Fall Soccer

Cole and Kieran played soccer through BACH this fall (mid-August through early October). Cole had not played for a couple years. He really enjoyed playing again. This was Kieran's first season, and he had a lot of fun. Both boys played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, usually just a few fields away from each other. 

Before their first practice

Kieran, the soccer star--He was #1. He loved running around the field with his teammates. He stayed with the pack and got in some good kicks. He didn't score any goals, but he stopped several as goalie.

Cole, the soccer star--He was #2. He played his heart out and enjoyed playing all positions. He scored a few goals and blocked some too. 

Trophy time!

Kieran was thrilled to receive his very first trophy.

Cole's team celebrated their season with a pizza party.

Back to School

Caden and Cole started back to school on August 20th, which is a week later than normal. It was nice to have that extra week of summer break. I was not quite ready to get back to the school routine. The boys were happy to be back with their friends.

Big year for Caden! This year, he moved to a different school building (Glenwood Intermediate School), since he is in fifth grade. GIS houses fifth and sixth graders from all three elementary schools, so it is quite large. Fifth and sixth grades are in separate wings and do not mix at all. Fifth grade functions a lot like elementary school. The biggest changes are starting earlier (7:50 so bus arrives at 7:18), having a locker, and being able to participate in band. Most fifth graders do not switch classes, but Caden switches for science and honors math. I fully admit that I was not ready for this change, but Caden was excited and not that nervous.

Got up and ready without a problem

Cole was up too, so I was able to get a brothers picture.

Cole is in second grade with Mrs. Rembusch at Glenwood Elementary School. He was excited and ready for another school year. 

Ready to start his day

The elementary cul-de-sac crew at the bus stop...Stella (1st), Greta (3rd), Cole (2nd), & Sophia (4th)

 
Kieran had to wait a couple weeks to start his second year of preschool at Cherry Hills. He started after Labor Day. He attends the three-morning preschool program with Mrs. Nelsen. 

Happy to be back at school!

Illinois State Fair

We made two visits to the Illinois State Fair in August. The weather was perfect for our first trip, which was on a weekday. We arrived early, before the rides opened.

Our first stop was the butter cow exhibit.

Next, we walked down to the dairy barns, and all of the boys milked a cow for the first time. 

Cole was the brave one and went first.

Kieran

Caden

Kieran with the tolerant cow

For lunch, we had Vose's corn dogs and lemon shake-ups, of course. 

The boys were thrilled when the rides "finally" opened. 

The dragon coaster is one of Kieran's favorites.

Kieran, Curt, & Caden going down the smaller of the slides

I am so glad that Curt has someone to ride these rides with him.

Kieran & Cole on the little race cars

This is always a favorite ride for the boys.

Cole, Curt, & Caden on the new hang glider ride

Kieran

Caden & Cole on the Avalanche--another favorite

Kieran

Caden & Cole on the bumper cars

Curt & Kieran on the Tilt-A-Whirl...I used to love this ride, but I can't ride it anymore.

Kieran

On the second visit to the fair, we took Nana, Papa, and Great Grandma Pat while Curt slept off an overnight shift. Our visit started off with some rain, but thankfully it cleared off.  We spent some time in Conservation World during this visit.

Caden trying out archery

Cole giving archery a try

Back on a favorite ride

Caden met up with his friend, Connor and rode a few rides with him. Cole joined them on the Scrambler.

The boys got good use out of their mega passes for the rides, and we all enjoyed our share of fair food.

Our Visit to Lincoln's New Salem

In the middle of August, a few days before school started, we met friends at Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site. The site is a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood in the 1830's. It is about 20 miles northwest of Springfield. We have friends who volunteer at the site throughout the summer, so we paid them a visit. The boys and I had never been, and I thought we were long overdue for a tour.

Learning about the Cooper Shop, the only original building left

Our tour guides

Olivia, Ethan, Cole, Caden, & Kieran

Cole getting the hang of the game, Graces

Kara helped Caden walk on the stilts.

Kieran and Kara rolling a hoop with sticks

Olivia & Caden in a game of Graces--The boys enjoyed this game so much that we came home with a set. 

Kara, Dominic, & Michael (in costume) taught us all about children's entertainment from the 1830's

Thankfully, the day was unseasonably mild for August. We explored all of the buildings in Lincoln's New Salem, ate a picnic lunch, played Graces while a few deer watched, and enjoyed sweet treats from the cafe. We really enjoyed our visit and will make a point to visit again.