We're Thankful For Hockey

Papa and Nana came to visit from Cadillac this weekend for an early Thanksgiving. Tomorrow we'll be up to our eyeballs in turkey and stuffing. Tonight, though, we're thankful for hockey and the chance to be together. The game sucked, as the Lakers blew a two goal lead to lose in overtime. The kids and I still had fun, though, and Papa keeps spoiling them rotten.

We'll be heading down to Cadillac next weekend to visit more family down that way. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday. We'll be back at a game soon, I hope.

Trevor Gets Blue Ribbon in Cub Scouts

Trevor got a blue ribbon for his 'Genius Kit' entry last night at the Cub Scouts pack meeting. The kit contains basically garbage, paper, and 'odds & ends' that the kids have to create something out of. Trevor picked the 'space' theme, and we made an alien and his ufo landing in the woods. Everyone in the family pitched in and helped with this (except Brian, who does more 'destruction' than 'construction'). Cub Scouts is new to us, so we're just getting into the type of activities we'll be doing. I can't wait until the car derby race thing when we make our own little car. I might get a tad competitive on that one. That month Trevor won 3rd place for his 'space cake' that Lisa helped him make. He doesn't really care where he places, he just has fun with whatever he's doing and is happy to get something. He's a great kid, and I think Cub Scout will bring out a lot of his positive attributes.

Lily Earns Stripe In Kuk Sool Won

Lily passed her testing in her Kuk Sool Won class to earn a yellow stripe on her belt.

This is just a small step for her, as I anticipate we'll have many more memories like this in the future. It was really a nice ceremony as they honored all in the class that moved up. Afterwards they provided a pizza party which Trevor and I really enjoyed.

Lisa and I are so proud of all of the hard work Lily has put into this. This is good for her self-esteem as she continues to impress. Most importantly, though, is that she is having a lot of fun. Her master is very nice and patient with all of the kids in the class. Expect many more pictures of Lily in the future.

Vetrans Honored at Hockey Game

This is not the way you want to see a local 23 yr-old soldier come home. Specialist Brandon Steffey was killed over in Afghanistan by an enemy IUD. He was honored at the Soo Eagles game on Saturday. Also in attendance was the National Guard unit that will be departing for Iraq in a week or so. It was a sad way to spend the weekend, but makes me thankful for all that I have and that I have the opportunity to spend this time with my kids while our armed forces make these sacrifices.

As far as the game goes, we did have a good time. The Eagles got spanked 5-2, but Trevor got a game puck so all was good (it actually hit him in the leg). They also got to play with their friend Sydney again, which is becoming a good habit for them.

Pictured is the National Guard, the banner honoring Steffey, and the kids with the game puck. The Lakers are in town the weekend of the 20th, so we'll try to make that game.

Sunday Afternoon At the Rink

It was a nice Sunday afternoon, so the kids and I headed to Pullar Stadium for the Soo Eagles game. The kids can sill ride their bikes (no snow..yet). We had a lot of fun as usual, and the kids got to play with their friend Sydney who we always run into at either the Eagle or Laker games.

At home the kids were playing around in their Halloween costumes and, being Dad, told them to put them away before they ruined them. They were good and did as they were told. They put on hockey jerseys for the game. We got there only to find out that kids could get on the ice during the first intermission if they had costumes on. Way to go, Dad. They were pretty easy on me, though. Wish I would have known that ahead of time.

Good hockey game as the Eagles beat Blind River 5-4 in a shoot-out. Halloween next weekend, so I don't think we'll make it to any games. More soon, though.

Great Time At Lake State Weekend

It's Great Lake State Weekend up here in the Soo, and, well, that really doesn't mean a whole lot because we live here. Papa and Nana came to visit yesterday, though, and after a fun day with them we capped it off with Laker Hockey. It was a good game as the Lakers won 5-4. All the horn blowing gave Lily a headache, though, so maybe I'll bring her some ear plugs next time. Trevor had fun, too, and they both got ice cream after the first period.
Papa and Nana spoiled the kids and bought them new coats and boots. Even Brian will be out in the snow this year. He was pretty fussy at dinner, but Momma took good care of him. More hockey for the amigos in a couple of weeks. Hopefully we'll get our camera working by then.

My Karate Kid

Lily has joined Kuk Sool Wan and is doing very well. Trevor tried it for a week, too, but decided to go with Cub Scouts instead. Lily is getting a lot of praise from her Master and seems to be grasping the concepts well. She's already learned a lot of moves, and can count in Korean. It will be fun to see where she goes with this and how far she can advance.

She has this twice a week, so lots of time for practice. Trevor and Brian usually accompany me when Lily is kicking around the gym.