It's that time of year!

I LOVE this time of year!! It is super busy but totally fun. I'm getting out all my fall decorations today. I've already bought several bags of Halloween candy....and of course have to keep going back for more because somehow they're ALL gone...hmmm. I've been thumbing through my soup recipes...nummers!! And, the craving of potatoes (mashed or baked) are upon me as well. I love the crisp cooler air....but with the sun still out. I Love the fall sports too! It's fun to hear the TV blaring with football games and it's SUPER DUPER fun going to my kid's games. My trunk stays jammed with blankets, gloves, coats, hats, stadium chairs, umbrellas, and folding chairs. Never a dull moment and LOTS of driving around. Here's a bit of what's happening.

Derrick: First time playing football in his entire life. I think we may have found his sport!! They put him as lineman. Even though he's the shortest kid on the team, he's pretty solid. I wondered how whimpy he'd be (he is generally a whimp). But, he's turned out to be a fighter. He holds his own out there and the coach has nothing but compliments for him. This age is just so dang cute out there!! Those little guys squating with their little behinds sticking out and those big pads are just precious.

Nathan: Nathan is actually playing football this year also. I royally messed up his soccer registration and he ended up not being on his middle school team. So, he reluctantly went with his die-hard football player friend and joined the football team. Even though he did play in 3rd grade, he hasn't played since. So, he's a bit confused on things but is catching on quick and actually having a lot of fun. He hasn't been able to have much game time though.....his position is "side" line man....get it, sits on the sideline?...Ha!. He does get to go in on the kick off recieving team or if his team is ahead by 90. So, I either pray that the other team will score so they'll have to kick off and Nate will go in, or, I pray that our team will whomp the other team....definitely should focus on the whomping.

Nate's #15....can you see him on the sideline? (Hint: look on the left...bahhaaahaa....he cracks me up!)

This was a surprise entrance. It was the last 20 seconds of the game and we were ahead by 20. I was so surprised and excited....I didn't even get the camera focused right. But, I got him. He's the wide receiver.

Just had to show a little size difference. Look at the thighs. Oh my goodness!!

Amanda: This year was a tough competition for starting positions for Panda's soccer team. She would come home as grumpy as all can get at the beginning. But, she worked hard and secured her position of starting as center mid. She is loving it. A couple of weeks ago she got a concussion and so had to sit out for 3 games. It was hard but she's bounced back. I cringe though when she does those headers. I don't know...just something about me liking her brain. It's always fun watching her play. She is usually such a sweet girl but out on the field...watch out!!