her to go for a drive with her grandpa around the fields on the farm, but she conveniently forgot her driver's license, which she really didn't need out there. But oh well, she is now a driver in the Kerian family.

She was also recently in the jr. high musical at our school called "Fussin' and a Feudin'" about two hillbilly families that have had a feud going on for years. She was the store owner and mother to a boy that was so much shorter than her, it was fitting! She did a great job and I have included some pictures in this post. She is enjoying track right now, having batting practice once a week for softball, busy babysitting and saving her money, and of course, enjoying a lot of time with her friends! Our weekends continue to have a house full of kids, which we love. Friday night the house was full of girls after they went to the movies for a sleep over, and Saturday night was Alex's turn to have a house full of boys for the night. Funny how they don't want their parents around when their friends are here. . . .unless they need food of course. :)

Alex. . . he is busy with baseball now. Practice twice a week for his AAU team and loving every minute of it. The have their first tournament already in early May so that will be here before you know it as well. Dick's Sporting Goods store has become a frequent stop for us, even more than it was before, as the kids seem to always need gear for their sports (Elyse with track and softball coming up, and Alex with baseball). Alex is now the one going through the growth spurt and we can't keep up with clothes that fit him.. . . or shoes. . . .

Kirstin. . . she has been the family traveler the past month. She loved her week in Mexico for Spring Break, enjoyed her week at a school in Texas for a practicum, and is now gearing up to finish her college life at UNI. She is pretty sad about having to leave college life and "grow up". Her saving grace is that she is really still a college student because she student teaches in the fall! It has been awesome watching her travel and enjoy life with more confidence and courage. We are all excited for her experiences this fall - not only because she will be learning new life lessons in Virginia and New York - but we will get to visit!!!! (Selfish I know)

Wayne enjoyed his yearly golf trip to Georgia and is loving the sunshine lately. He and Alex have already spent a lot of time on the golf course. I think Alex is a chip of the ol' block as he has a pretty sweet golf game! They are enjoying the time together (and avoiding chores around the house). Just kidding.

I am continue to be busy with school. Hard for me to believe the year is almost over. Our students are still done before Memorial Day, which is kind of a miracle considering all the snow days we had. The last two years I have had to stay back and teach the week after Memorial Day while my family ventured off to the Carolinas a week before me for our 3 week vacation. Funny how this year, we aren't going to the Carolinas in June (moved it to July) and I will be done with school. Just my luck! Oh well, you will find me at many softball and baseball games I guess that week instead.

Enjoy the sunshine!

Happy Belated Birthday Elyse and Kirstin's Ventures

My baby girl turned 14 last weekend. Hard to believe how fast time flies by with the kids. Not only did she turn 14, but we had our first meeting for her high school registration last week as well. We were walking in to the high school and it was like everything just hit me. . . .Elyse is going to be in high school!!!! I am going to miss seeing her face every day in school (and I think she will miss not being able to ask me for money sometimes in the middle of the day). Very excited for this new venture in her life. She has been spending time doing her "4 year plan" for classes. Now this week - driver's test for permit!!!! AHHHH!

Anyway, we had a great birthday weekend for her. Alex's AAU team had their last tourney last weekend so we took 4 of Elyse's friends along down to Cedar Falls last Friday night to stay in a hotel with some of the other families of Alex's team. The girls had their own suite and had a great time. Spent the evening swimming, chatting, and eating. We woke up and took Alex to his tourney while the girls slept in, or tried to. The girls joined us later to watch Alex's last game. We then headed to Cedar Falls to the UNI women's basketball game, which they won. Being the UNI men's team was playing in St. Louis, the crowd was very small at the women's game so we had pick of seats. Alex and Spencer decided to move in right behind the UNI women's team. . . .it was cute and they were smiling. We then went to eat on the Hill at Beck's and met Kirstin for the evening. This was a great wrap up for Elyse's bday as she thinks Becks has the greatest burgers ever. Wayne and I were expecting a quiet ride home, thinking everyone would be a little tired, but not so much. 4 teenage girls and 2 boys in a car do not equal quietness. Love it! It was fun though and I posted pictures.

I think the funniest part of the weekend was when Elyse and her friends were at Alex's last basketball game. Elyse's great uncles, Dean and Jim, walked over to where Elyse and her friends were sitting, without her knowing, and sat right between her and her friends and tried to embarrass her. It was cute and funny. I took pictures, but I was too far away and they were too dark to post. Her friends told me afterwards they had no idea who these two men were asking them to move over and it kind of freaked them out at first. Then then thought it was funny. They also couldn't believe one of Elyse's GREAT uncles, Dean, was the same age as Wayne, Elyse's DAD. and the other one, Jim, looked too young to be a great uncle also. (compliments to you Jim, from the girls). Thanks for the laughs Dean and Jim!

Alex's team ended their AAU season at the Waverly tourney. They did not play real strong the first two games but turned it around the last game and won by a lot. Alex did fine the first two games but then did very well the last game. Thanks to Ken, G'ma Janet, Jim, JoAnne, and Dean for cheering him on. It was fun to have lots of family there. We also got to watch my cousin, Blake's, 6th grade AAU team play as well. Great day of basketball!

Now comes baseball, track and softball for Elyse. Alex's AAU baseball team starts practice this weekend, and Elyse has already started batting practice with a former baseball coach. She started last week and was in a little pain the day after so it is good she is starting batting practice now. Softball is not her favorite sport, but she decided to go out to keep active through the summer, which we were glad to hear. I was in a meeting yesterday with the high school softball and basketball coach, and someone asked me if my family was going to North/South Carolina like we have the past 7 years. I looked at him, smiled, and said, "Not in June as my daughter decided she better go out for softball." He just smiled and said, "That's right. Good answer. Blame me for it. I have tough skin." I guess there is a week in July she doesn't have softball or basketball camp before volleyball starts in August. Maybe we will get a vacation in sometime. Life is changing for the Kerians.

Last but not least, I had to make a post about Kirstin. We are so proud of everything she has done and even more proud of the "ventures" she is taking in life. Today she left for Cancun for Spring Break. That venture is for fun, not one I am specifically talking about here, hoping she makes good choices but it's her senior year so she deserves it. The day she returns she is driving down to Texas to do her level III teaching experience. She will be in a 5th grade room for a week. Her roommates decided to take advantage of the opportunity as well, and we have been encouraging Kirstin to broaden her horizons while she can, so there she goes. I think she will be very tired just getting back from Spring Break, but she is very excited. She also just received confirmation that she will be doing part of her student teaching in New York outside New York City in a 2nd grade room. She is WAY excited about that!!!!! Thanks to Dennis and Connie for your help and "adopting" her for 8 weeks this fall. We can't thank you enough. Looks like we might be traveling to New York City for Thanksgiving????!!!!!! Might be just Kim and Wayne though. . . .Elyse will probably have basketball. Poor Elyse! :)

Have a great week and enjoy the sunshine. . .we have fog but at least the snow is melting!