Party Hardy Week 3 - Cousin Camp

How could I be so far behind on my journal when there is SO much that has happened this summer!!    I have been so tired and too busy, that's how.    We had company for essentially all of July and as soon as they left, even though the fun continued, I experienced a burn out of epic proportion.   It started with a cold/ear infection and quickly became a near pneumonia type illness that has taken weeks to recover from.   So, I've simply been archiving all of the other summer experiences we've had for a later date when energy returned and I could record it all.   Sadly, my energy returned right as I became the worlds biggest procrastinator!!!   

So- here I am now, digging back to over a MONTH ago when my sister hosted the 2nd annual Cousin Camp for all of my siblings kids.    Just like last year, this three day camp was hugely anticipated and without a doubt, one of the summer highlights for my four kids!   

It started on July 13th and went to the 15th.  

I always love to see what effort and organization goes into this event.   (How could it not when Jewel had 15 kids between the ages of 2 and 15?!)    Each of the older cousins were put in charge of 2 or 3 younger kids for the duration of the camp.   These groups took turns cooking and doing other chores (in theory) and I hope they actually were helpful!

It was so fun to watch get texts and messages from Jewel about some of the fun they were having.  

They had an evening talent show called "Cousins got Talent"  which always seems to be full of hilarity and sweetness.   They went down to the creek one day, rented the pool another, and did lots and lots of crafts!  Jewel had even arranged a "secret cousin" activity in which they occasionally deposited a treat, note or gift for their assigned cousin over the course of the camp.   It sounds like it was a lot of fun for the kids!

When Jewel sent me this picture of Jessica snuggled up to Nala I knew Jess was a happy camper!  Doesn't she look so content and happy?   (Not sure what Nala is thinking, but Jess was clearly in heaven;)

   

This cousin camp is so much more than fun and games and crafts though.
My kids came home with fun little socks to where, with a note attached to them, reminding my kids to "follow in their footsteps."  I could tell she must have spent some time talking about Grandpa and Grandma and I can imagine evening conversations that her and Kendall may have had with our kids about gospel related truths.   One day they spent some time at the temple.   While the older kids did baptisms for the dead, the younger ones waited outside.   I have no doubt that Jewel used this as an opportunity to try and teach them all about the temple and what this place means for family.   

I felt immensely grateful for her that week and for what she was really doing.   She was forging deep relationships with these kids, drawing them together, reminding them of their Grandpa and Grandma Rausch and teaching them all that their Grandparents would have taught if they were still around.    Perhaps most importantly though, she was creating memories for these kids that I have no doubt will bond them together for years and years to come!!  

She must have been exhausted at the end of those three days but it was truly AMAZING and I am so grateful to her for it!!!!   

Unlike last year (when John and I snuck away for a couple of days of camping while the kids were at Jewels) we still had company with us.   For the most part I spent the time without my kids catching up on all that I'd neglected over the past weeks and playing with my nieces and nephews who were with us.   John and I did find one day though to steal away to Waterton for a day hike.   

Bertha Lake was a fun hike for sure!   

The hike to Bertha Falls is one of my favorites and this year we did that twice.   John found a cool way to get right up in the falls which offered up an amazing view of the water cascading down beside us.   I loved this trail this year because of the Lady Slippers that we discovered!   I just love those beautiful, dainty things and it was a highlight for me for sure.

Past Bertha Falls though is a pretty spectacular hike that takes you through a meadow (that happened to be full of wildflowers at that time) and then up a fairly steady incline with lots of switchbacks.   The reward at the top is the fabulous Bertha Lake!   Our initial plan (because the hike tired me out;) was to just find a spot to sit and eat/fish.   However, John was oh so determined to scout out the best fishing spot he could, so naturally that meant walking around the entire lake!   Meh - what's another 2.4 kilometres when you are already exhausted?  haha.  

Actually, I think I could hike all day, so long as I am allowed to stop occasionally to take a photo or two.  Or ten;)  

The most exciting moment of the day, for me at least, was when I found this Spotted Saxifrage sticking out of the rock up by Bertha Lake.   I'd noticed this flower in my flower twitcher last year and loved the colorful pattern.  Jessica and I have been searching for this flower ever since and I was elated to finally find it.   It was surprisingly much smaller and daintier than I was expecting but definitely beautiful.   Saxifrage actually means "stone-breaker" which I think is a pretty cool title for something so small and unassuming.    

As John and I began our decent, a dark thunderstorm rolled in overhead, which helped quicken our step and speed up the hike back to the truck.   We got poured on for a good half hour and decided to wait out the last of the storm while we ate Mexican food at the Taco Bar.   By the time we finished our dinner, the dark clouds had moved on, leaving a clear (albeit breezy) evening sky.  
Naturally, we took this as a sign that there was time to do a bit of fishing!  

John had brought the boat in the back of the truck this time as I wasn't sure I'd be able to gracefully help lift that thing onto the roof of the van.   (In fact, I was sure I would not be able to;)   I got a kick out of this though as we drove past dozens of large trucks pulling their boats on actual trailers.  

 The words "You might be a Redneck if....." kept coming to my mind;)   

It was a beautiful evening for sure.  No fish were caught, but I always enjoy being out in nature with John.   At one point we saw a bear exploring the shoreline of Emerald Bay.  I was a little bit nervous, but John didn't hesitate to row the boat as close as we could so that I could get a better shot of it.   (Which I couldn't, but not for lack of proximity;)

It was a lovely day and one that left me feeling rejuvenated and fulfilled.   

Nature can do that, like nothing else!

Party Hardy Week 2 - Camp!

This family camp was a good idea, that is all there is to it!  

I think planning for it began early in the new year and it all started when John's brother Ben asked if any of us wanted to join them for a couple of days in Waterton.

We were like, "Waterton you say?   Um...ok!"

So one Thursday afternoon we spent an entire morning loading up our van, coolers and backpacks with everything we'd need and then a few extra things for good measure;)   By Thursday afternoon John and four of his 7 siblings (and their families) were off on the first ever family camping trip!   

Each of us had our own site (most were adjoining) but John's and my site quickly became the base.  Some of us had decided to cook/eat together and we conveniently

 took over this camp kitchen.    Grandpa joined us each evening for supper which was nice and super helpful as he would bring out a warm meal to us.   (Hardly camping when you don't have to cook the supper, I know.  There were times it felt more like "Glam"ping!!;)

The first evening was spent:

* setting up camp

* eating a milkman dinner (yum!)

* taking the boat out on upper waterton lake 

* going fishing

* swinging in Calebs hammock (which him and Mala actually slept in each night, the brave souls!)

* attending the falls theatre where some of the kids became participants in the show!

* Enjoying hot chocolate and fish (in lieu of s'mores I suppose?) before bed 

* enjoying a perfectly calm and still evening

While I was watching a theatre production with some of the kids, John was fishing with Sam and a few others nearby.   I joined them just as the sun was going down and watched them row towards shore with Sam excitedly calling out that he'd caught a fish.   I'll admit, it was a nice looking fish and John was determined to keep it and take it home.   I, however, was equally determined that we were NOT hanging on to that thing for the next two days!   Our coolers were filled to the brim with other food and even if they hadn't been, I did not want the extra hastle of trying to keep a fish carcass cool for the duration of our trip.   Can you imagine how stinky that thing would have been?  Carrying around a dead fish for two days was just not part of my plans at all;)   So  there we were at a complete standstill.   This ridiculous 2 lb fish was quite truly the straw that broke the proverbial camels back, and as I stood there on that Waterton shore I called out to him the one and only option:
"Cook that sucker up or SET.IT.FREE!!"

John begrudgingly tried to set it free, but the poor thing instantly went belly up so there he was (at 10:30 at night) by the light of a kerosene lamp gutting and cooking up Sam's prized lake trout.
And can I just say -it was delicious!!!
Like, truly scrumptious and by far the yummiest fish I'd eaten in well...forever maybe.   As an added bonus, John's family all huddled around him and thought it was the coolest thing ever.   The combination of Hot Chocolate and fish before bed didn't seem weird to them at all!  It was so strange to me, but in an instant John's and my "fish feud" had quickly been put to rest.   All's well that ends well, I guess!  haha

Our one full day in Waterton was spent in the most perfect way (for me at least;) :  

* 6:30 am - early morning bike ride from the campground to the park entrance!  (I've always wanted to try that new trail they added and I was glad Sarah, Caleb and Mala were willing to let me tag along!  And tag along, I did.  Way...back...much further along! haha.   I hadn't even reached the park entrance yet when Caleb and Mala breezed past me already headed back to camp.  Seriously, to be a teenager again!   Or fit even.  (I'd settle for that;)

* After a mediocre breakfast, a few of us hiked bears hump.   It's our second time this year doing it, and I'm more and more proud of Nate for managing that hike all on his own.  I love sitting on top and looking over at the town site!

* After lunch, we adventured/played up at Red Rock for a bit

* Stopped off at Emerald Bay

* Got caught in a surprise rainstorm

* Enjoyed Zums chicken and fries for dinner (thanks Grandpa!)

* Took the boat up to Cameron lake for, you guessed it, MORE fishing!!!  (After previous nights successful fish fry, everyone had high hopes of a repeat cook off this second night.   It was hilarious to me that three separate family members contributed during the day with newly purchased salt/pepper, fresh lemons, and dill!   John was definitely feeling the pressure;)

* Watched Caleb's entertaining paddle board trip to the far end of Cameron.  (I love his adventurous spirit and I think his mom Sarah does too;)    

* Got caught in yet ANOTHER torrential downpour.  We had to load up all the fishing/boating gear in a hurry.  (and when I say "we" I mean John.  I was sitting in the van trying to be helpful from there;)    The mountains sure can be unpredictable!

That storm that caught us unaware up at Cameron lake rolled over Waterton and brought with it a fierce wind that stayed with us for most of the night.   We still enjoyed one last fish fry in the camp kitchen before bed and Mala even slept out in the hammock despite the wind - but it definitely put a bit of a damper on things and sent many of us to our tents.

I woke up the next morning though to the most calm and peaceful scene!

I love waking up in Waterton, before anyone else, and going for a walk.   It is such a special time.

By the time I got back to our site, others were waking up and we began the task of taking down camp.   

It always amazes me how much work Camping is; how my van gets filled to the roof with things we need in order to live a little more rustic?  It's so ironic.   But one walk along a bubbling brook as the sun rises - and it all feels absolutely worth it!!

Party Hardy Week 1 - Highlights

Back at the end of June, a few of John's siblings (and their fams) arrived in town for a two-four week stay!   To say it was a "busy couple of weeks" would be an understatement.   

A "constant party" is more like it!

I have to admit as June 30th approached I grew increasingly nervous about the logistics of the next couple of weeks.   I was scheduled for a surgery shortly before their arrival and we were in the throws of house hunting, both of which were making me feeling kind of wiggy.   (I'm really not sure what that means but I think it is what I was feeling;)  We were doing our best to carve out our schedules, but in the process were likely disappointing others.  I think we said "no" more last month then we have all year!  (Which is okay, I know, but not easy)   It was a little overwhelming, but looking back, I think it is my nature to feel overwhelmed about the unknown.  The REALITY however (how things really end up being) is always so much better than any logistic I worry up.   So, the next few posts will consist of my own synopsis of this wonderful, entertaining, exhausting (we're talking late nights people!) and fulfilling past few weeks.

These are some of the Highlights:

Rachel and her two kids arrived first and my kids were THRILLED to get to see Savanna and Maddax again.  It had been six months at least since they'd seen them last.  Poor Rach hadn't even been here a day before John and Sam lured them out (pardon the pun) for a bit of fishing!   John and Sam would fish every.single.day if schedules permitted and I think it would be fair to warn all future company of this fact;)     This was certainly one of our most um...entertaining fishing trips for sure.  

I never want to forget how hard we laughed as we watched two year old Savanna fish.   It involved slapping the rod repetitively on the water while calling to the fish.   We learned quickly not to try to help her either, she was determined that her way was the best way!    Maddax caught on quickly and enjoyed fishing.   He enjoyed it so much that I think he would have fished all night!    At one point some dark clouds rolled over us and released a torrential rainfall that caused us all to drop our things and run for the van.   Dear Maddax though -stood on that shoreline yelling, 

"No no no.  Don't go!  Ma not done fishing yet!!!!"

We decided to wait out the storm and I am glad we did!   It was a lovely evening after that.   We didn't catch any fish, but I now have a lovely picture of Grandpa with some of his Grandkids - under a rainbow.  So I went home happy.

For Canada Day this year we decided to do something a little bit different.    Sarah, Rach, Jordan and their families joined us in Waterton for the bicycle parade.   In the past we've always gone out to Raymond for the morning, but Waterton just seemed like the place to be.   I'm pretty sure we've started a new tradition!   The parade was about three minutes long (and I'm being generous) but it was the most scenic parade I've ever seen.   Afterwards we had a picnic down by the lake and hiked up to Bertha Falls.   We made it back into town just in time to enjoy a party down at the park.   For those in the family who were able to stay up late - the fireworks were especially grand this year!!!

Another highlight was celebrating Libbys birthday on the 4th.  None of the pics in the following collage actually depict Libby BUT Jess is shown here trying out Libbys new birthday gift - a mermaid tale!!   Seriously, what will they think of next?;)    Prior to Libby's pool party we spent the first part of the day out at St. Mary's.   Many of John's siblings were fiercely determined to find a dinosaur fossil and others were determined to take this fun fishing boat out on it's maiden voyage.  (ahem...John in particular!;)   It's bound to increase the number of nights we spend fishing exponentially.

Of course, I had to squeeze in a couple of family photo sessions, which always seems like a gong show in the moment.  But alas - a couple of picture perfect Families.  So sweet!

(PS:  If any family reading this wonder if Brent was photoshopped in, I promise he actually did come to visit!   He just wanted to wait until everyone left so we could enjoy him all to ourselves.  haha;)

It's never a complete family visit until we've made a trip out to Walleys Beach.  The sun was blazing hot on this particular day, the mosquitoes were relatively few, and we didn't have a care in the world.   

AKA:  perfection

Of course our first ever family Camping trip was a HUGE highlight but I figured that deserved a post of it's very own!!!

Stay tuned.....

Beautiful Beazer

My Aunt Karen and Uncle George invited us out to their land a few weeks back for an evening of visiting and fun.   I had no doubt at all that it would be a great time as I can't picture many places in this area as beautiful and lovely as the "Diamond Dipper."     My Grandma Afton grew up in Beazer and I often wonder if it was right around here that she played as a girl.   What a charming place this would have been to grow up!

All of their kids were home for the week as well which made the outing extra sweet!  It was fun to see them all and catch up.   The kids played in Lee Creek, zip lined, and Sam even did a bit of fishing!  (shocker;)  It was cool to watching these kids run around (some barefoot) finding all sorts of outdoorsy things to do to stay busy.   Watching them reminded me once again of the importance of getting outside and away from the devices that seriously stifle everything imaginative and creative.   There are some qualities in all of us that I'm convinced only come alive when we get into the great outdoors!!

I so enjoyed listening to my Uncle George as he shared all sorts of info about this area, particularly Waterton and how it was formed by Glaciers, the evidence of which is still seen today.  It was cool stuff and I only wish my little brain could have remembered it all! 

As the day came to an end and dusk began to set in we watched a couple of nighthawks fly above us and try to listen to the humming of their wings.    It was a lovely time and a perfect break from all that had kept John and I so busy up until then.   

So grateful for their invite and for the extended family in my life who I am so proud to associate with, even if only occasionally.  Every visit with them gets stored up in my heart and will be treasured always!

1st Young Women's camp EVER!

Um...hello.    When did this girl get old enough to go to YW camp?    

I don't really want to talk about this much (I'm too lost in existential thought wondering where the time has gone) other than to say:

* she loved it!

* she got to go at a time when her Uncle Kendall was her Bishop, her Aunt Jewel was her young women leader and her cousins Ava and Mya were with her  (perhaps the reason why she loved it so much?)

* She didn't miss us at all

* I missed her like crazy 

That is all.  

I think I might cry.

End of School Fun

Wow, it is hard to believe that this was a month ago already.  What a fun day it was!!!  

June is always an interesting month, full of field trips, dress up days and such.  One thing is always certain though - the Kids marathon is a MUST!

For the first time ever, John and Abby couldn't join us  (John had to administer a final and Abby was writing an exam of her own) so we braved the rainy day without them.   Thankfully, it didn't really pour down on us until after the run and yummy Subway lunch.   Such a fun activity each year!!!

Abby was kept busy the last week of June writing several PAT exams and I was super proud of her when her Uncle Kendall told us that she had scored one of the two top marks on the science government exam.   She'd actually only gotten 1 question wrong!!  They invited us parents to attend an assembly in which she was recognized for that and given a medal.  At the same assembly she was also given a Citizenship award which made me even MORE proud!!   I'm grateful that grade 6 is behind her now and am looking forward to see how her remaining junior high years unfold.  

June was a big month for Sam as well, one where he certainly got to enjoy the results of some of his hard work.   For starters, he was among a small group of students who did not miss one single day of school the entire year!!!   What the WHAT?!!!    How did that happen?

This is the same kid who used to fake sick on a regular basis, just to be able to come home!

I think it says a lot about his teacher and experience this year and I am grateful that it was such a positive one for him.   

To celebrate this 100% milestone, these kids, their parents and their teacher all got to attend a BBQ one noon hour in honor of those hardworking students.  It was fun to go and sit with him and watch him bask in his awesomeness!!

This year Sam was a part of a program called "Recorder Karate."   He was given a recorder and a set of music to practice (at home of course;) and pass off before earning a specific level.   (red belt, black belt etc.)  There were two components of this program though and it typically takes students a couple of years to move up through the levels.   Sam, however had the end in sight right from the get go!   He practiced every.single.day (usually around supper time;) and then every morning before school.   He met with his music teacher often and it was inspiring to watch him work towards his goal in such a way.   I can't say I (or John, or Grandpa) always loved the dinner time serenades but we sure were proud of him!!!

Jess finished up Grade 2 and was sad to leave my Aunt Karen's class.   What a year for her and how lucky she felt to be able to call her teacher "Aunt!"  haha.  She definitely felt privileged;)

  

Nate finished preschool at the beginning of June and as we walked out of the school on his last day he looked up at me and said, "Okay, so when is Grade 1?"     I loved his "Bring It" attitude and he has been well prepared by the most amazing preschool teacher any kid could have.   Mrs. Toth has been the one to introduce all four of my kids to the world of school and I have come to appreciate her perception and approach as she's worked with each of them!

It's crazy how fast time will fly and before we know it a new school year will be here.   

We'll look back on this one fondly though, that is for sure!

June Fishing Adventures

This month it has been all about the fishing around here!!

For Christmas last year, every one of our kids got a fishing rod of their very own.   As the weather has turned warmer, John has grown increasingly anxious to get the kids out there again.  By mid may we had our fishing licences bought and we were ready to go.

As mentioned in a previous entry, our first trip of the year was to Romeril lake with all of my family.  

The week later, we drove out towards St.Mary's and fished in some of the narrow channels that branch out from the reservoir!  We'd seen some crazy size fish that friends of ours had caught (35 pound pike) and John was hopeful he'd catch a big one like that too!   Both him and Sam caught fish that evening (1 walleye and 1 pike) and Sam humbly dubbed himself "the Pikemaster!"  

Clearly, Nate enjoys fishing as well?   We learned fast that if we want this boy to come along, we need to be well prepared.  (As in stocked with juice boxes, popcorn twists and a fully charged cell phone!)

Our third fishing trip was a fun one for John.  He caught a HUGE pike.  So fun!

Just this past week, John and I went on a little fishing date, sans enfants!   It was so much fun!!
Because we didn't have the kids with us we were able to walk around Romeril lake and fish all along the way.  We found some great pockets with lots of pike.   There were three times when John and I both pulled in fish at the exact same time.   We must have been impressive fishers because we attracted quite a crowd.   

I had high hopes of this being a more relaxing evening for John, seeing as he wouldn't need to untangle the kids' lines or re-tie their hooks or anything like that - but nope!   He pretty much had to take care of me as much as ever;)   

With each catch I got, he had to remove the hooks for me (pike teeth are sharp!!) and more than once he had to free my hook from the bottom of the lake.   He didn't seem to mind though, bless his heart:)

This little family hobby has made for many perfect evenings this past month.   

We're looking forward to many more!!!

Magrath Reunion

Every June all of my Rausch relatives get together in Magrath for a two day reunion.   

Abby was committed to participate in her final basketball tournament of the season, so we were only able to attend the reunion on the first day- but it was such fun.  As always! 

The water slide down the hill is always a highlight and Nate soared down this year all by himself!!

John and the kids spent some time down at the creek, catching frogs and such.  They came across this spectacular birds nest with one brand new little baby bird even!  

It was a beautiful Friday evening!

Waterton Food Festival

The town of Waterton did something kind of cool this year.  They hosted the 1st ever Annual Waterton Food festival!!   

That meant that for 3 or 4 days, participating restaurants offered discounted prices on many of their dishes, entertainment was amped up, and celebration was in the air!!  (Okay, maybe it just meant that I had one more excuse to drive out there.  To EAT!)

I waited until I had dropped off Nate for school (that would give me three solid hours alone) and I headed out.   It was the PERFECT afternoon in the mountains.  

 Hot. Windless. And brimming with life!

So many wildflowers are starting to bloom, but oddly enough, what stole my attention today was all of the dandelions.   The landscape was covered in yellow and white and though I know these noxious weeds aren't really native to Waterton, I think they fit in quite beautifully here.

I can't stand the things at home in my own front yard, but find them really quite lovely in Waterton;)

I didn't drive out here though for the flowers (or the weeds;) so I quickly reminded myself that this day was all about the food.   They were offering a little photo contest on Instagram where they encouraged you to snap a photo and then give it the hashtag #mywatertonEATS.   I desperately wanted to win, so I stopped in at my favorite little treat and got to work,photographing those delicious sweet potato fries in all of my favorite Waterton spots!  

First we took a drive (them and I;) up to the Prince of Whales hotel.    

I'll admit I felt a little bit awkward staging my food and photographing it.   This picture represents the time a group of tourists were standing nearby and I didn't want to look totally weird so I just held them up sort of in front of me and did my best to make it look as though I wasn't photographing my lunch.  haha.

I took it a little more seriously up at Cameron Lake though as there was virtually nobody around.  

I love Cameron Lake in the off season.   My favorite thing to do is sit on the dock and watch the clouds as they slowly move across the sky.  I'll admit, I get a bit nervous up here alone though as I always wonder what I would do if a bear were to show up.   

But alas, here I sat, photographing my fries and watching the sky.

For the record, after I finished photographing my fries (and then finally eating them;) I stood up and got ready to leave when what do you think I saw?    A BEAR - right there at the visitor centre, smack dab in between me and my van!   It watched me for a bit and started to walk towards the dock, which had me questioning what I would do if he actually ventured out toward me?    

Would I jump in the water?   

Go into the fetal position?

Stop drop and roll?

Punch it in the nose?

Luckily, I didn't have to resort to any of those as I noticed that behind the bear a small group of people had arrived and were preparing to come my way.   I called out to them to let them know a bear was in front of them.   That yelling was enough to cause the bear to lumber away from the dock (and my remaining fries) and explore the bushes, thus giving me the opportunity to skuttle on back to my vehicle (though I tried to look calm and cool as a cucumber;)!

The ride back down from Cameron Lake was just as eventful.  I followed lots of Bighorn Sheep for a good stretch of the time and even came across this very light colored cub.   It was all by itself, though I wasn't about to take any chances.  I stayed stayed in my van with the windows rolled down just enough to snap some pictures.

I didn't want to risk an encounter with a mamma bear!

I got down from the mountain in good time and whipped back into town so I could be home before the kids.  I love being able to have little adventures like this every now and then.   (Though I always find a long delayed To-Do list waiting for me when I get back:)

Thanks Waterton.   The 1st annual Food Festival was a real slice!!

Life on the bleachers

This past month has been all about the sports!  As mentioned in a previous post, I feel a tad bit over scheduled with it all, but the kids are loving life and their not sitting around watching TV so much, so I really should be thrilled!

Sam's track and field day with the school was last week.  I'm not going to lie, he didn't do so great.  BUT he was cheered on by his little posse of pals and coming in 5th or 6th never seemed to damped their enthusiasm.   haha.   It clearly was not about the event at all!  

Sam's also been playing on a minors (baseball) team.  A few months back, when I registered him for it, I thought he'd be playing twice a week from 6-7.    Our first week in, I quickly realized that wasn't really the case.   Baseball is 9 innings people!!!!!   He leaves around 5 on game days (for a pre-game practice) and sometimes doesn't get home until 8:30.   Oh, and apparently when you are in minors, you compete with other towns, which means there has been a bit of travelling to Magrath and Raymond to support this little dude.   

(methinks I should have read the fine print;)

In reality, he is LOVING it and learning lots.   He's been working on his pitching skills and can slide into "Home" like nobody' business!

Nate is fierce!  

He wanted to be in soccer so bad, and for weeks leading up to is first game day, he would meticulously keep his little shoes, socks and shin guards folded neatly beside his bed.  I'll admit he doesn't necessarily love going to soccer these days, but that is only because all they do is work on drills and play relay games that are supposed to teach them basic skills.   For an organization trying to build great future soccer players, it makes perfect sense.   For a little boy who just wants to play a "real game" it's become an exercise in patience for him. 

 The boy wants to play!;)

Abby has been playing on a Spring League basketball team since April and has grown as a player in many ways.  She's the tallest one on her team (and many teams for that matter) and that has it's advantages and disadvantages.   I hope in the weeks/months and years to come, she'll grow to see her height for the gift that it is!  In the mean time, I'll try to stop yelling at her to "JUMP!" or "Get that rebound!"   I'm really very proud of her.  She's had to turn down babysitting jobs, fun with family, and her ward youth days to honour her basketball commitments and that hasn't been easy for her.   She's been to four tourneys in Lethbridge, with her final one being this weekend.  This has been a big deal for us, because I really don't go to Lethbridge often.  (I've gone more in the last two months then I did all last year!;)   Sigh...I hope she appreciates it!  haha

This past month she's really stepped up and tried hard at Track & Field as well.   She started running with John some mornings to build up some endurance and together they would practice/train for other events.  She placed 2nd and 3rd in a few of the events and was able to advance to divisional.

We were able to go watch her compete yesterday and I enjoyed seeing her push herself.  

Her track & field experience ends here, this year, but she's feeling pretty determined to focus more on this next year, perhaps instead of Spring league.  

We've been so very blessed and lucky that Grandpa has been there for these kids, supporting them every step of the way.   What a great man Max is.   One day he is watching Sam, the next he is cheering on Abby, then he's down in Montana cheering on a grandson there, and soon he'll be in Utah and then Idaho supported milestones in other grandkids' lives.   I sure love him and admire all that he does for family near and far.

I myself am looking forward to summer when their are a few less games to go and watch, but don't tell anyone I said that! ;)