Duped

Kenzie and Devan spent the morning playing on their phones. I decided it was time to get a little exercise so I asked them to go for a walk. We walked to the high school and then decided to walk toward Poo Poo Point. In the ultimate misguided set of compounding "we're almost there's" we made it across the mountain, to the top, and down to Poo Poo Point. 5:20 later we came back down. Devan may never return, but we hiked around 8+ miles and are exhausted but triumphant!!

Crazy cousins

The fishermen

I hear that fishing was good again today. Once again the boat had eight and Mason caught three of those.

Mason has been FaceTiming us and we have been able to watch his fishing vocabulary grow considerably. The fish stories are long and plentiful. He tells me about the drag in the line, hooking fish on their bellies, the long yards that are run with a good fight, and the disappointment in hours of inactivity followed by the thrill of one bite. I believe the men in my family knew exactly what they were doing in this trip: turning Mason into a fisherman. Hook set. 

Baller

Sun loving

Special fish

Serious Soccer

Kenzie is doing great at soccer this year. She is playing the entire game and running to the point of exhaustion. She has become a very tough defender and has become much more serious about the game this year. 

Day 2: no shower

I asked Mason if he had showered today. He said no, but he caught four fish! He sounds like he is having an incredible time. He does not want to come home, nor shower.

First day of fishing adventure

The Averill guys had a successful first day in Ketchikan. After flying in, they took the boat out. The boat caring six people caught six fish. Mason caught three of those. 

Grampy sent me these pictures. 

The lodge has a family of deer that they have been feeding for over 20 years. 

And, I guess technically there was one additional fish.

Off to Alaska!

Mason is off to Alaska for a week of fishing with the Averill guys--Grampy, Uncle Mike and Donald. He's a little nervous about it, but I think he will be fine once he gets on the plane. Me...he's done for a whole week?!? :(

Intensity

As the boys get older together, the intensity of the games seems to be increasing. Mason loves it and is that in the middle of the pushing. He got one PK called on him today, which he may not have deserved, but likely earned it several other times. We were noticing that he is somehow now the biggest kid on his team. 

The important things

Curriculum

Parent-teacher night for the boys tonight. Masons teacher glowed about the great group of fourth graders she has this year. We genuinely believed she loves them all.    As is typical in most curriculum nights, the teacher was busy talking about her style and approach, and we didn't get a chance to talk to her about Mason.

We then walked into Ermias' classroom. His teacher recognized us and began talking about him. She said that he is THE most popular kid in the class. She said that after recess all the kids come back with stories about Ermias. She went on and on about how personable he is, how he comes to the front of the class and dances during each song, and about his one dimple. It was apparent that he is no longer special because he comes from a different place, he is just a kid like every other who is special in his own way. She loves this kid. 

We asked if he had gotten over hugging and kissing inappropriately. She said no, not really. However he has stopped licking. It's just kissing and hugging.  But then she followed it up saying "but that is one of the things that most of the kids like about him. He puts his arms around them and they all love him."

He is a charmer.

Brothers

I snuck this picture after the boys went into their room to read together, as they do almost every night. 

I think Mason has realized that Ermi isn't going anywhere, and that he got trumped as the youngest, so we are now noticing some normal brother jealousy that wasn't there a couple of months ago. It's nice to have these pictures to look back on when we need them. 

Big Ten

Mason said that today's birthday party was "THE best birthday party EVER."

His entire soccer team plus four other guys, Ermias and two twelve year old girls (Kenzie and Kilye). 

They started off with soccer, of course, and then the laser tag guy showed up with 20 guns. 

It should be noted that in our family rules--which are proudly displayed on our wall--say "NO GUNS!" Evidently we took a break from that rule today. 

First day of school blues

http://youtu.be/mZH9pi2HKKE

Good friends speak the truth

The 9-9s

Our September 9a turned another year today. Mason hit double digits! And we again hit Red Robin to celebrate. What can I say? It's easy, they sing, and he loves it. 

Wheel selfies

From the Seattle Wheel. 

Soccer x 3

All three kids are officially in soccer now. 

Ermi was a little overwhelmed at the chaos that comes from ten kids on the pitch and a screaming coach. He made it through but was more than a little dazed. 

The coach was late so Felix and Mason started the drills. 

Kenzie now plays on the big field with 11x11. She did great! She played hard and moved from defense to mid to forward all in the first game. 

And, Masons team started up games again. They won 4-2. Mason scored two goals. 

Just to give us an even number we went to David and Daniels game.