September Soccer: Goooaaaaalllll!!

The month of September was FULL of soccer for our family! We had 3 children playing. This was Janey's first year! She was on a coed team comprised of 1st and 2nd graders. After seeing her use the orange cones for megaphones at one of her practices, seeing the above pose at one of the beginning games and knowing of her love for dance and other "girlie" interests we questioned where her committment level would be on the soccer field! :)
(We're wondering if these boys are thinking, "Here is the problem with Coed Teams"!!)

But as the season progressed, so did Janey's desire to play! She started with the goalie position and eventually moved to forward. She did a great job keeping up with the other kids, and getting right into the thick of things!

Her team was undefeated, but as of the last game Janey had not scored a goal. She was very determined and told me before the start of the final game, "Mom, I REALLY want to score a goal!" I gently encouraged her and hoped in my mind that she wouldn't be disappointed. The score was 0-0 late in the fourth quarter. There was a clump of kids right in front of her goal. The ball came to Janey and with the following encouragement from Coleman (who was standing just behind the net) "Kick it, Janey...Kick it!!" That is just what she did. Nobody had to wonder if the goal was good because just as Janey saw it safely clear the line and hit the back of the net both of her arms shot straight up in the air!! (How does the sign for triumph come so instinctively??! We were glad she didn't run down the field and pull off her shirt!!) They went on to win the game to remain undeafeted. Needless to say, she is definately looking forward to next year!

This was Coleman's 4th season of soccer. He was on a 3rd/4th grade coed team. He did outstanding! We saw significant improvement from the previous year. (Maybe because he wasn't recovering from Mono?!)
He gave it his all every game, and now currently holds our family's record of goals with 16 this season!!
Kaycee is still in league play. She plays for the Salem Shooters Club Soccer Team.
Her team has had a winning season so far. They are getting better each game and Kaycee is continuing to improve her skills.
We love watching her run and play! It is such a great game and so good for your health...I often sit there thinking..."I wish I was as fit as she is...maybe I should be on a soccer team!"
She normally plays "center- mid", but is very proud of her left-footed goal she scored earlier in the season! And hopes to continue to improve in the forward position. Good job kids...you did great!

Our Final First Day of Pre-School

FINALLY!! Abbie has waited so long for this BIG day to arrive...her first day of Pre-School!
Needless to say there was absolutely no hesitation! She couldn't have got there fast enough! And she was THRILLED with her new "big girl book bag"...."it's just like Janey and Kaycee's, Mom!" I think she told me thanks about 20 times!
She is happy that her cousin Jason will be joining her there, as well as a couple of friends from primary! There are a total of 12 kids in her class, 4 girls and 8 boys! Miss Jill really is a Saint!!
I'm not sure exactly how I feel...a few mixed emotions...but really it's hard NOT to be happy when your child is as excited about something like this as Abbie is! And...who is going to complain about a few extra hours of quiet a week?? I still haven't cleaned that laundry room yet...maybe there is hope! I hope you have a BLAST Abbie! I love you!

It's GAME TIME Baby!!

We are in the thick of the Fall Extracurricular Activities! Here's the basic formula:

5 Kids + 2 Games Each + 1 (At Least)Practice Each= ONE busy week-Lots of $Money$ spent in Gas!!

Everyone seems to be loving their designated sport (does dance count as a sport?) and is doing well in it! Are we temporarily an "overprogrammed" family? Probably! Are we making the most out of this beautiful Fall season? ABSOLUTELY!!

Friday Night Fun: Yee Haw Cowgirls!

Friday night both of our boys were invited to go to the Owlz Game with some friends. Kaycee had a couple of different options for socializing including the Jr. High Dance.


Abbie and Janey were feeling bad that they had "nothing to do" so Jug invited them on a horse ride.


Upon hearing this new option, Kaycee quickly declined all other offers and saddled up with them!

It was nothing elaborate, just a little ride up on good old West Mountain!


But, for a Friday night "triple" daddy-daughter date, it worked out great and everyone had a blast!


P.S. This guy here Kaycee, is better than any you would have found at the Jr. High Dance! :)

Bike Riding

If at first you don't succeed....

...try again!

Good Job Abigail...we all LOVE you!!

Onion Days 2008

We made a minimal effort in supporting our city celebration of "Onion Days"!! The only event we attended was the parade...well, SOME of the parade (because Mother Nature can "RAIN" on a parade if she wants to!). As you can see everyone was very thrilled about being there! We were smart to sit at the beginning of the parade route, and therefore scored on most of the freebies being tossed out. It was just enough to make us feel a part of the greater community! And now, with Labor Day over...we officially close SUMMER 2008 and gladly welcome FALL!!

This is one of the FEW reasons Jug will attend the Payson Parade...we all love the "BADPipes" as Abbie calls them! (Be sure to make special note of all of our fellow Paysonites enjoying the parade...you may even spot Buck and His Truck with his tanktop and floral shorts!)