Fall Fest 2013

Recently Kamryn's class took part in the annual Middle School Fall Festival.  Much to the confusion of some family members, this is not anything musical, but an afternoon filled with fun and games out on the school field.  The students participate in competitions like big ball rolling, eating serache-covered crackers, and punkin chuckin'.  Kamryn being the competitive creature she is, loves this day.  In fact, her homeroom made school history, winning the coveted "Sarah Schenkel Award" two years in a row!  This is even more fun because Sarah is a good friend of ours. :)  Way to go, Kam! 

Water Fight at RCS

The RCS eighth graders had their "car wash" today to raise funds for their Washington DC trip this Spring.  They got donations ahead of time and then held the car wash for those who donated and any others who came.  I think, as usual, there was more water sprayed on each other than on the cars, but they did work hard.  Troy even "helped" and ended up soaked.  Love the picture of Kamryn and her friend, Keira after a hard morning of work!

VIP Game

Troy's soccer team continued to be undefeated...until today.  They had to play a team that's been undefeated for five years!  Troy and his teammates played the VIP team for their second game today.  This was special because our friend, Mark, is on this team.  The kids playing on the VIP team have some extra challenges physically, but make up for them in heart.  We had fun cheering everyone on.  I love the picture of Mark and Troy at the end of this post.  :)  (And Troy would like me to clarify that since this was a non-league game they are still undefeated!)

 

Kamryn Plays V-ball

Tried to get some decent shots the other day of Kamryn playing volleyball.  Unfortunately, I have not yet mastered photography of a moving subject in a dark gym without a flash. Bummer!  I'll keep working at it!  Kam's team is doing very well!  They are fun to watch.  There has been a lot of driving across town because her practices are at another campus, but the time has been worthwhile.  The girls are working better together and seeing success!  Go Eagles!

Enjoying Community

This weekend's activities focused around community.  The community of the male members of our church spent two days and a night together on a retreat.  I haven't heard all of the stories yet, but there is one floating around about a certain pastor and a young child and several rounds of a paintball gun...Troy and I took part in a community event showing support for an orphanage in Africa.  I helped with registration and Troy ran his first 5K, and came in 5th overall!  I was totally shocked, but not totally surprised.  This kid has the gift of determination ...and 0% body fat! :)  (By the way, Troy did NOT get beat by the girl in the picture.)  Kam took part in a tournament in Ontario with her middle school varsity volleyball community.  They had moments of success, but were lacking in determination to finish.  At the end of the day they came in fourth. Kamryn played well and didn't stay mad too long after it was all over.  Troy and I enjoyed cheering her on and chatting with people and finding other 9 year old boys to run around with. It was a good day of participating in the communities God has placed us in.  We're thankful, too, that Katie continues to enjoy and flourish in her college community...Now it's time to rest!

End of Summer/ Fall

I didn't really mean to dump these all into one post, but I think I'll go with it!  We had a great end of summer/beginning of fall around here.  Katie finished up a ton of babysitting jobs and got ready to head back to school.  We miss her around here,but know she is in the right place and is loving it!  Kam and Troy are off to a great school year.  Kamryn is an old pro as she is now on top as a big eighth grader.  It's fun to hear Kam's honest assessment of school and her view on things in general.  She's also playing volleyball right now on the Middle School team.  Troy has found his place in the 4th grade.  He loves his young, sporty teachers who he can talk football with. :) He (and Kamryn) have entered the world of Fantasy Football in a little family league we're doing with some friends.  He is also playing AYSO soccer, with Scott as one of his coaches.  Scott celebrated another birthday with some family and friend celebrations.  It seems there was a "Duck Dynasty" theme. :) It's been hot and muggy here, but the calendar says it's fall.  We're embracing all the activities and business that that brings.  We have lots to be thankful for!