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!

"This is the life" according to Cody

Last week was a fun week for us as I spent a day in Minneapolis with my nephews, Graham and Connor, and Wayne's nephews, Justin and Cody, spent Sunday til Monday morning at our house. It was fun all around as I spent the day holding Connor and catching up with my sister then playing with Graham that evening singing songs and running around outside. Connor is growing and smiles/coos. Adorable! I could spend all day hugging both of them! Oh yeah....isn't Connor's shirt so cute? hehehe Go Cyclones!

Justin and Cody came over Sunday around noon. Alex had some friends over the night before and they were playing poker at the time the boys arrived. (Yes, I know. . . but it is harmless). Anyway, before the afternoon was over Justin had jumped in to play and beat them all!!!! The boys were in awe. I enclosed a picture of them playing....think this was the second game after Justin had "given them a lesson or two". So funny! Cody spent his time hanging with Wayne, helping clean his kites, and me, playing legos. Later in the afternoon, Wayne and Cody decided to crawl up in the hammock with the dogs. As they were lying there, Cody calmly states, "Wayne, this is the life!". Wayne just started laughing. They were telling stories and everything. So funny. Of course the night ended with the reading of "The Ghost Eye Tree. That has been a favorite of Wayne's to read to the kids...and he always reads it to Cody, but this time....Alex read it to him at bedtime. It was precious.

So it was a fun week spending time with family. The Kerian clan, most of us, did meet and go out Saturday. Carol, Kayla and Peter were down from Rochester. It is rare for all of us to go out together so it was fun. Decided that we need to do it more often. Thanks to Wayne's brother Randy for celebrating his birthday with us! I think that is enough said about the evening.....from what I heard, some of the family members weren't feeling very well the morning after and might not remember everything.....hahahaha. Good times!

That evening I also ran into a lot of my "first homeroom" class teaching. It was a group of students I "floated up" teaching as 4th, then 5th and 6th grade. It was awesome to see so many of them (in town for a wedding). At one point, when one of them asked to buy me a drink, I did feel a little old. But that feeling soon went away. Kind of reinforced my love for my job.....not the drinking, of course....the teaching! It's great to know you have a bond with some students even after they move on in life. Fun night!

Enjoy the pictures. I can't take credit for taking them all. Thanks Sara for sharing!

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!