Fall Kicks In

We are falling into the new season!

 

Gammie loves to be here for Halloween and we are so glad to have her

We enjoyed our school Chili Cook-Off

I worked hard to make my own banner and ran an intense gaga pit to raise money for field day

I also put together my first raffle basket - PE Teacher for a Day

Alexander and I enjoyed a fall field trip to Farm Fest

Learning how to milk a cow

My beautiful big one

His self-made lunch received a chef's kiss

After an unfortunate last minute change, Jan gifted Aly and me with tickets to The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere

We had the best time!

I caught a floating leaf, and we were able to catch an apple from a row that threw extras after snagging multiple

Jan led the Parkies in some yummy and adorable fall treats

Our big one got shoved to the ground during a soccer tournament. He hit the ground so hard, he could barely sit the next day. No foul was called, so he played through, but came off the field in tears when it all ended. This was so unlike him!

When it still hurt the next morning, we took him in.

Thankfully, there were no signs of a fracture, but he suffered a level 1 growth plate injury.

The doctor recommended a cast to ensure proper healing and subsequent growth.

He let brother give the first signature!

Chris and Steve flew in for a long weekend visit

Their visit was perfect timing!

Jan sat for hours having my car diagnosed and a recall taken care of to find out why it kept revving at random times.

Chris jumped at the chance to get under the hood and take care of the issue, even in the rare Las Vegas rain shower.

We welcomed our newest Parkie member!

Welcome to the neighborhood, Larke!

Our annual tradition of Golden Corral and Spirit Halloween did not disappoint

Both boys made sure to eat their greens, and Alexander made sure to cover all food groups through his many trips to the buffet

We have recently focused on increasing protein in the boys' diet, specifically high-protein breakfasts. We have seen them both grow, and have more even temperaments after only a few weeks!

So regal!

We are so grateful Jan comes through to keep our Corral and Costume tradition alive

Both boys recently upgraded to green/white belts under Master Tony

Their skills in Taekwondo have markedly improved!

Soccer juggling

Alexander's coaches have started giving them weekend challenges. The first, to run four miles, was an easy box to check, as we run every weekend. The second, 15 juggles without a miss, was far more challenging. Alexander persevered and mastered the goal!

The U7 Warriors team remains undefeated

These three play together every day at our school's soccer academy and it shows when they meet opponents on Saturdays

Our Fun Run was a beautiful day

My two boys ran their hearts out, with many teachers and parents catching me to express how strong these boys are

Energy burn is vital for our mental health, and we love to run together!

We are looking forward to Halloween festivities

We have plans for pumpkin carving, trunk-and-trick-or-treating, parties, and sleepovers!

Super Seven!!!

 

Our littlest has already been seven for a month?!

Time really does fly

We had a blast celebrating his birthday with two of his besties, Gatlyn and Jack, along with Alexander and Aiden, at Top Golf

The boys all had a blast

Closer to his actual birthday, we did a park party with cake and friends

He loved opening Pokemon, Legos, and all sorts of fun things from his Parkie friends

I am grateful every single day for this neighborhood!

Milestones

Our big Nikolai is kind, large, and loud

He loves soccer and recently joined a team with Coach Tommy from school and two classmates

The team is unstoppable! Their size, their skill, and their camaraderie make them unmatched in their U7 league.

His brother is his best friend. They fight, they pester each other, and they choose each other over all others.

He is an early riser, a bit of a picky eater, and a total snuggle bug

He loves a good salad, chicken pot pie, and breakfast for dinner

He is reading big chapter books, can do mental math in an instant, and is becoming very self-aware athletically

He has been inducted into the island crew - those of us who have had our desks moved to the edge of the room by our lonesome as a last ditch effort by teachers to lessen the motor-mouth (Big brother and I are members, as are both Gammie and Papa)

Funny story - his teacher randomly passed out scissors without checking names to see whose was who. One kid said, "Wow! I actually got my own scissors!" The teacher said, "What are the chances of that?!"

My child promptly responds, "One in fifteen!"

That's my boy!

His own island

Start to the School Year

Let's go first and fifth grades!

Both boys are interested in pursuing soccer for their futures

Active as ever, these two run from one activity to the next with energy to spare

Both are excelling academically, with teachers letting me know the main concern is to slow down enough to make sure silly mistakes aren't made - it hasn't yet been an issue of understanding.

I am starting my seventeenth year teaching and my fifth in PE

We had a rough start to the year. I tore my calf muscle on the third day of school, while skipping with kindergarten. It was such a loud *POP* I thought at first a light fixture had fallen from the high ceiling. Then, the pain hit, feeling like a steel toed boot to the calf. I was off my feet for a few days and strictly walking for two weeks. I feel nearly 100% now, but am making sure to stretch properly every day. The doctor said my active lifestyle directly attributed to the recovery, as I could have been looking at surgery or extensive physical therapy.

Just a couple weeks later, we lost our princess. She deserves a blog of tribute and I will write that soon.

Today was the day we adopted her fourteen years ago.

Love you always, Zoey Girl.

In our grief came joy. Craig and Daisy were able to fly out and visit us just days after we said goodbye to Zoey. It helped tremendously to be with family.

Daisy wanted a farm birthday, so we woke up and headed to The Farm

Robin and Samantha were able to join us

Daisy took in lots of time in the pool, and even ditched her floaties!

Daisy requested a doggy cake, and I think Alexander did a fabulous job

Fort building for movie night

The school year has marked the craziest activity schedule for our family yet

The boys do Soccer Academy and Run Club at school and after school, they participate in Taekwondo three days a week.

On top of that, Alexander also has club soccer practice three days a week and piano once a week. Nikolai will begin piano in October.

Jen and I sure miss Haley at Run Club, but we are having a blast with a record number of student runners, and Mrs. Polyak and Mrs. Panos joining us!

 

Froyo Fri-yay!

Gammie came to tell stories, and was able to see almost every class by doing movement stories in PE

She also kicked off Christmas giving by taking us to an out of this world show

Paranormal

I don't know how he does it, but this show was one of the craziest things I've ever experienced!

Mindreading, mind planting, mind boggling!

On Friday, nearly the entire school went on a field trip to the Children's Museum. Other than my first period, all of my classes were included. After wrapping up Middle School, and setting up for the coming week, I was able to meet Alexander on his field trip!

I love that these all-boy boys let the girls direct them in a theater production

He may not have been thrilled with the chosen attire, but he rolled with it

Back in his element and making slime!

Muscle man

The museum employee said she had never seen a structure withstand the earthquake simulation as successfully as Alexander's design

From field trips to sprinkles!

On Saturday, Aly and I hosted a baby sprinkle for Samantha

Our little group of Parkies is the most laid back, loving group I've ever been a part of. Nothing is complicated when we all get together. It is so joy-filled and wonderful!

My mom even changed her flight to be sure she could stay for the sprinkle

The school year promises to be busy.

I may have named this blog many years ago, but the title is still fitting.

Bring on the 

Milestones, Memories, and Mayhem

The Martin Crew is ready for it!