How is it that it’s already halfway through May?? It feels like we just got back from our spring break vacation and that was over 4 weeks ago. So just to get you caught up here’s what’s been going on for the last 4 weeks…
Work – Where do I start…my work load has been insanely busy the last 4 weeks. Lots of pipeline projects going on…I’m currently juggling a few projects right now. You know it’s bad when John has been getting home before me and on multiple occasions he’s gone in late after dropping the kids off at school for me so I could leave for work by 6:30!! (I usually go in at 9:00) Don’t get me wrong, I actually prefer it when I’ve got lots of work to do…it sure beats twiddling my thumbs waiting for 4:00 to roll around…but these projects and this crazy schedule is seriously kicking my butt and it looks like it’s going to stay this busy right through the summer. Hey at least I already got in my vacation.
School – The school year is starting to wind down and there’s now only 5 weeks left until summer break. Our school is on a year-round track system (9 weeks on then 3 weeks off) so while traditional schools will be out at the end of May, our kids go until the last week in June. The end of the year is always jammed full of activities. In the next few weeks we’ll be busy with class plays for each kid, Zach has his last band concert next week, then field days and there’s always all the end of the year parties. Oh and they still have homework and reading to do in there somewhere.
Soccer – The spring soccer season officially came to an end this past weekend. The kids all played great and John and I enjoyed watching all their games even the ones in the crappy weather, although John would really have preferred to skip Zach’s ultra windy loss down in Pueblo (I somehow managed to get out of going to that game).
Zach’s U11 Red team had a record of 4 wins, 3 losses and 3 ties and ended up tied for 4th in their competitive bracket. Zach’s knee condition made things a bit more challenging this season but overall he played great and was even moved from a defensive position to a midfielder…which requires a lot more running and faster ball handling. He is a fantastic midfielder and set up lots of shots on goal for his teammates. Up next for him is the 5 day Real Cup Tournament over Memorial Day weekend then the following week we dive right into tryouts for the fall season.
Cameron’s team, The Crossfire ended with an impressive record of 7 wins, 1 loss and 0 ties. This team is a very tenacious group. We were all totally blown away with how well they play together…lots of passing and tons of shots on goal. Cameron’s highlights were 2 shut-outs as goalie…for those non soccer readers that means not one goal was scored on him while he was goalie…which also included a phenomenal save from a direct penalty kick in the box. Cameron’s team will participate in their first tournament this weekend, the Kohl’s Cup…where they’ll play 4 games in 2 days.
Ashley’s team, the Panthers are just as feisty and fearless as they were last season. Their record was 4 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie…but this record really doesn’t do the team justice. They are such a well oiled machine, it’s scary. These girls pass just as well as most of the boys on Zach’s competitive team and I’ve never seen as many slide tackles and awesome headers (3 of them from Ashley) than from this group of pretty little 7 year old girls. Ashley can’t wait until next season but in the mean time is thinking of taking up gymnastics again over the summer.
Projects, Family and Fun – We’ve also been staying busy with projects around the house. Painting, organizing, tearing down shelves, hanging new shelves, gardening (you should see my flower beds), laying sod, tree trimming, replacing faucets and now getting ready to tear apart our deck. Oh and have I mentioned that my parents, my Grandma (who will only be referred to as Nanny from here on forward) and my brother Courtney will all be in town next week for my nephew Trevor’s graduation and that they are all staying at our house. I’m really excited that they’re staying with us and I’m always up for a houseful of friends and family but there’s so much I want to do before they come and with my crazy work schedule these days and then multiple soccer games on the weekends, I’m just plain running out of time. As for fun…well…let me think…ummmmm…oh we took the kids to the pool the other day, it was great although…I didn’t swim and actually I was so exhausted I almost fell asleep in my lounge chair but hey they had fun.
Well my lunch hour is over, so it’s back to work so I can hopefully make it home at a decent time tonight. Oh and sorry for the lack of pictures…my camera is still broken and I haven’t had the time to do anything about it.
My brother Chris, Rylee and Christina 
All seven grandkids...what a good looking bunch!
Nanny (my grandma) with Zach at Traildust Steak house for lunch after Graduation.
Cameron and TJ tearing up the dance floor at Traildust
Our 2 littlest family members TJ (5) and Rylee (3)...so cute!
It would be a party without a few games of backyard soccer.
Chef Toney working the grill...boy was it yummy!!
Cameron playing with TJ's little grill...you're never too old for a little make believe.
Everyone enjoying the good food, the great weather and the excellent company. 
Miss Rylee was having a great time!
Nawnie and her 2 grand-daughters.
Nanny and Nawnie couldn't get enough of these sweet little girls.
This post is a shout out to my nephew Trevor who just graduated from Cherokee Trails High School on Friday. It was so great being with all my family watching him graduate...we're all so proud of him, actually we all felt like it was our own son down there receiving his diploma.
Trevor with Cameron and Ashley
Yesterday morning my dad went out to take some video of the 2 infant birds and was thrilled when he found that the 2 birds were now 4 and all 4 of them were hungrily seeking food from their momma, so cute!!!
