What a week!

On Thursday the volleyball team attended two pep sessions at the elementary schools. We like to tag along and support the team as much as we can, but they were during nap time, so we didn't make it the whole time.

A little snackage to keep him awake in between sessions! He fell asleep when we were less than 1/2 a mile to the second one.
On Friday the team did a loop through down town on their way to Muncie, with a police/ambulance/fire truck escort! So we made our signs and waited for them. We cheered them on coming, quicked walked a block to cheer them on going, too!
We didn't sleep all that well in the hotel, but fortunately, Tim didn't sleep with us, so he was well rested. The 9AM game was a bit rough for us as both kids wanted Tim more than anything and were crying/crabbing/crawling all over most of the game. Thanks to Grandpa for keeping Cooper, and Grace and I cheered from the rafters. So, after an AWESOME win in the morning, we grabbed quick naps in the hotel, then found a cool place to play. I don't remember the name, but it was like a McDonald's play land - on speed! Here is the little ball pit we found first...

Then the BIG one!!

Then, to climb! A huge thanks to Uncle Ben and Aunt Laura!! I couldn't have done without them!

You can see the massiveness of this ONE side!

Over, Under, Ben. Over, Under!

I had to pry Cooper out of the ball pit to leave. There were some parents "playing" in the ball pit when I removed him and they had to take a "time out" because I was "Pulling his ammo guy"! Cooper was keeping him supplied with balls to throw at his girlfriend/wife! It made me laugh. It was a wonderful place to spend some time running around before heading to the arena for the final game.

We love the team, but really love Coach Drake!

It was heartbreaking to watch the girls get so frustrated in their last game. They played Muncie Burris University... I mean High School. They were ranked #2 in the NATION in ESPN high school polls (I think) .

Nobody beats them. It would have been nice to be the "David", but seriously, nobody beats them.

So, while they officially hold the Class 2A Volleyball Runner Up title, as someone called them tonight at the pep session, I like:

The Class 2A Public School Champions!

Tim has several more things to do with the team still to tie up some "stuff", but we're excited about having him home a little bit more. He has some major work to do to get caught up for his Master's work. But, volleyball is over. Praise the Lord.

Regional Champs!!!!

Grace and Cooper are dedicated to reading the pregame write ups and good luck wishes in the news papers...

We trick-or-treated at the game... got free hot dogs and suckers!!!
Go Daddy and the volleygirls!

Regional Champs!!

Oh, and Biker Dude and Babe came to cheer on the Knights as well!

It has been a long season for us, but this is when it all seems worth it. We'll have fun at the pep sessions this week and at the tournament this weekend. And we're really looking forward to next week... no practices and home for dinner!!!!

Surprise!

What's the best way to pull off a surprise birthday party? Have it three months late!! We surprised mom with a party this weekend...

And what would a surprise be in this family without Monica showing up from Texas!!?? She even got me this time!

Happy belated birthday! Hope it was worth the wait!

Leaves...

I wanted some pictures of the kids in the leaves at the farm. But you have to be quick because the ground crew out there mulches them up as soon as they hit the ground! Grandma Patty was able to hold them at bay an extra day, but I think I missed the good sun that day. So, the pictures are a little dark, but they loved playing in the leaves, and I'll try again next year. (sigh.)

Prize Winning Pumpkins!

Grace and Cooper decorated pumpkins at the YMCA for a contest and Cooper won their age group! I voted for both of them every time I was there! :)

Click, Clack, Moo

Grace and I were able to meet our friends Lori and Aiden at the show to see the very funny Click, Clack, Moo on stage, last week. They put on such a great show and for just $4 a ticket! A big thanks to Aunt Skeeter and Grandma Jack for watching Cooper!

Grace loved the hip hop chickens and the confident duck, and I loved that they updated (from the storybook) from a typewriter to a laptop! They used it to search Moo Tube for videos on how to strike, and then broke into a rousing rendition of Proud to be a Bovine. That's right people - God Bless the USDA!

Sectional Champs

The VolleyKnights won sectional again this year! The theme for this season has been a surf shop/beach theme and the wonderful VolleyMoms decked Grace out nicely!

Tim got to talk on the radio after the game! :)

And, my screamer... at least he looked good in his swordfish volleyball shirt I found for him!

Pumpkin Patch

The kids and I made it to the pumpkin patch one nice warm day last week. Well, us and two buses of kids from Marion, a bus from Whites, and a handfull of other mothers who were surprised by the crowd as well! But, we had a good time as we got there just as they were winding down.

Getting pictures of these two was a bit frustrating, though!

Turns out "Say Ha, Ha, Ha!" (above) is a little better than "Say Cheese!" (below!) :)

Look how long she looks!!!! So, I know I have volleyball on the brain right now, but I find myself picking out other kids her age to play volleyball with her someday.... I learned today that Abby, from gymnastics, is a tall 4 year old and left handed! :) I have her setter-friend picked out as well, so I've got a good front row already!