Football Friday Nights

One of the best things about teaching for a local high school is the football games. I love the sense of community and camaraderie that arises from rooting for a common cause. Ok, I know it is only football, but it is fun. I love watching my students outside of the classrooms setting.



Ethan and Tyler love Walker Valley Football games. They ask every Friday night if we are going to the game. This past Friday was the big rival game between the two local teams. We went to Chick Fil A with our good friends Tina and Jason. Tyler always asks me if their son, Andrew is coming with us. Their daughter, Hannah, was with us as well; but Ethan was preoccupied playing football on the practice field with the older kids.

Tyler was glad to see his good friend, Haley. I can see trouble brewing here. My dear friend, Donna, was gracious enough to watch Tyler so he could sit next to Haley. Unfortunately, I think this will be the last football game we will make it to this year and the weather hasn't even turned cold yet.

Go Mustangs!

One of my favorite things about teaching for a local high school is going to the football games on Friday nights. Ethan loves to go. He hangs out with all the kids his age and plays football on the sidelines and watches the real game on the field. There are at least 10 kids his age whose parents are teachers at Walker Valley. They all go to the same elementary. They are a tight knit group. I know that over the years, they will become a terror to the teachers and administrators because they already think they rule the school.

Tyler met a new friend at the game Friday night. My good friend, Donna, brought her granddaughter to the game. Her name is Haley and she is adorable. She and Tyler were two peas in a pod. They shook their pom poms and shouted "Go Mustangs!" Tyler had to give her a hug at the end of the night. He can't wait til the next home game!

Labor Day in South Carolina



We have now been in school for a month, so it was nice to get a break. We headed over to South Carolina to visit Chris' family. We had a great weekend. Tyler was so excited to get the chance to ride papa's horses. He had to ride three different horses. The boys had a great time seeing their cousins. They played really well together. It was so nice to meet the boys new cousins, David, Cheyenne, and Dustin. Chris' sister, Kelly, and her husband adopted three beautiful children. They are so wonderful! They are such a blessing and a great addition to the Caldwell family. I look forward to the many years our children will have together.

Tyler and his cousin, Dallas, watching Spider Man together.

Tyler and his papa, Leonard, riding the big horse.

Tyler showing off his 'no hands' skills on the minature horse, Cupcake.

Ethan did great riding the horse on his own. He was not nervous at all and did a great job directing the horse.

Uncle Jamie took Ethan fishing. He caught the biggest fish!

Finally...

Ethan finally lost his first tooth. We were beginning to think that he would never lose a tooth. He was the last kid in his class, but it finally happened. He now has another loose tooth.

So long minivan...

We traded in our minivan this weekend. We just got a new (well, new to us) 2006 GMC Envoy. I love it! It still has a full 3rd row seat, but I feel a little cooler pulling into the high school with an suv than a minivan. (I thought I would have outgrown those insecurities :) The kids love the new flip down dvd player with wireless headsets. I'm happy we don't have to drive the minivan to Disney for fall break. The dealer said our transmission was ready to go on the van. I think we got out just in time. I also do not miss our Ohio van. It had rust starting to bubble up under the paint. We stood out like a sore thumb because cars down south do not rust. Crazy!

Happy 7th Birthday Ethan!

Chris keeps saying, "Can you believe we have a 7 year old?" It seems crazy. I do not feel old enough. We decided to have Ethan's party at the local YMCA Teen Center. It was awesome. They had a Wii, PlayStation, and several other video game systems. The boys played pool, ping pong, and basketball in the gym. We invited his regular season baseball team, his allstar team, and his cousins. I think everyone had a great time. Of course, the theme was baseball.

Fishing with Papa

I took the kids up to Ohio for a quick visit. We stayed in Muirfield with Aaron and Virginia for a couple days. I could get used to Muirfield! Thanks guys for letting us crash there. Ethan asked to go fishing with Papa. The boys had a great time. Ethan caught a snapping turtle. He was so excited. Tyler refused to touch the fish. We had a nice relaxing day at the cabin. Sometimes you have to do absolutely nothing. I loved it!

Dixie Youth Tournament



We went to the Dixie Youth State Tournament. Ethan's team played well, knocked out early in the series. They finished tenth in the state. Ethan played really well in the second game. The coach moved him to shortstop because the other team kept hitting it between second and third and Ethan was the only one who could stop the ball. He did really well for not having ever played shortstop before. He had four put outs. He caught two fly balls and had a double play. I was even more impressed with his attitude. When his team was eliminated from the tournament he said, "It's ok mom; I played my best." And he really did. It was a great season! We are taking a two week break and then we will start with a select, travelling team.

All the parents met in Cleveland and painted our windows. We had a police escort take us to Chattanooga for the opening ceremonies.

Chris' parents and grandmother came over from South Carolina to watch Ethan play. Unfortunately, Ethan's team did not do too well. We had a good time with them here.

We came home from the game tonight and celebrated Chris' birthday. He turned 34 today. Happy Birthday Chris! We love you!!!

District Champions

Ethan's Allstar team clinched the district championship tonight. He got the biggest trophey he has ever received. He played a great game. He had at least six putouts. He caught a pop fly. He hit a single and two doubles. We head to the state tournament on July 13th. Go American Allstars!

Family Time at the Ballfield

My parents came down from Ohio to visit us and watch Ethan play in his District Tournament. It was great to have my mom and dad here. My mom is staying the entire week due to shutdown at Honda. Ethan played great! His team won on Friday night and Saturday night. This guarentees his team a spot in the state tournament.