Why Does Summer Have to End?

It's September 21 and maybe, just maybe, we are getting back into a schedule. Despite our best efforts, summer did in fact come to an end and we had to conform to societal rules and go back to school. Here's what three of the four of us looked like. Parker started school at a different time so he has still evaded the camera. Don't worry, we'll get him! Hannah started Grade 4 with Mr. Howg. Matt started high school and Sara started middle school. Where has time gone?

It's Track Season!

Actually, track season just ended. It's really short lived! Matt ran the 400m, 800m and 1500m. He qualified for cities in all three and then went on to qualify for zones in the 800m and 1500m. His good friend, Matt Knapik, is his pacer. He just stays on his heels and he brings him in every time - in a very good time, but always behind Matt K. So, he placed third in the 800m at zones and fourth in the 1500m. We were so impressed because...Matt hates track. What could he do with a little training??? Matt Knapik got first in both races. Great job Matt! Maybe next year, our Matt will train...maybe not.

No, Matt is not trying to show off his biceps! Check out that Farmer's tan! Very Southern Albertan, don't you think? Kids, this is what happens when you forget to apply sun screen and then spend all day at the track...
Matt and Matt in the lead during the 800m.
Matt and Matt. We're excited to see what next year brings!

Growing Up...Rocks!

What's cooler than having one awesome teenager with a learner's license?

How about having TWO!

Matt turned 14 and was ordained a Teacher while Nana and Papa were here. Two days before they arrived, he took his Learner's test and passed! So, now it's a fight for the driver's seat...and I always lose. And, I'm okay with that. It's great to be chauffered around by one of two teenagers. Though now I do understand better why there are such things as grey hair, wrinkles and white knuckles...

Congrats Matt.

City Final Champs!

Matt's team won city finals tonight! He played great - the whole team did. They had very keen refs who called EVERYTHING - both ways. So, it's good the game ended when it did because our team was in foul trouble. The final score was 74-47 and we think Matt scored 20 points - including a "nothing but net" 3 pointer. Well done boys! They've had a perfect season - no losses. Southern Alberta Zones are in two weeks in Taber.

If you do (or don't) like the weather...just wait an hour!

Right after posting that last post about our famous Chinooks, mom headed out to Cardston for a day of basketball. Matt was in a tournament at the High School. Dad stayed home to hold down the fort and get the rest of the crew where they needed to be as he was on call and couldn't leave the city. When mom left, the weather was great! So, donning a hoodie and Chucks, the journey to Cardston began. Note: no boots, toque, gloves or jacket. It was 10 degrees! That's almost balmy!

The tournament was fantastic! Lots of fun to watch and incredible talent on all teams. Even got to watch Lindsey's little sister Mallie play for half a game. For Matt's team, the day went really well! After winning two games straight, they made the final! For the second game, Matt was even the "Player of the Game" which awarded him with a DQ Blizzard! So, we awaited the final. Unfortunately, the tournament got a little behind.... So, the final didn't start until approximately 6:15. They faced WR Myers from Taber and emerged victorious! Very exciting. But, little did we know the excitement was just beginning..

..

The whole team headed to DQ for some well deserved treats. By the time we left Cardston, the weather had drastically changed and the snow was falling. It was Matt, mom and two of his team mates in the Suburban. Everyone had decided to go back to Lethbridge in a convoy. As soon as we turned onto the highway, there was no visibility at all. The first two cars almost immediately went into the ditch. One managed to get out, the other did not but was retreived later that night. No one was hurt. Less than 2 km out of Cardston, the entire team turned around and claimed defeat on this front! Safety won out! Thankfully. Mom put on a very brave face but still has white knuckles 2 days later. So, we had a big sleepover at one of the boys grandparents homes. Matt's team had not had an over-nighter this year and some were quite disappointed. But, in the end, they did! It was a riot! And we were all happy to drive home in daylight on Sunday morning - just in time for mom to teach her Relief Society lesson! :) What a great weekend!

Our Eventful Day

Thanks to all of our cheering squad on our busy Wednesday. All went well. The plate and screws are out. I will no longer set off alarms at airports! I managed to be awake for the surgery this time and saw what the hardware looked like. Modern medicine is amazing!

Matt had a fantastic run. He placed second right behind Matt Knapik, his friend from school. His time was 7:53 for a 2km run. Fairly quick. :) You can see from the photos what a beautiful day it was in Medicine Hat!

This one's for the BOYS!

Every week we seem to have lots of excitement around here. This past one was especially neat for the boys!! Parker was awarded his Chief Scout Award along with a great group of friends. They've all worked really hard!

As for Matt, he turned the big 13! We now have two teenagers! How did that happen? If anyone has a potion that will freeze time and make it stop, please let us know. You can be sure that our fridge is always full now - I seem to shop daily to keep these guys fed - and any friends they drag home with them!!!! My food storage planning needs to include a lot of munchies and processed foods I think!