Wednesday, September 05, 2007

First "Fireball" Meeting




Will is a member of the AYSO soccer team the "Fireballs," along with about 12 other 4- and 5-year-olds. He had a great time listening to his new coach, Coach Carter, and, as always, was taking soccer very seriously. Xan, in the meantime, was busy, as always, playing with plastic cones, watching them slide down the back of the mini soccer net. Practice started today (Sept. 5) and Will really enjoyed running around after the ball - just one ball and a bug herd of kids! Plus, Will was thrilled when one of his teammates scored the one goal of the scrimmage. The first game is this Saturday. Wish the Fireballs luck!

Brandon is 2 months old!


Nephew Brandon turned 2 months old Aug. 18 and is quite the alert little dude. He's looking especially sharp here in his shark gear and bouncy chair. Grandpa Mark calls him the Little Budda - not sure how his parents feel about that! I just call him a "chunk."

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Swimming, combine fires and more!











Aunt Brenda's combine caught on fire yesterday, burning a small part of a corn field. Luckily, no one was hurt, the fire was put out right way and it did not get any of the corn that hadn't been harvested yet. Best case scenario, really, but I'm sure it was not any fun for Aunt Brenda! Quite scary! The problem was a return fuel line had gotten a hole in it and spurted diesel all over the motor. Uncle Jim went out and got new parts - fortunately the John Deere mechanic was already out on their farm fixing one of the tractors' air condiditoners! Aunt Brenda's combine should be up and running in no time!

Meanwhile, the kids are quite busy, swimming like fish and playing. Will swims across the entire length of Aunt Brenda's pool now - front and back stroke! Xan is exploring EVERYTHING, including the ketchup Grandma Peggy put on his lunch plate. Will is pictured sitting on the concrete pig bench the family got Aunt Brenda as a thank you for letting them all use her pool over the summer. Aunt Brenda has a thing for pigs. I must remember to contribute to the bench fund since it is clear my boys had a blast in it.... Plus, as an added bonus, I have included a beauty shot of Uncle Jim's new semi truck for hauling grain. As you can see, it was parked safely far away from where the fire broke out!

Sunday, August 19, 2007

My favorite photo right now


I love this picture of "my boys!"

Some photos from Abby's big day(s)




















Not much time to write, but here are some photos from Abby and Joe's rehearsal dinner and wedding this weekend!

Thursday, August 16, 2007

The Kids Continue to Enjoy Their Summer Fun ...















The kids are still in Illinois, having a blast. Will has become quite the swimmer, swimming to the bottom of the pool to grab stuff and swimming across the pool without a problem. Xan loves to go feed Grandpa Bill's "moos" in the morning and No. 21 lets him pet her. Both boys enjoy chasing the kittens around Grandma Peggy's house. Rodney and I are looking forward to seeing them soon!

More pics of Brandon - awake!





August 8: Brandon spends every Wednesday night and Grandma Nancy's so his parents can get some sleep. I happened to stop by and, for once, Brandon was awake and happy when I was there. At least for a few minutes ... so I snapped some photos of him gazing around and "talking" to Grandma. He'll be two months old on the 18th.