Neptune Festival (Forgot about it!)

While I was uploading pics I forgot to mention we hit the Neptune Festival last weekend.

Long, long ago I found a fake cake adorned with fresh fruit and cool whip that people instantly see and want a slice. So whenever possible I go back hoping to find another fake cake with a fall look. (yes I know-it is absolutely ridiculous of me, sort of Martha-ish if you will!) Well, no luck. Lots and lots of food stands and people hocking their crafts but no cakes. A couple of pies that were candles but not what I wanted.

Any hoo, I got everyone there under the pretense of seeing the amazing sand castles. The professionals had been there, gone and had already been judged. To see what these folks made from sand boggles my pee brain.

There were locals on the scene building the day we were there to be judged as amateurs. I could have stood for hours and watched as these people cut through the sand with every and any tool you could imagine, sprayed with water bottles and then blew with a straw to remove any grains that shouldn't have been there. The kids were fascinated and instantly dropped themselves into the sand and wanted to build the castle of their dreams. Even Kevin did a little ohhhing and awwwing. Check the pics if you want to see some of these amazing creations.

Been Boo'ed?

We've been boo'ed! What a fun tradition!
Don't know what I'm talking about? Check it out here:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/400784/boo_your_neighbors_with_a_boo_gram.html

You never know who may be leaving treats at your door!

Wedding Bells!

Congrats to Bryan and Jackie! Saturday they said "I do" with family and friends gathered to share their special day. The wedding was just outside of Pittsburgh in the backyard of Aunt Margie's and it was absolutely beautiful. Lots of friends from the HCS/HSC community gathered from Virginia, California and Louisiana. It was fabulous to have everyone together for a wonderful weekend of celebration. It was just like old times and I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and to meet new ones. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon and hope the wait won't be as long as it has been.

Kevin and I left on Friday and very much enjoyed having a weekend without the kids. It was a little strange but very nice. My dear parents took on the challenge of keeping the knuckleheads and they had lots of fun and kept busy. Thanks to everyone who made the weekend happen and for the hard work that made the wedding the beautiful day that it was. Check the photo page for more!

Go Tigers!

Tyler has now had 2 soccer games. We are playing AYSO which is a bit different than the base leagues. We didn't learn how different until the kids were on the field and they were missing one obvious player. The goalie.

In game 1, they were beaten badly. Both of my kids love to play goalie and instantly noticed the unoccupied net.

"Mom! Where is the goalie?" Tara wanted to know.

One of the parents told me politely that they didn't use them in this age group.

"Play goalie! Get in there Big Guy!! Go!" She kept yelling. Big Guy was trying to hang back as his coach tried to get him to move forward.

I tried to tell her that they don't use goalies in this age group. Other parents were giving her the look. She looked at me as if I were completely stupid.

"Why!?" she asked as the other team ran down the field and kicked yet another goal into a completely unprotected net.

She was still looking at me as if I had announced that ice cream would be banned forever. I gave up on the little speech I had formulated just seconds before about learning techniques at appropriate age levels. I threw up my hands and said "I don't know!"

She kept yelling and I didn't stop her.

Tyler was all over the field and in the action whenever possible. He and the rest of his team made a great effort but they had to admit defeat.

But of course, no one keeps score (wink! wink!)!

Game 2 was a win! The DH and I were out of town but the Grans took them. Big Guy once again gave it his all and even scored! I don't know about the yelling to assume the goalie position but I have no doubts that if Big Guy had the chance he danced around the net in an attempt to play that treasured position- even if it was on the sly.