Growing WarriorsJust your typical family…

I am a soccer mom.

I’ve had the minivan for over a year now, so it was only a matter of time.

Allison signed up today for the fall season. Practices start in late August, with games staring in early Sept.

She is going to be on a team with her friend, Celeste. They should have a lot of fun.

We had a wonderful fourth of July. (I just posted about 32 pictures at the photo site, go check them out!) We went up to Redstone to visit my grandparents. My cousin and her husband Brian were also there. Jess, Allison and Brian marched in the parade. Meredith was afraid of the sirens of the firetrucks that led the parade, but got into the whole candy throwing thing (after it quieted down). We then enjoyed a lovely lunch on the porch and later while the kids napped, Eric and Jess wandered the blvd for a bit. That evening we grilled some burgers and then headed to Aspen for the fireworks show. It was a great show, but I couldn’t believe how many people were there! Last time we went to Aspen for the firework show, it was crowded, but NOTHING like this. We barely found a place to sit. Allison was bit concerned because in past years she has been frightened of the firework show but she surprised us all (including herself) by loving the show. Meredith was cautiously observant, and only got really scared after a particularly loud one. After that she occassionally reported that they were “scarey” and that she wanted us to go inside. But she did better than I expected her to, and overall wasn’t too scared. I think that Jessica, Eric, Amy and Brian did fine during the show. I didn’t hear a single whimper from any of them, and I suspect that they may have even enjoyed the show! It took us forever to get out of Aspen after the show. We know it took forever because while we were waiting in traffic we noticed a woman getting out of the passenger side of her Volvo. We were wondering what she was doing, when about 10 minutes later she returned with a soda and a 1/2 gallon of milk. We were essentially in the same spot! She had gone shopping!!

The next day was pretty relaxing. Amy and Brian fixed an amazing breakfast! After bathing the kids we meandered about the blvd, munching ice cream, playing in the park and in the river. It was a lovely day. Then we headed home.

Some highlights in addition to those already discussed. Eric fished both mornings we were there and had amazing success. I think he reported catching at least 30 fish the entire weekend. This, however, cannot be verified.

Another highlight was when Meredith locked herself in Gramp’s radio room and Amy and Jessica had to break in through the window to rescue her.

I also enjoyed spending a great deal of time with my cousin Amy. We had fun remembering all the fun we had as kids in Redstone.

But the greatest highlight was spending time with my grandparents. Thanks Gram and Gramp!! We had a great time!