Reece's Projects

Reece doesn't bring home the art that we were use to seeing in McPherson. Part of it is his age, but mostly the art program just isn't quite the same. A little surprising, since the atmosphere here in the mountains is usually art oriented. He did bring this piece home. He says it's a Victorian Home. Pretty impressive drawing.  

He also had a "group" project with a few classmates. Reece said he had to do most of the work...that's his version, I can not confirm or deny that. He was very proud of his "Solar Energy" poster, so now that we've snapped a picture of it, we will have it forever. Nice job, buddy!

Surprise Visitors

Social media can be fun... I've stayed in touch with Riley's first grade teacher over the years (mostly through blogging). She is the teacher I compared all teachers to in the elementary years, and she just happens to love Colorado. Mrs. Simmons is great!! 

Yesterday, I posted a picture of Reece and I, after his final game and she left a comment that only someone from or someone that has visited Glenwood Springs would know... It had to do with "famous root beer"... At that point I knew they finally made it west enough to check out where we live. We just happened to be hungry, so we got to catch up with them at the Brewpub for lunch. (You never have to twist our arms to eat there :) They became official tourists. They rode the Giant Canyon Swing, went through the Vapor Caves, ate at the Brewpub, and hiked Hanging Lake. What a day...thanks for letting me know you were here, Erica. It's so nice having people come through the valley, even for a day. Come back soon!

Purple Lightning

Another soccer season is a wrap. We are fine with the dreaded purple. ;)

Reece lost his last 2 games...he played his heart out. He has developed an amazing "throw in"....as a person that has never known much about the sport, I've always felt the rules of a "throw in"we're strange. But Reece has perfected it. He is able to throw it far and right on target, while keeping his foot down on the ground. It caught the refs attention yesterday and he came over to compliment Reece after the game. Don't worry...that went straight to his head. The trouble is, Reece plays offense. Reece needs to be on the field to get into scoring position. Too bad he can't throw to himself. 

Guitar

My "little" man is pretty gifted in the music world. He has had 2 lessons and on the second day he was complimented on how talented he is. Reading music comes easy to this boy. Hope his love for music continues. I can't believe how grown my 12 year old looks!!! 

Because...

...Lynx won't be tiny and cute forever.

We were waiting for this day...she now has a new favorite spot to hang out. We are wondering when she'll get brave enough to leap down onto the couch below. 

Princess Lynx

Jake's Bench

I got my bench, with all the credit going to Jake... but I'll take credit for coming up with the plan and design. It's perfect and looks as though it came with the house. This is the laundry/mud room coming in from the garage. Now I "need" some fun pillows, but these extras I had laying around the house will due until then. Thanks, Babe! :)

Winter is Knocking on the Door

Mt. Sopris on October 1st. Beautiful to look at, but glad it's still in the distance.

So it's time to take advantage and cram in as much fun as we can before the gorgeous weather is gone. Reece and Abby flying high on the Giant Canyon Swing.

Vail

Our next game was in Vail. Fall is the best time to travel in Colorado. The colors are too amazing.

GO #2!

Reece's team tied... again. This game they had the lead, 2-1, until the very final minute when the other team scored on a PK. It was heartbreaking. I just want a win for these kids. They play hard and never give up, so we are very proud.

The next day Reece had another game here in Glenwood. It was a very hard fought game, but they lost 4-6. The highlight was Reece scored off of a corner kick. The kicker is, he was the one who kicked the ball from the corner. The ball bounced off the other team and went in... and goal is a goal, no matter what, right? He earned his team a pizza party for that one. They have been working on corner kicks a lot at practice, and the deal was, coach would buy pizza if they scored off of one. This may not have been how they planned, but it still counted. 

Thomas Lakes

I got Riley and Jake to hike one of my favorite, but definitely the most rough hikes with me. Reece decided he "needed" a rest day... so he stayed home and missed all the amazing fall colors. It did rain on us most of the time, but it was totally worth it.

Hello, Mt. Sopris! :)

About 4 miles up and we made it to the lakes. 

The golden Aspens. Amazing!

All About Riley

Riley has had a pretty good start to 7th grade... he was one of two awarded this certificate from his Advisory class. He really has no complaints...such a relief having a kid do so well in the tough middle school stage.

I'm having a hard time getting used to this kid sitting in the front seat...I know I made him wait longer than most parents, but he just weighs so little. I'm so overprotective.... Can't believe he's getting so old. 

Picture day. Good thing his real pictures weren't at 7 am... and these brand new jeans we bought, well, they are just about too short for these long legs.

Riley found this on his locker. He isn't positive who did it, but highly suspects Ms. Hopgood (last year's Advisory teacher.) It made his day.

Lastly, we have Riley signed up to start guitar lessons through Aspen Music. We are very excited... and Riley wants to try out for basketball (not sure how the two of those will work out, but we will give it our best!)