Laurel and her big yellow cast

On Saturday Laurel took a hard hit in soccer. We are blessed to have a good friend who is an orthopedic surgeon and he saw her this morning. We decided it would be best to put her in a cast for 2 1/2 weeks to protect her arm and let it heal. This afternoon we all took turns autographing her cast. Here are some photos:

Times have changed

So here was the math problem this morning: A watch and a calculator cost the man $212. The watch cost $144. How much was the calculator? Which cost more? How much more? Matthew read the problem and then asked "Why does anyone need a watch?" I said, "To tell time when they are away from a clock." He replied "But everyone has a phone." I am old.

Food stealer's consequences

Our food stealer has been doing better, but today he fell victim to temptation and drank a drink I had left out in our room. Unfortunately I have been a little under the weather and he may suffer the consequences of his own actions. Lately he has taken to pointing out the opportunities to misbehave, but not always choosing to seize those opportunities. Apparently Papa and Nana's house is perfect for food stealing, but he is choosing not to do it. I'll take any improvement I can get.
The kids had a fun weekend. Since my parents moved into their new house and are getting things settled the kids were able to take turns spending the night. They thought it was really fun and are all ready to do it again. It was strange to us to only have some of the children at home. Last night Tim was even waiting on the boys to do their nighttime reading when he realized they weren't here. Matthew thought it was really cool when he and Tim "bumped into" Nana and Papa in Wal-mart earlier this week. Hopefully they will remember the times they wished they were closer and continue to appreciate having them here.

Soccer

It was hot. We watched three games, sweated a ton, came home exhausted, and the kids had a blast. Yeah, soccer season is just what I remember. Here are some first game pics:

Labor Day Camping

We went camping over the weekend. It was fun, but rain showers shortened our weekend. The campground was full, over-crowded, and loud anyway. I think I'm in trouble since my need for space and privacy is starting to extend into our campground life. We have become accustomed to our favorite site which is removed from others and nice and private. However, this time we did have a nice lake view and enjoyed watching the waves roll in before the rain hit. Tim taught the kids a little science as he explained the air pressure shift and changes in the weather as we watched it all happen. They thought it was great that Dad could tell them what would happen next. Laurel built the sand castle of all sand castles and I am still in trouble for forgetting the camera. Tim drew a picture, but apparently that is not documentation enough. Loser mom award goes to me this time. Anyway, we are now back to school, soccer, and the daily routine. Mom and Dad are still with us but are planning to move into their new house in about a week. Soccer games begin this weekend which means: three teams, three games, and one tired set of parents. How many weeks is the season again??

4 on 4

My parents moved to town on the 13th. They are living with us until their house is completed. Its 4 on 4 now and I have been to the grocery store with just one kid! My Dad took Carter to soccer last night. Mom has been keeping my kitchen clean and helping me with the kids. Matthew and Laurel have soccer tonight. I am leaving the other two at home. Its like a new world.