Soccer, Biking and Hill Rolling

Well, we've finally settled into the routine that is Fall (school, soccer, piano, cub scouts, homework, seminary, etc..). Each day for me begins with a prayer and a deep breath, as we set out to do all we have to do. I find as busy as I am, I actually enjoy the routine that this time of year brings...Here is a sampling of what we've been up to...

We celebrated my 32nd birthday (sans cake thanks to the diabetes). I realized that I've spent 5 of my last 10 birthdays pregnant, and a 6th bringing a new baby home from the hospital. I think that's a pretty good accomplishment, and at the same time, feels like a good time to end the era. A decade of having babies seems to be enough!

Harry started his first year of soccer. He's the only one this year who wanted to play, and with everything else we've got going on, I decided not to push it. He had his first game last Saturday and really enjoyed it. It's fun to sit and watch him on the field, a huge grin almost always on his face. Here is an action shot of him kicking the ball.If we get homework and piano done before dinner, I've been taking the kids on a nightly bike ride while Joe does the dishes. I find this really helps with my blood sugar, and the kids love it. I borrowed a friend's bike trailer and tow around Charlie and John while the three older ride behind me. (Because, you know, I didn't think I was looking quite crazy enough in my neighborhood just being the lady pregnant with her sixth child....I think the pregnant lady riding the bike, towing two children and leading three others looks much more appropriately crazy :)) Invariably on these rides we end up at the local park, where I introduced the children to a favorite activity of my childhood - HILL ROLLING. This is great...I sit at the top of the hill and they lay on their backs with their arms crossed. I give them a gentle push and off they roll. By how much they enjoy this, you would have thought I took them to Disneyland....they roll to the bottom and then come running back for more. This is a total win/win situation for me, as I SIT at the top, and they ROLL and RUN all their energy out before bed. I wish I could have gotten my camera to focus better, but I think you can still appreciate the joy they seem to find in this activity!


That's about it for us....we hope you're all enjoying your Fall as much as we are ours!