Halloween and fall festivities…

"A skeleton is really just a dead person."
-Isla

We met up with some friends for a local trunk or treat event which gave the kids an opportunity to work out the kinks in their costumes prior to the big day coming up.  Fortunately, it was more about the walking and costumes than it was about the candy, the last thing we need is a house full of candy before the crazy candy gathering occurs on Halloween.

We also had the school’s annual fall festival this weekend.  Of all the games and events, the one thing the kids always look forward to is the donut fishing.  I have no idea why a stale glazed donut is so exciting in the middle of the afternoon but it works for them I guess.

A new belt, soccer, and a birthday…

"Mommy does what she wants to do, you're more of a sidekick."
-Ashlyn

James tested for his blue belt this week and passed with no problems.  He nailed his form on the first try and held his own in sparring.  Because it’s October, the school let the kids come to the awards ceremony in costume so an excited Link ran up to the front to get his new belt.

There are only three soccer games left to go.  James’ team hasn’t won a game all year but they keep improving and this week the other team didn’t score a single goal in the two quarters James played (it must have been all James).  The last picture below has no relevance to soccer other than James is still wearing his jersey.  He was tolerant enough to let Ashlyn put hair ties in his hair and we thought the picture was funny.

Grandma’s birthday is in a few days but we went ahead and got together to celebrate this weekend.  We started with a nice dinner at a new restaurant and then followed it up with dessert at our house.  The kids settled down to a movie while the adults played cards.  Happy birthday Grandma!

More gymnastics and soccer…

"I don't need no pants, this is my dress!"
-Isla

Ashlyn had a meet this weekend, and she had a low bar score due to a slip.  However, she came back from that to get 9’s in beam and floor.  While she was disappointed in her overall performance, she came back strong and we’re proud of how she handled it.  She qualified for state, so she has a few weeks to work out the kinks before we head to Lubbock, TX.

James had another soccer game this weekend and we can tell he is learning and using new skills.  He’s stopping the ball and turning it, passing it, and he was able to score a goal this weekend.  It’s great to see James having fun and progressing so quickly.

While the older kids were getting ready for their meets and games, Isla painted.  She must have been inspired by all the art stuff Ashlyn got for her birthday.  She painted with Grandma first, then insisted on showing off her skills at home.

Coach Ashlyn helped with the younger girls again at Isla’s gymnastics practice.  She has the makings of a good coach and worked really well with the girls.  Isla didn’t mind being coached by her big sister either, which helped.

Ashlyn turns 10!

"Bob Ross is my teacher."
-Ashlyn

As Papa told Ashlyn on Saturday, “welcome to the club”.  Ashlyn has officially left the single digit years behind and joins the rest of us in the double digits.  She celebrated this milestone three times this weekend, because why not?  It started as soon as the kids woke up on her birthday.  After all the little presents, Ashlyn went outside to find her new bike waiting for her. 

The next event was the family gathering.  Everyone played, talked, ate hamburgers, and then enjoyed an incredible looking cake that Grandma made.  The cousins had fun playing together as always, and then James and Grandpa spent time after the party flying drones around.  All in all, it was a great way to spend some time on a Saturday afternoon and Ashlyn appreciated everyone coming to wish her a happy birthday.

The third and final event was at a ninja warrior place with Ashlyn’s friends.  All the kids had a lot of fun and were completely worn out after all the running, jumping, and climbing.  Luckily they had plenty of sugary cupcakes and candy in their party bags to keep them going.

In James news, his team had soccer pictures this weekend.  Not enough kids showed up to make buying the pictures worth it.  Mommy got James to pose for a picture though, so that’s nice.  James is still really enjoying soccer and is interested in joining the club team.