Natural Bridge Caverns

On Thursday, Jason took off work so that we could spend some family time together before school starts.  We decided to take the kids to Natural Bridge Caverns.  It is not far from our house and thought it would be a fun outing for everyone.  It was pretty neat, but Kennedi and Cade might have been a little young.  They were a little fussy, but probably due to our busy day the day before and just being tired.  Carson really enjoyed the cave.  Overall it was fun, and something we should do again when everyone is a little older!

First Scrimmage

Carson had his first real football scrimmage.  The freshman white team played against the freshmen blue team.  It was a learning experience for everyone.  The boys did really well, but the hits were hard and the comeptition was fierce.  Unfortunately, a little boy on Carson's team broke his wrist and is out for the season.  Carson played offensive tackle and did a pretty good job.  There is lots of room for improvement, but learning and having fun is what it is all about!

Dentist

It was time for our dental check-up before school got back in full swing.  I took all 3 by myself, and had to admit I was a little nervous about handling it.  They all did great!  It was Cade's first time and he was a little shy, but he was awesome and did a great job letting the dentist count his teeth and clean them.  We had no cavities at all.  I was one happy mamma!!

A Day Off With The Kiddos

A big vacation just didn't happen this year.  We got to go to the beach for a few days, but with football, work, and just busy lives, we didn't get to do anything really big.  I was beginning to feel bad that I didn't get to spend much time with the kids this summer.  So, I  took 3 days off of work the week before school began and combined that with the weekend for 5 days with  my precious kiddos.  The first day Jason had to work so it was just the four of us.  We started at the dentist, had lunch at momaks, rode the train at Brackenridge Park, visited the Witte Museum and Heritage Center, and made it home in time to get ready for Carson's first football scrimmage.  I would say that we were all worn out that night!  But, we had a great time and I wouldn't have traded it.

My First 5K

I have always been an athlete, but never a runner.  However as I have aged, I have found that running is a great way to stay in shape and sometimes it even allows your mind a chance to decompress before or after a long workday.   I started running around the beginning of the year.  Not really consistently, but 2-3 days a week, anywhere from 1.5-3 miles at a time.  Finally, I decided that it was time to run a 5K.  My co-worker, Rich, and his fiance Carol, ran it with me.  It was at Lackland Air Force Base and called the Air Base Boogie.  It was hard, but afterwards I felt amazing!  I felt like I accomplished something. There were 1900 runners.  Several of the "flights" of airmen ran them together.  I found myself distracted with their chants and trying to stay with their pack.  It was a great, great experience!  I ran my first 5K in 29:10.  Crazy enough, I ended up with a 3rd place trophy in the women's division, age 30-34!  I don't know if I will ever run one again, but at least now I can say, "I did it"!!

Happy Birthday Avery

Avery Sutton turns 4!  What fun we had celebrating at the Whistle Stop Park in Temple.  We even got to ride a real Amtrak train!  The kids had a ball and we got to visit with our great friends Trae and Bethany. 

Tackle Football

Carson decided he wanted to play tackle football this year.  We signed him up for the Mid-Tex Youth Football League, Bulverde Texans.  We knew going in that this football league is incredibly competitive and required a great commitment, but Carson was excited and so we decided that there was no time like the present.  Jason and I both agreed that we would be 100% committed to the season, but if he decided that football wasn't for him, we would try something else next year.  Well, conditioning began at the end of June and went thru the end of July.  Twice a week the boys worked out in just t-shirts and shorts in effort to get accustomed to the heat and become more fit for the upcoming season.  Mid July there was a draft.  Each of the coaches sat around a table and drafted their teams.  Keep in mind that the coaches watched the kids carefully during conditioning.  They were evaluated on speed, agility, coachability, and  I am sure size had a little to do with it.  There are 3 freshmen teams (7 and 8 year olds).  Carson was drafted to the Bulverde Texans - Freshman White Team.  The first week in August the kids had to do 10 hours of conditioning with a helmet and shorts (mandated by the state).  Our team got the 10 hours in quick with four 2 and 1/2 hour practices.  With just a day of rest, the kids then began practice in full pads.  Because Jason and I both work full time, it has been a real challenge to make sure Carson hasn't missed any practices.  He seems to really like the game and is making some great friends.  So far, it has been a great experience!  The games begin in September so stay tuned!  Here are a few pictures of practice.