Christmas Party at School...

What a horribly tragic day!  As soon as I returned home from my morning walk, I turned on MSNBC like I always do.  The breaking news was something no parent ever wants to see...a school shooting.  I went into school to deliver Christmas gifts to the girls' teachers and for Logan's Christmas party, with just a vague understanding of the story in Connecticut.  As the story became clear that 20 parents lost their little children, along with six adults...I just felt sick!  I was never so happy to see my girls get off the school bus this afternoon.  I am definitely going to be giving them extra hugs and kisses tonight!
 

The girls before school this morning...

Logan and her friends at their Christmas party...

Cheering for Basketball...

Today was our first basketball game to cheer for.  This has been quite a different experience for Logan and I...we are used to football (and cute cheer uniforms.)  In fifth grade the girls can cheer for their school's boys basketball team.  It is pretty neat that we know all the kids participating and all the families.  We have a fairly large squad (14), and there has never been a practice with everyone there.  So, it's been quite a challenge for me to teach the dance and all the cheers.  But, I think they did pretty well today...hopefully this will be a super fun season!

5th grade cheer (and Maren)...

More Young's...

What did I do for my birthday today?  Well, I chaperoned a girl scout field trip to Young's Dairy...what's more fun than that ;)  The girls had fun, and I indulged in some tasty ice cream!

Logan and her buddies...

Logan's Big Time...

Well, she thinks she is.  This evening she went with one of her friend's family to a high school football game.  Are little girl is growing up too fast :(

Lax Camp...

So, we're just back from Jax...and already back to running around and being busy.  This week (Monday through Friday) Logan has been going to lacrosse camp from eight to noon.  That's right...eight o'clock...in the morning...in the summer.  But, she's been having a blast. 

 

 

 Here is a picture of Logan and Lilli bright and early this morning...

 

Tennis Lessons...

Logan and Carsyn have been taking tennis lessons all week with a couple of girls from school.  It was so convenient--right at the pool, and very affordable!  The instructor said all the girls did great, and I think they all had fun!

Tennis anyone...

Logan's Birthday Sleepover...

When Logan said she just wanted to have a few girls stay the night for her birthday party this year, I thought...that should be easy.  OMG...what a nightmare!!!  It started off okay.  We had a huge bounce house that Barry had rented for his Lobster Fest, so that provided entertainment for a while.  But, it was "bedtime" that proved to be the biggest headache.  I am pretty sure that some of the girls did not ever go to sleep.  On top of that, a few of the girls had to eat breakfast and leave at 8 AM for swim practice.  I told Logan, never again!  In fact, I told Carsyn and Maren that too!  After everyone left (except Lilli) and the girls finally got up and going...it was after noon.  We didn't make it to the pool until about 2.  I plan to SLEEP tonight!

Should have kept them locked up in there...

 

Finally made it to the pool...

Happy 10th Birthday, Logan!

Our first-born baby daughter is ten years old today!  It is crazy.  The worst part about it is that if I have a ten year old daughter...I can't really pass for 24 anymore ;).  We are so proud of Logan.  She is such a bright, polite, and beautiful girl.  We love you, Logan!

 

 

Happy 10th birthday...

 

 

 

 

 

Kind of a Big Deal...

Practically every time we are at the mall, Logan asks if she can get her ears pierced.  This has been going on since she was eight.  I always say, "yeah, sure."  To which she replies, "Oh, well...maybe next time."  Chicken!  Well, lately she's been talking about it more than ever.  In fact, she even went so far as to tell her friends that she would like earrings for her birthday.  Well, now she dug herself into a hole--the only way out was to actually do it.  So today (on Carsyn's birthday--the day before Logan's 10th birthday) she finally did it!  We met her friend Lilli at the mall so both girls would go through with it.  Logan went first.  She tried to act really tough, claiming, "it didn't really hurt."  Then when it was Lilli's turn, she screamed, "OUCH!  It did too hurt, Logan!"  So funny.  Both girls look great, and I am glad we waited until she was (nearly) ten...so she can take care of her ears herself. 

 

 

Ouch...

 

After...

Lacrosse Pool Party...

This evening was Logan's end-of-season lacrosse pool party.  The girls all had a great time--awesome way to end a great season.  Logan really loved lacrosse and can't wait to play again next year!

Lax team pics...

Lil and Logan...

 Me and Kirstin...

Logan's First Softball Game...

Maybe it's because Barry and I have been playing softball that Logan suddenly decided she would like to try playing softball.  But, I think the real reason is that she saw "A League of Their Own" for the first time, and became obsessed.  Whatever the reason, she played her first game today and did pretty well.  She got a hit her first time up!  Go Logan!

Her team (She literally just joined today, having never practiced. 

It was her first game [the team's second] and picture day!)...

Her first at-bat...

After scoring her first run...

4th Grade Ice Cream Social...

This is officially the busiest week of the school year...and there are only four days!  Today was Logan's 4th grade ice cream social.  The kids all had a blast building their own sundaes.  It was also nice to let them just run around and have fun with their friends.  I think the teachers really like the class gifts we game them as well.  Overall, I believe it was a success.  One down, three to go...

Logan and friends...

Coco Key...

Logan, Carsyn, and I just returned home from a Girl Scout field trip to Coco Key waterpark.  Logan's troop used their cookie money, and I brought Carsyn along for the fun.  The girls had a great time.  I decided not to even bring a suit, but had fun chatting with the other moms ;). 

Logan's troop...

 Carsyn and Makenzie...

Last Lacrosse Games...

Logan's last two lacrosse games were this afternoon down in Cincinnati.  Her team had a great season, winning 6 and tying 1.  But, today they face some pretty fierce competition.  The girls on the opposing team were all bigger, but our girls hung in there.  Unfortunately they lost both games today, but they played hard.  Logan scored 2 goals in the first game and 1 in the second.  We're so proud of her, and can't wait for next season!

Ready to play...

Logan...

 It's hard to win a draw when the other girl is so much taller...

Logan scoring...

 Logan's team and coach...

Carillon Historical Park...

Today Logan's class went on a field trip to Carillon Historical Park.  In fourth grade they learn about Ohio history, so this was perfect.  They went to a one-room school house and were able to experience what life was like for children in Ohio in the year 1896.  They also got to see the first "Wright Flyer".  Pretty cool stuff!

Before school...

Writing with ink and quill...

Logan and her class...

Another Lacrosse Game...

Logan's game was down in Cincinnati today, and boy was it hot!  This was the first game that Carsyn, Maren, and Nani got to see her play (daddy had drill).  Logan did well, despite the heat.  She had a few shots on goal, but didn't score today. 

After the game...

End-of-Season Volleyball Party...

The girls played hard on Sunday, forcing the match to go to three games, but ended up losing.  So, our season is over.  It was a really good season.  The girls worked really hard, learned a lot, and made tons of improvements.  Coach Andy took the girls out of ice cream this evening at Young's to celebrate their achievements!

Ice Cream!

Fun at Young's...

Winning! Lacrosse and Volleyball...

Sorry.  I just couldn't resist.  But, it's true...Logan won both her lacrosse game and her volleyball game.  Lacrosse was first this morning.  It was wet and pretty chilly, but the girls played well.  Logan scored another goal!  Then we had to rush home to change for volleyball.  This was our first game in the tournament (and last--everyone assumed).  But, the girls ended up pulling out a win...against a fairly good team.  They were like the "Cinderella" team of the 4th grade volleyball tournament ; ).  We only had six girls at this game, so no substitutions.  It was pretty awesome!  Now we play again tomorrow. 

Logan about to score a goal...

Lilli and Logan...

Our team after the big win...

 

Carsyn and Maren congratulating Logan...

LAX Logan...

Logan had her first real lacrosse game yesterday...with her jersey so I wouldn't lose her ; )  She did pretty well--even scored a goal!  Not bad for her first game.  And, her team won! 

Go Logan!

Logan's First Lacrosse Game...

Well, technically it was only a scrimmage, but close enough.  Actually there is an extremely funny story that goes along with the first game...So, Kirstin and I were running late as usual, and couldn't find the lacrosse field down in Cincinnati.  When we finally get there we thought we still had a few minutes before the game started.  So, when a lady (who we thought was our team mom) offered to take the girls over to the bench because the game had already started--we thanked her and sent them off.  After returning from the bathroom and sitting in the stands for about ten minutes, we were like, "Where are our girls???"  We sat there looking on the field and the bench for them, when finally we spotted them.  They were playing for the other team!  It was a hilarious mixture of panic, embarrassment, and relief!  We're such good moms ; ).  By the second half their coach realized they were on the wrong team and corrected it.  In our defense, it was only a scrimmage and the girls didn't have their jerseys yet.  Logan and Lilli had fun and we (our real team) won!

Logan and Lilli...