Hat Day

Today is hat day at Briarwood. Hayden made a last minute switch from the Hilltoppers to the the Titans. The first month of school has gone well for A&H. For the past couple of weeks they have been in Heather's class for math so she has been able to check out how they are doing. Early returns seem to be favorable. Classes start at WKU on Monday. I wish I was ready. Dance is in full swing for Annee and Hayden has wrapped up the first week of football. The football jamboree (scrimmage and pictures) is set for September 12 and the first game of the season is the 19th. We hope to catch at least one last Hot Rods game this weekend and perhaps get a bit of swimming in too. Just over a month until Disney!

Week 2 & Titans Game

Annee and Heather made it through the second week of school, while Hayden made it through most of it. Hayden had strep throat so we spent Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday together. Annee started dance (Jazz) on Wednesday. Heather and I were greeters at church yesterday and even did it in the right location this time - last time we greeted folks at the wrong doors. Saturday night Hayden and I headed down to Nashville for the Titans - Buccaneers football game. The girls went shopping, ate dinner out, and watched a movie. We also were able to get a bit of swimming in as well. The pool closes on Labor Day so there are just a couple of weekends left.

One Week Down

Annee, Hayden, and Heather made it through their first week of school. I have also almost made it through my second summer class - just one week left. Annee starts dance on Wednesday. She is going to try Jazz this year after doing tap last year. We signed Hayden up for football on Saturday. He seems especially fond of his shoulder pads and thinks that he should wear them around the house. Got some swimming in and went to the Hot Rods game yesterday and went to a birthday party this afternoon where A&H got to do some faux ice skating. Their bottoms are a bit sore from a couple falls but overall they did a pretty good job. Below are pictures from Friday morning. Fridays are usually Briarwood shirt day and this years version is a lovely brown!

Back to School

Today was back to school for most of the Lasley family. Of course, I have been hard at work most of the summer teaching summer classes. Below are some pictures of the first day! Heather has a new class and new teaching partners. She is replacing Mrs. Peterie who retired and is teaching 2nd grade again so she will be on the same team with Annee and Hayden's teachers. Hayden has a new teacher this year - Ms. Berry. Ms. Berry also has the distinction of being a former student of mine in PS 110: American National Government. Hayden also has a slightly different look for school this fall. Things are pretty much the same for Annee with the exception of a couple of new classmates.

He looks even smarter now.

Annee with Savannah before the start of school.

Mrs. Lasley's bulletin board outside her classroom. Guess what loving husband helped with it!

All dressed up and ready to go.

Everyone is ready for second grade!

Annee with Mrs. Wiles.

Hayden with Ms. Berry.

Thunder Wrap Up Season

The Southern Kentucky Thunder 6 and under team played in two tournaments in July. The first was the National Invitational Tournament in Bowling Green and included teams from Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The Thunder finished third with both losses coming to the Oklahoma Force. The tournament was quite an experience - especially opening ceremonies on Friday night. Below are a couple of pictures that give some idea of the atmosphere. The Thunder also played in an 8 and under tournament in Cookeville (TN). There is definitely a step up in class between 6 and under versus 8 and under teams. The trip was a good time for both Annee and Hayden despite the lack of on-field success.

The Thunder before boarding the mini-bus for the ride to opening ceremonies.

At least two teams arrived in stretch limos.

Here come the Thunder.

Another team picture - this time after getting off the bus at opening ceremonies.

Hanging out before opening ceremonies.

The Indianapolis 8 and under team.

The crowd eagerly awaiting opening ceremonies.

All good teams need a cart to transport bat bags from field to field.

Another team photo in the Vegas Gold uniforms.

The award ceremony where the girls received their 3rd place trophies.

All Set and Ready for School

We are almost caught up with the summer blogs and ready for the start of school. When I get a chance I'll post pictures from the the National Invitational Softball Tournament that Annee and the Thunder played in. We held our yard sale and finished our back to school shopping this weekend. Heather has to be at school Monday, while Annee and Hayden start on Tuesday. I am still teaching a summer course and don't start the Fall semester until August 31st. Annee has the same teacher (Mrs. Wiles) as last year but Hayden's (Ms. Berry) is new. Although Briarwood loops for 1st and 2nd grade, Heather is teaching second grade again this year. She moved teams and will be on the same team as A&H's teachers. We'll get first day of school pictures posted on Tuesday! In other family news, Annee and Hayden start Sunday school this week and we have made our reservations for Disneyworld!

Heidi's Crew in Bowling Green

The Beguin/Peters crew made their long awaited visit to Bowling Green the weekend after we returned from our trip North. Annee and Hayden had a fine time with their cousins Kylie, Caleb, and Trace. It was the first trip to the Commonwealth for most of the crew, Heidi had been here several years ago. Below are some pictures from the weekend. Their visit coincided with Annee's National Invitational softball tournament so it was a bit hectic. We spent most of Friday at Beech Bend (a local amusement park) with Annee's softball team. It wasn't very busy so there was time for plenty of rides. We were able to ride the Sea Dragon which used to be at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. Just being able to see the Sea Dragon helped bring closure for everyone after Michael's untimely death.

Puppy trying to catch the shrimp that the chef flipped to him. He missed - you can see the shrimp on the way down near his hand.

The boys are memorized by the action.

The crew at Shogun. To the best of my knowledge they don't have a Japanese steakhouse in Rushville, Nebraska.

While waiting for our table at Shogun we were able to watch the start of the Corvette parade furing the National Corvette Homecoming.

Annee with some of her teammates at Beech Bend.

Even older folks are able to enjoy the Kentucky Rumbler roller coaster (the 19th ranked wooden roller coaster at CoasterFanatics.com)

Annee and the boys on the water ride.

At least 2 out of the 3 riders look happy to be on the Wild Mouse.

Hayden and Caleb showing their moves.