Category: Photography

Relaxing

MarkMark and Andrea have been working extra hard at the neighbors this week.  The neighbors left to help their son move cross country and the children are in charge of the animals while they are gone.

Three times a day they go to bottle feed the baby, Fin. His mother got really sick last week and did not get well.  Fin is stubborn and fights Mark when it is time to eat, but that independence is a needed trait for him right now.

After wresting with Fin today, Mark and I went into the loft to see if I could get some updated pictures of him.  It was a nice way to relax and a fun way to spend a little extra alone time with Mark.

Relaxing

“Best Friends”

IMG_3351.smWe have been “babysitting” Oma’s dog. Flopsy decided that she did not like Thor when she first met him at my parents’ house.  She would growl at him and try to scare him off.  That did not bother Thor.  Finally, Flopsy decided Thor was not worth anything and refused to acknowledge his presence.  She turned her back on him and refused to look at him.

Then she came to stay with us.  She tried growling at him and snapping when he came too near.  But Thor was persistent and kept going up to her.  Flopsy started walking in wide circles around Thor, but slept in corners where he could not fit and under the table when all the chairs where pushed in.

However, I have five children who insisted that these two learn to be friends and like each other.  They have worked at it all week, and now, while not exactly “best friends”, Flopsy has decided that Thor is not so bad…

Especially when treats are involved.

Last Soccer Games

IMG_3019_shareToday was our last soccer games for the season.  Adrian tried hard and attempted a few goals.  They won, 2:1.

IMG_3033_shareMegan’s team had a harder time focusing because it was getting warmer and the kids were complaining they were too hot.  Megan made a goal, and her team won 5:1.

IMG_3071_shareFor the last period, the coaches were invited to play with the team.  Mark and Audrey both enjoyed being able to play.

After the games, we had a picnic and then an “awards” ceremony.  We ended the season with the sprinklers IMG_3149_shareturned on and everyone enjoying them.

 

 

Last Game

Game
Andrea defending the goal. Even though both girls went down, Andrea was up first and got the ball away from the goal.

Andrea played her last game with Flames on Saturday.  She will try out for high school soccer in a few days!

She has played with the same set of the girls–with few changes–for the last few years.  Her team has improved a lot!  Instead of a bunch of individual players, they work as a team now. Andrea has improved in her ability also.  She is a much more confident player!

Her coach wrote a note expressing how hard the team worked this season. He told us that this year the U14 girls’ team won 18 times.  They had 10 shutouts in a row (which is 700 minutes of scoreless soccer 🙂 ).  They lost two times and tied twice.  The team scored 44 goals, but only had 5 goals get past them.

As we watched Andrea improve, we also had the privilege to see a diverse group of girls from different schools and backgrounds grow also as a team. I am praying that Andrea’s new team will provide her with some strong friends that encourage and push each other to become better soccer players and young ladies.

Hoosier Cupboard Candy

IMG_1973_shareWhile in Franklin, we went exploring for fun places to eat.  While we enjoyed our dinners, the candy and ice cream store was a favorite.  Hoosier Cupboard Candy and Snacks is full of candy that we enjoyed growing up.IMG_2105_share  It is located in the old train depot, so whenever a train comes through and the store is open, whoever is working encourages everyone to join them as they go out and wave at the train.

IMG_2107_shareThere is lots of candy to chose from.  We each tried a different truffle and enjoyed them all.  Then we also brought home some ginger drops and anise squares from the nickle candy bin.

IMG_1975_shareIf you are wanting ice cream though, I would recommend trying theirs.  Their scoops are huge, but very reasonably priced. They are open as long as people are coming in the store, so if you are driving by Franklin IN, and wanting ice cream, check to see if they are open.

Have you ever?

HatchingHave you ever watched a caterpillar eating its way out of its egg?  Audrey was examining this egg under a microscope when she noticed the caterpillar trying to get out.  We watched it from the time it looked like an air bubble in the egg until the caterpillar was completely out and looking for food.

This is an Eastern Black Swallowtail on a piece of dill.

Ashley Drake Inn

IMG_2117_shareWe were so excited to be able to stay at the Ashley Drake Inn again during Andrea’s tournament.  It has been a few years since being there, but Kim Smith treated us as old friends and we enjoyed time to catch up some.

We stayed in the Heritage Room which was plenty big for the three of us.  Kim still makes wonderful breakfasts and has a large selection of tea to chose from.

IMG_2079_shareAfter Andrea’s tournament, we had hoped to explore. However, it started to rain, hard, and we stayed inside most of the afternoon relaxing.  Just for fun, we experimented with my camera!

IMG_2111_shareThe Inn’s garden is just starting to bloom and I am sure it will be beautiful once all the flowers pop.  Kim sent us home with mint starters and some flowers for Audrey’s butterflies.  We are hoping that they all survived the trip!

 

Final Four

IMG_2018.Line upAndrea played in a “final four” tournament this weekend.  We knew it would be a very tough game, Allan had looked up stats before the tournament.

Part of team
Part of Team

The girls played hard.  Andrea did a few things she rarely has the opportunity to do.  On one play, she ran the whole field, supporting the striker who had no one else keeping up with her.  I am not sure what she did for the other play, but I heard the other moms start chattering about Andrea. They excitedly talked about it for a long time!

State cupUnfortunately, the tournament was a single elimination game and they lost by one point (0-1), due to a penalty shot. Both teams were so close in abilities, if they played again, they would probably win or tie. Since it was single elimination, it was not an accurate portrayal of who was the best of the four teams competing.

However, the girls played a great season and they made it to the finals.  I am proud of them.

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