March down Memory Lane

 Zachary made the varsity high school soccer team at FLA and they went up to Union to participate in a soccer tournament.  Because Kaleb is part of Uno Voce choir and they were intensely practicing for their play "Oklahoma" and Addison had her Adventurer campout the very same week - the Z parents split up, with Karis going to Union and Amy staying down here.

The trip started bright and early on Wednesday morning, with Zachary having to be there by 5A to the school to go as a group to the airport.  They had to be "in travel  uniform" so he had on his dress shirt, tie, vest, khaki pants and dress shoes.  So handsome

He and his friend Matt sat on the plane together (Southwest) and Karis flew up later that day after work.

The team played well and came in 3rd.  Zach was hoping that they could have won the whole thing, but they lost one game 1-0 so even though they won the other 3 they could only play for the 3rd place -- congratulations team!

It was a bit of a walk down memory lane, as Amy's grandma lived at Union for many years - so Karis and Zachary were able to go and see her house and take pictures.  In addition, Karis' college friend Jeff lived only a few hours away, so he drove up on Sabbath to visit for a while - thanks so much for taking the time Jeff!

Looks just the same!

Just like old times! 😀

The tournament ended on a poor note with only 45 seconds left, Matt was tripped and then kicked in the head suffering a concussion.  The next morning he was still having light sensitivity, vertigo, and a terrible headache so the team leaders agonized over what to do before deciding that it was better to be safe than sorry, and they took him to the ED before allowing him to fly.  As Karis knows the family well, we decided it was best for Karis to stay with Matt so that he'd have someone to advocate for him.  The ER gave him clearance to fly, and they raced to the airport to catch the last flight out ---- which was delayed (of course!), so they ended up being overnight in St. Louis before coming home on Monday. Poor Matt is still slowly recovering from the concussion, so add poor Matt to your prayers tonight!

Zachary went over to Matt's to hang out a bit later that week - poor Matt is still suffering from major headaches

Back on the home front, we headed out on Sabbath to Kulaqua for the Adventurer campout.  It was great fun, and Addison was disappointed that we didn't stay overnight but we had to leave that same day to head back to Orlando as Kaleb had to be up bright and early for Uno Voce the next day at 9A.  

A very colorful gecko!

Make her crafts, and maybe eating some candy corn at the same time!

Addison Devin and  Uncle William heading out on the cool water for a canoe ride!

Bravely going canoeing with just themselves - and they got back without an issue!

The evening finale is always s'mores and a hayride!

Kaleb very much enjoys Pathfinders and has been doing the advanced honors with Kieran (thanks to multi-talented Auntie Heather!) - so they made good use of their time at Kulaqua working on another advanced honor with her.

After doing crafts, they headed out on a nature scavenger hunt

Addison, Elin, Lathan and Devin

She had the chance to see lots of friends - and of course Elin is always one of her closest, along with Devin

And some other great friends like Alison and Lele!

It was so fun to be back at Kulaqua - yet another memory lane moment as we haven't been since Covid started - and we do love that camp!

Fall Break Fun

 This was a unique year in that we had a Fall Break from school - the kids had Thursday, Friday and Monday off!  It was great (would have been even better if the parents had it off and we could have gone somewhere, but alas Amy had work conference that same week) -- so we stuck around.  It worked out, as Karis and Zachary headed up to Union that Wednesday, so being out of town until Monday and then flying out on Wednesday would have been tough.

The kids slept over at Grandma's one day and then they just hung out at our house on the other.  That weekend, we went out to the beach which was fun for one afternoon -- we ended up running into other friends while we were there, so that make it unexpectedly more fun!

Isidros, Johnsons, the S family, Wrights - it was a lovely sunset too so we managed to catch this picture.

 No beach outing is complete without Spikeball, so there were lots of groups - adults and kids alike playing!

And while Spikeball was happening, there was also lots of just playing in the waves and digging in the sand.

Our cousin's came out to the beach too for a bit, so we just love seeing this little one - precious as can be!

Even 3-year old Sadie boogie boards!

Lots of rough-housing as well - what fun out in the fresh air!

While the kids were at home, they of course need to figure out how to entertain themselves, so they made a fort in the living room one day

The meeting that Amy had to attend was President's Council for work, and they also do nice activities for us -- so one of the activities was how to make delicious mini cheesecakes and to decorate them.....and of course devour them at the end! :)

Right before we devoured them!

Random picture:

Soccer pals -- Luke, Aiden and Zachary

Leading from the Front

Addison has had a couple opportunities to lead from the front in October - we are excited to see her willingness to be upfront - hoping that it allows her to get her "nerves" out while she's young!

First up, she participated in Adventurer Sabbath and did the call to offering upfront.  She spoke very clearly (although she did read it), and had a perky sound to her voice that folks in the audience gave a chuckle to as she did her part.  Good for you Addison!  There was a bit of a scramble as we had been told that she would come after children's story - but the man in charge of all logistics (sitting on the edge of stage playing to trumpet as part of the band) waved us up urgently, so she scrambled up the stairs and didn't seem too flustered!  Whew!

Next up, we had the opportunity for third grade to be upfront at the Friday chapel for school!  They did several songs and had a poem that they performed - Grandma and Grandpa were also able to come, so it was a family affair! 

She is in the pink at the end of the line -- Z often is the last of the line! 😊

There have been some other fun events that we thought we'd share below:

Every year there is a church Pumpkin Fest - everyone brings a dish that has either squash or pumpkin in it, and then there are crazy mixer games that we are fun to meet other people at. event out of his house years ago)

The whole group

Playing some of the games

The big deal in Canada for October is Canadian Thanksgiving!  Yummy!  Grandma had a lovely dinner last minute that Sunday - we were happy to jump in on the meal, it was fun to spend time together and of course eat way too much food!

And one evening, we went out to a play at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater with the Js and Cs, and then a quick bite to eat afterwards.  The play was about all the beautiful things about life - always good to keep in mind that one's perspective really can have huge impacts on your outlook and joy.

Kaleb had fun going to an escape room with Sam for his birthday - happy Birthday Sam!

And Addison and London had fun playing on Sunday painting ceramic figures -- thanks to Costco - it gave them some good entertainment for a while which was a win!

On the other side of the ledger, Karis and Zachary worked hard, along with the Bergherms and Lyle, one Sunday on the Bergherm fence.  They were able to get it done, and if this picture is any indication Zachary learned how to use some manly tools!  Yahoo!

Girls Soccer & Surf Safari

FLEC has started a great program for soccer for as many grades as possible, and there were enough girls to put together a team this year!  Addison is delighted to be able to play, and it is fun to get to know the other parents for this age group.

Not all of the team was there but this was part of them at least!

Shelby, Addison and Jeniyah

Addison had a great first game - getting 4 goals plus 1 assist - she was super excited and ran hard the whole game.  Congratulations!

Our church's Youth Council puts on a Surf Safari each year (courtesy of the Youth pastor who loves to surf! :) - out at Cocoa Beach.  Karis took Zachary and a few friends out and they had a great time -- the weather was a little overcast which kept things cooler which was nice.  Zachary didn't actually surf, but he had fun playing Spikeball, soccer and hanging out with the group.  Amy brought the other two kids out just for Sabbath, and Addison decided to try her hand at surfing - which she is so light that she was able to get up on the board and do it!  Good for you girl!

Going out with Joey

Trying out her sea legs

The bigger kids also enjoyed playing volleyball for a while!

We are so blessed to be part of a church that is investing in their young people - so many great activities for them to engage in.