Tales from the Patch ...

Even though it's a little late into the season, we headed out to the Pumpkin farm today! Brennen's been talking about visiting the pumpkin farm since September. Brennen went nuts when we got there and just ran towards all the pumpkins. BJ of course tried to find the biggest pumpkin he could, looking all over and ending up finding it right at the entrance. That's so B. Our rule though is that if you pick a pumpkin, you have to be able to carry it out, B tried a couple but couldn't carry them all the way out & almost dropped one on Brennen. That would not have been a pretty sight!

Don't drop it on Brennen!

Brennen loves the pumpkins, I seriously think it's one of his favorite times of the year, at least right now! He picked two little pumpkins and wouldn't let them go the rest of the day, he wanted someone to carry him and the pumpkins, not just the pumpkins.

Brennen & B at the entrance

Brennen in Heaven

Brennen found a pumpkin phone!

B's Final pumpkin pick!

Final XCountry meet

The regular XCountry season has come to an end. It ended on a pretty wet, cold and overall nasty day. This year we have definitely not had a nice fall, it went straight from Summer to late fall / early winter. I think the only thing we have yet to see that will confirm we're in winter is the frost. I'm sure that's right around the corner.

Anyway, back to XCountry. For his last meet, Kokanee (B's School) got to host. There were 6 different elementary schools involved and in the 4th grade boys alone, probably close to 60 boys. Lots & Lots of kids! B did great and ended up coming in 13th place. We are so proud of him and his determination to keep going. I honestly don't think you could pay me enough to get out there & run cross country. Go BJ! Now there is one more run, the annual Pumpkin Run with all of the kids in the Northshore School District. I think B's planning to do that and then we're done with running for the season.

Here are some more pics of the day ...

B & his friend Marshall just before the race began

B, Marshall & Caleb (soccer buddies) at the beginning

Coming around the corner, almost finished

At the finish line .. 13th place, well done B

6 out of 10 boys from the soccer team did Cross Country ... Go Sharks!

A Hike in the Fall

This weekend had the chance to do a little hiking in the fall leaves before the cold sets in. I took the kids and met up with our friends, the Mabbutt's, and hiked to Tradition Lake on Tiger Mountain. It was a very good hike for the kids as it was mostly flat. With a 2 year old, 3 year old, a slightly limping 6 year old and 7 & 9 year old ... flat is good! It was a little challenging on the way back with the little ones, but all in all it was a ton of fun. The fall was in full bloom and I just love the different shades of yellow & red.

There was a pretty cool tree along the way that all of the kids that fit into. Brennen thought the tree was more fun to run through. Of course, as long as the kid has room to run, you can bet you'll be chasing him! Sometimes he is too much for me ...

In the sticks down by Tradition Lake.

On the trail heading back, Brennen loves to be on his brother's shoulders.

Getting all 5 of 'em looking at the camera, and with some smiles to boot! That's an achievement, especially since it was at the end of the hike. I think these are some of the best lookin' kids out there! Check out some more of our pics from the hike.

Xcountry almost over

Well, I've taken a stab at putting up a quick video clip. Not a good clip, from not a good camera, but it's a first so if I can I'll be posting more in no time. First item ... get a new video camera!

BJ has done really well with Xcountry this year. He's pretty consistent between the 6 - 10 spot and he's still shooting to finish in the top five. We think it's pretty awesome he's been in the top ten in all three matches he's had already this year. He was pretty tired at the end of this one today and next week should be even tougher. The next one is at his elementary (Kokanee) and from what the boys tell me, it's by far the hardest course. We'll try to get B plenty of rest & feed him lots of carbs the night before. Go B!

Here's a clip of him at the finish line ...

Half Way Point

Well, here we are the half way point of BJ's soccer season. 5 games down, 5 to go. It's been such a great 1st half of the season. The boys are improving & BJ's enjoying the season. Next year will be alot of fun 'cause we'll be able to do a post - season tournament as well. BJ's team is doing well and sitting at 3 - 1 - 1. Not too bad for a team that lost half of it's players from last year.

I'm telling you though, I'm having such a hard time this year being able to take pictures or keep my sideline manners in check. B's getting to an age where it's alot more competitive & my coaching style is alot of pacing and "coaching" from the side, loudly. I have only been told by Bryan to "zip it" twice, that I can remember, probably more if you were to ask him. I have to say though, bad officials kill me & I probably shouldn't say anything. It's hard though 'cause I'm a ref too and I know what they should be calling / not calling. Ah well, time for me to take a deep breath, I'm such a dork!

Here comes the keeper, Shoot B, Shoot!

SHOT!

XCountry

BJ has decided that he again wants to do cross country for his elementary school team. I don't know where he gets the stamina for running. I can't run unless I'm chasing something, preferably a soccer ball, and I'm pretty sure Bryan's not into running either.

Oh well, he does love it and it keeps him busy, so it's fine by us! He did really well in his first XCountry meet last week finishing 6th from all the 4th grade boys from 4 schools and this week he finished 8th with 3 schools competing. Top ten finishes ... well done BJ!

BJ ready to cross the finish line