Fall Break 2010

We had a fabulous week last week. We stayed close to home just hangin'.

• Peanut and the Big Guy went to a soccer tournament in Jonesboro, AR. Coach pulled Peanut's team off the field. The other team was playing "let's get someone hurt" ball. It was not quality soccer.
• Pumpkin and I shopped the used car lots. We haven't found anything - yet.
• We played Corn Hole. I need lots more practice.
• Peanut got his Learner's Permit.
• We enjoyed a yummy late lunch at Uncle Lou's. Peanut declared his burger one of the best ever!
• We ventured in to the Nike Clearance Outlet and come home with new soccer cleats. The smelly ones were immediately tossed.
• We road our bikes on the Wolf River Trail. I summoned the courage to ride the man-made ravines.
• We enjoyed another yummy lunch at Trolley Stop Market. Peanut declared his burger just about as good as the best ever.
• I made lots of progress on my pair of socks for the Mystery Socktoberfest KAL. I just might have a fancy pair of socks by the beginning of November.
• Pumpkin got contacts!
• Peanut got some jeans just in time for the weather to warm up!
• Pumpkin, Peanut and I took our bikes to Shelby Farms. We rode the Greenline with a late breakfast stop at Republic Coffee. We may have started something. Peanut had an iced coffee and liked it.
• We ran misc errands including signing Peanut up for basketball.
• The Big Guy took Peanut and some friend to the haunted corn maze.
• We finished the week off with another soccer tournament.
• We watched City Island and Blindside -- along with lots of football in between!

We are off and running into this new week. But, before we know it we'll be off to enjoy some turkey!!

Driving?!?

They were off to get Pumpkin's learner's permit.

It took three hours. The lines were long and the process was "painful." Pumpkin got his permit! We've driven in a parking lot and are working up to the actual roads!

Corn Hole

The Big Guy got a Corn Hole game for his birthday. His mom and dad made it. I know this game is all over the MIdwest. But, we have not seen too much of it down here. We played it over the 4th of July and knew it would be something we'd enjoy.

It's become a nightly challenge - if we can work it in.




This one went in!

It is lots of fun and we are enjoying the family time!

Happy Birthday, Big Guy!

This is one of those low key birthdays. Are we even keep track anymore???

I was so impressed with Pumpkin. He made this banner and put it up before the Big Guy came out of the bedroom this morning. There is some compassion deep down in this teenager. His handwriting is so sloppy. The Big Guy was shocked when he found out Pumpkin did it all himself.

We have one of those evenings shuttling the boys ending with Peanut's soccer game. I made a birthday dinner of black beans and rice, kiwi, and carrots. We'll get to eat it in stages. For dessert, we have a white cake with homemade chocolate icing. We'll decorate that with candles and see if the Big Guy's lungs can blow them out!

Happy Happy, My Sweetie!!

LUVMUD2010

This weekend, Memphis hosted the first LUVMUD2010. It was a 5k of an original kind! The boys were excited to participate. The proceeds benefited a worthy cause, Habitat for Hope.

We left Pumpkin's swim meet to get to the run. We were there a bit early. There were lots of folks in costumes. Amazing! It was so hot outside. I was surprised so many stayed in costume and braved the heat. We found a spot with a/c and hung out for a bit.

They started the race in waves. Here the guys are waiting for the race to start.

Pumpkin and Peanut were a two man team. I was so proud of them. They stayed together throughout the run. There were six obstacles spread through the 5k. The last obstacle was a 50ft. mud pit. Pumpkin used those strong arms to pull him through the mud. What a mess!

Peanut was right there too! He was their team leader and headed to the tables to sign in their finish.

The Big Guy ran as an individual, but tried to stay with the boys. The heat and hills took their toll on him. But, he made it! Who knew mud could be refreshing?!?

I did not want to get anywhere near them!

They coined this one the mud tan. Needless to say, two pairs of shoes were added to the trash.

The fire department brought their truck and helped with the clean up. They built a hose manifold. Race participants got to hose themselves off. They went from hot to showering with cold water!

The Big Guy was helping Peanut get the mud off!

Fun was had by all. The boys are waiting for official pictures to be posted. And, they are excited to do it again next year!!

Looking for Jupiter

The Big Guy got a telescope for his years of service anniversary.

They pulled it out the other night to see more of Jupiter. I think our trees were in the way!

Brooks Memphis Twilight Classic

Peanut ran in his first "real" middle school cross country meet on Saturday. It was held at the soccer fields. I kept waiting for soccer balls to come out - I'm a creature of habit and a bit slow on the uptake.

The weather was beautiful. Peanut ran 2 miles in 13.25 minutes! He did a great job and enjoyed it.

Here he is rounding the corner to the finish. He had quite a bit left in the tank, but he slowed way down to go around this corner.

Here you can see him picking it back up to get to the finish.

A friend took some photos as he finished. I hope to get them soon. I was so excited for him that I did not dig my little camera out in time!