Oh my golly! I'm a soccer mom!

How did that happen? First 2 kids, I somehow escaped the whole soccer thing. Not with Lilli. She's her own gal. Well, that and her 2 best friends are playing.



Our team is the "White Tigers".
Here's Coach Andy and the whole gang. The first game went very well. And although the Y doesn't keep score officially at this age..... mom does! Yup, the White Tigers kicked butt! The other team had a little bit of a time figuring out which goal was theirs.
Here she comes..... Soccer girl! 

Couldn't be prouder...

Of our young man Parker. After 6 long hard years of work (that's half his life folks!) he officially earned his First Degree Black Belt. Wow! Now we have to buy him a new uniform! You get one with a black collar and your name on the back when you hit this level. Fun. 

Knight Vision

Yup, that time of year again. Church birthday time. This year's theme: Knight Vision: One, King, one Lord, one mission! This picture here? Ummm... that's our highly trained, highly professional church staff riding their gallant steeds. The morning included jousting and other games of knightly skill.
Here's Pete and I. Can you believe this is how we went to church? Fun, huh?
The celebration continued with an evening trip to Medieval Times. Here's the kids with the King and the princess.
Hail, hail, the gangs all here. It was really fun. The food was pretty good, the show was great. Our Knight even won! Not just the tournament, but the hand of the fair princess as well. sigh..... 

School Days, School days....

What has happened to my babies? They sure are growing up fast! Here are the pictures of everyone's first day of group classes. Katelyn's schedule is a challenge, but she'll get the hang of it. Lilli is so glad to be back to her "gang", little miss social that she is. Parker is glad to have a group of guys to hang with. So far so good. It's a quick zip to Christmas break!
 

One last hurrah!

Here we are. The whole gang. One last blow out before school starts. We went to Pinochio's Marionette Theater. It was great! Kendall and Jordan weren't too sure about it.










We also went bowling and to the Science Center. Then the big finale was Chuckie Cheese. A good time was had by all. Are we ready for school? Darn! The summer sure seemed short!
 

Can you really call this church?

Yes, and according to Lilli, "we have the best church in the world!". Our summer Wednesday night series concluded this week with "Speedworld". An evening at a local go kart track. A fine and grand time was had by all. Lilli got a feel for the road (and left quite wound up!).
That's Katelyn zooming out of the picture.
Here is Katelyn coming up on a wipe out.
And Parker, glad to be ahead of his sister who is front and center in a spin out.





This has been a fun summer series. Full of fun and fellowship and not totally without spiritual insight. We visited "Fiestaworld" (tacos and pinata bashing), "Waterworld" (ice cream and water games) and "Gameworld" (board games). Now just a family break and then the big event! The church's birthday event called "Knightvision". Can't wait. 

A Recipe

for July 4th fun. Ingredients: cousins (how ever many you have), water (as much as your water bill will allow, preferably ice cold!), some balloons (for filling with said water and tossing), enough food to feed a small country, and fireworks. Mix all ingredients and enjoy!














Kendall being schooled in the fine art of watermelon seed spitting.
Look out! Baby with a water bomb!
Relaxing and chilin' with Uncle Pete.

















A good time was had by all. 

How to or...

or how NOT to slip and slide. Jordan wins. He's the champ. Uncle Mike gets points for bravery and manning the hose.


 

Insert "Jaws" Music Here

Sure she's cute. Lookin good in her suit and googles. BUT... this girl is fearless in the water. While I was innocently sitting on the pool steps (with a firm grip on girlfriend's swimsuit straps) I had to make a quick reach with my other hand to save Lilli. Somehow, when I looked down at Kendall, she was on her back, about 6 inches under, looking at me, calm as could be. Now it was one of those moments that happen in an instant. I snatched her out. Her back, thankfully was to me and she was facing my friend Kimberly, who fortunately is a genius and clapped wildly and said, "yay Kendall". While I'm trying to remember to breathe again and get the blood back into my head. She spit once I think and was ready to go again. She'll jump in too. Look out for this one folks!
 

Home Safe and Sound

Yup, it was a strange week. We missed her. The kid we've had around the longest. The experimental child. She had a seriously great time. We have new respect for LeeAnn, "the youth guy". She's got guts and patience that woman!















We celebrated with dinner and shakes at Steak and Shake.

 

Yes Sir, That's My Baby...

There she is. At the hideous hour of 5:30 a.m. On her way out of state to her first ever church camp. I am so excited for her. I hope she loosens up and has a great time (without getting in trouble of course!). We're all gonna miss her this week, but I'm glad she gets to go. Adults, take some time to wax nostalgic about your summer camp adventures (or misadventures). Fun stuff! If you thing of it, say a prayer for my baby girl and the other kids (15 I think). Mostly pray for the 2 brave adults on the journey with them!

Just 2 More Pictures

This is me and my bestest cowboy-honey.














Here is Adriano (red shirt, black hat, back to us) accepting a gorgeous prize saddle. So good to see him win one! 

Big PBR Night in Orlando!

There it is... Me and one of my favorite bull riders Mike Lee. He didn't manage to git-r-done last night, but I forgive him! Everyone's allowed an off night.

















This is Brendan Clark. Aussie rider from Beyond the Bull fame. Nice accent. Bull riding.... well, we'll cut him some slack...




















This is the big opening! "This is no rodeo..... "THIS IS THE P... B.... R....!" Insert grand pyrotechnics and screaming fan noise.















This is Tater Porter, local boy done well in professional bull riding (despite Silver Spurs and others, Florida is not really known for producing a lot of bull riders). He was the host of last night's show.



















I didn't manage to get a good picture of my very favorite PBR rider ever... JW Hart. Unfortunately, he didn't ride his bull either. That's okay. I'm a loyaly JW fan and he's still my favorite.

Running a close 2nd, is Austin Meier (as far as my favorite riders go). He's doing so well for being so young! Unfortunately, last night was not his best either. His first bull was a total loser. He stayed on and got a re-ride. They didn't say the bull score or the total score, but if I was a judge, I would have given that bull (named Vickie Did It) about a 10. Seriously, it was sorry. Poor Austin was not a happy cowboy. Alas, the re-ride was not kind to my rider Austin and he ended the night with a no score.

The short go riders were as follows: Clay McIntyre, Jay Palhke, Greg Potter (great ride for 90 points), Tyler Thomson (a promising young Canadian), Jake McIntyre, Steven Shelly, Jason Bennett, Luke Dotson, Jared Farley and the big news of the night... Adriano Moraes. In the long go he rode and got 71 with the option of a re-ride. Took it. Guess what? Next ride, re-ride city. Can you believe Adriano had to ride 3 in the long round. Final score on the last bull 87. Gets him into the short go. Short go he shows us why he's the 2 time champ with a beautiful ride for 92.5 points on the bull Niagra. And takes home the prize!

Is that enough commentary for you? Bet that's more than you ever wanted to know. This fun filled and exciting night was a birthday gift from my favorite cowboy ever... My wonderful, sweet hubby Pete. Thanks for the funnest birthday ever.