Real Life

Aaron and I have been home from San Diego for almost a month now, and I can barely keep up with all the happenings around here--let alone write about them! Our days start early and end late, and I feel like I am doing all I can to maintain the household, get everyone fed, and drive them where they need to be when they need to be there. That pretty much sums up my entire existence right now.

Nobody can prepare you for what it's like to have a high school student. I guess it's like all stages of parenting--you just have to do it, and while you're in the thick of it you think to yourself, "So THIS is what people were trying to tell me!" It is busy, it is expensive, it is all-consuming...but those words don't even come close to describing what it's like to live it out! It's also a lot of fun--really, it is! Braylen makes me laugh like no one else can, and I love the relationship I have with him. When I drop him off at his events I remind him to enjoy these times he's worked so hard for--like marching band and football games--and by voicing it out loud I'm reminding myself, too. Enjoy these days, Sarah, because all too soon they will be gone.

A few highlights from September...

Braylen is the one carrying the bass drum on the right side of picture.
This pic was taken at the first varsity home game!

A freshman home game, #24 on the left of the picture, playing I-back position.

An away game, lining up to play safety on defense.

Braylen's cheering squad at an away game--yes, my mom and dad are here!
Derek's dad came to this game as well. :)

Meet Yoda, Kaleb and Aaron's new bird!

They brought him home on September 24th. Just about 2 years to the day since losing Pluto.
Yoda is very young, and is taking a while to find his voice.

Grampy & Grammy at Kaleb's soccer game

Go Kaleb!!!

Another varsity home game.
Braylen is playing the bass drum on the left. We sure do enjoy these varsity football games!

All 4 grandparents came to watch their oldest grandson march. How fun!

Watching Aaron's flag football game

Aaron is in the center of the picture, doing his best to block.

Aaron was really good at pointing out who should cover who.

I am so glad Aaron was on the same team as his best buddy!

That is just a small sample of what's been keeping me busy. Maybe I can write about more of our September in another post. For now, I'll end with a funny story about Aaron and share a few pictures of fun we've had at home this month. Since we're not home much, I only have a few!

On September 11th I drove Aaron to school and figured I needed to remind him of the day's significance. Here's our conversation:

Me: You know what today is, don't you Aaron?
Aaron: Uh...Groundhog Day?
Me: Um, no. Try again.
Aaron: Oh! The 200 year anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner!
Me: No!
Aaron: I have no idea!
Me: 9-11, the terrorist attacks...
Aaron: Oh, yeah!

I will keep trying to teach my kids to remember 9-11. I think it matters. Oh--and one more important event happened this month. Derek's sister had her baby on 9-13! Baby Michael brings our count to 3 nieces and 3 nephews. Sweet!

Braylen decided to tie Kaleb to the tree...

And then Aaron wanted in on the fun!
Our neighbor was out in his yard and probably thinks we're crazy. :) We are!

Our nieces came over and played Twister. I wish I had a picture of their faces. Oh well!