soccer, parades & trips

October has been busy for us and we've been enjoying every minute of it. The kids started soccer and had their first game which I have no pictures of. Caden and Paxton are on the same team, The Green Hornets. They are off to a good start winning their first game 7-6. They both said they enjoyed it and each had ball contact in the game.

Paxton was also in her first parade. She was on the float for the Silver Spinners (baton) and the Jr. pep squad. I also have no pictures of that, but she loved that as well. This was the Octoberfest/Homecoming parade for Kearny. We enjoyed the festivities uptown too this year by playing a few of the games, checking out the booths and the car show.

A few days were spent cleaning, packing and getting ready for our trip to Missouri. This was to be our end of summer trip, but we moved it out to the kids fall break. We haven't got to come out in the fall as a family yet and were excited to be out here to enjoy the leaves and cool weather. Paxton and cousin Gracie have been planning for weeks to have their birthday party together. It also fell at the annual Carthage Maple Leaf celebration, when there are a load of activities going on. One of which is a bike ride ranging from 15 to 100 miles. Caden was entered in the 15 miler and Spencer and I in the 100. This was to be my training ride and first century prior to the Tour de Tucson next month. Plus Uncle Luke is leaving on his mission to Perth, Australia the first part of November and we needed to see him before he left.

The trip got off to a great start as we were loaded and ready to leave as planned when school got out. Spencer and I were not looking forward to the drive with four little ones, but it went well. We made great time compared to previous trips. When it was just the two of us, we could make it in 18 hours or so driving. Traveling with the kids it is usually 24 hours, maybe a little more.

This time we made it in 22 hours total, minus about 3 hrs for pit/rest stops. And Paxton made it all the way to Oklahoma City before throwing up! Only 3 hours before arrival, but she did it like a pro. Felt it coming, grabbed the bag without hesitation, and was able to keep it all in the bag. Caden also experienced, quickly rolled down his window and kept his head turned looking out as to not become the next one to vomit. A quick stop to chuck the vomit bag, swish some water and walk around a minute and it was off to Grandma & Grandpa's.

We arrived just as cousins were getting home from school, so the kids were thrilled. Aah, it is always a good feeling to get out of the truck. Stretch, relax, eat something other than travel snacks or fast food and spend time with family. Oh yeah, and SLEEP!