NAU alumni trip :)

Last weekend we headed up the hill to Flagstaff for our annual NAU volleyball alumni trip. I know that my eligibility has been up for some time but there is a group of about 5 from my era that have faithfully played every year :)...this year my era was down to 2 players :(...I was the oldest one on the court...Ruth and I stayed on the same team for all 5 games and never lost :)...It was definitely a more mellow since it was alumni playing alumni this year. We used to play the current NAU team but now it counts against their schedule (and we actually beat them before) :)...We played 5 games...hit the first half of the football game...hit the hotel happy hour...and then to the NAU/Weber State volleyball game to see Kelli play :) Ruth, Lisa, and I planned on hitting the town that night...didn't happen...we stayed in the hotel lobby with an ice chest having great conversations about old times there at NAU...Lots of fun!!!



Me*Lisa*Ruth



Craig was randomly selected to do a halftime promotion kick...he attempted to punt the ball into this bucket for $1000 bucks...his punt was literally a foot short of the bucket :(


Kelli in action....Carli and Codi had fun hanging out with the girls :)

Over due update!!!!!

It has been a few weeks since I have posted...the busy season has officially arrived :) The girls are officially swamped with homework and projects (which means I am swamped with "projects")...I refuse to complain...we/I chose this fun chaos :)



Carli has been practicing at 6am for school volleyball...they start games next Wednesday. I am anxious to see them play!!



Codi is only 6th grade so she has to wait one more year to try out for school ball..Nov. 14th won't come soon enough for her (club tryouts) :)



My girls' season and boys' club season are in full swing...the crock pot is the best invention ever :) (and Monday night Hungry Howie's 5.55 pizzas :)



Last weekend we left the girls with Craig's mom...Craig, Lance and his dad headed to Wrigley Field to watch the cubs/mets. Long story short...wanted to watch JJ throw too...but the big guy needs to rest that elbow!! It was nice that Craig got to spend some time with his dad and brother. They had a great time...(Craig promises to take me back there sometime) :)

While they were in Chicago...Carly, Kelsey, Elizabeth and I headed to Vegas...celebrating Kelsey's birthday. We had an awesome time...amazing hotel, yummy dinners, Jersey Boys Show, and playing a variety of games...mainly Pai Gow (poker game)...if the dealer is not a complete nim rod...it is a very fun game!!!

Here are some pics from both trips :)








Today is labor day...what a difference having Monday off means!!! All my chores are done...gonna hit up a movie :)

First day of school/College Reunion

The first week of school is over :) It was a good week. Long..but good :) As always, tryouts hurt your heart when some of the kids get cut :(. The girls both had a good week and seemed to have relatively not a lot of homework :)

Annual First day of school picture :) (they look a little sleepy!!)

Friday night we hosted our annual NAU Vball Teammate reunion. It is so awesome that 7 of us still get together. There were 18 kids ranging from 4 months to 13 years old :) Ruth brought her annual "Welcome Ruth" cake :)

Some of the kids in the pool..they played kickball, capture the flag, red rover....so cute!!

All teammates from '88 :)

Where Did Summer Go???!!!

Today is the last day off before the girls return to school tomorrow. They each had a friend sleep over to have one last hurrrahhhh!! The reality of me having to go back to work doesn't bother me...people have to work...what really freaks me out is that Codi is going to be in 6th grade and Carli is going to be in 8th grade!!!!! Craig and I's first precious gift that took a lengthy time to get is going to be in 8th grade!!!!! :(

We had an absolutely amazing summer!!! The girls still talk about the New York trip and how many cool things they experienced!! We spent some time with Uncle Lance and Mosty, had two quick trips of San Diego and camping. We really wish we could have camped more!!!

As we get ready to dive in to the hectic day to day "stuff"...homework, practices, and tournaments...my hope is to do a better job this year to make time to spend with our family. It seems like just yesterday Craig and I were holding these babies in our arms!!!

Here are some pics from "the final weekend" :)

Friday we headed to the Dallmans for dinner to celebrate Kayla's birthday and to say goodbye to Kelli before she headed off to play vball at NAU :) (go jacks :)

Carli's cake for Kelli :)

Kelli and Codi have developed the cutest relationship...Codi adores Kelli and was so sad to see her leave...

Saturday night's sleepover crew :)

I think they went to sleep just as I was getting up!!!

Enjoying the last few summer nights :)

The summer is starting to wind down :( It has been nice to enjoy the evenings together as a family :) The pool is finally at the bath water temperature which makes it easier for me to get in at night :)

Craig and Carli :)


Codi and Austin hanging out!!

Surprise Visit :)

Kelsey and the girls made a suprise visit this weekend before they drive over to her family in California :) Carli and Codi were so surprised when they walked through the door on Saturday :) We had a great visit..hanging out, swimming, shopping, having sleep overs, and eating at our favorite places :)

The first night of a sleep over...Codi was struggling to stay up with the twins :)


Carli and Ethan


Carli had Kaelyn and Codi doing a fashion show :)


:) :)


Before last nights sleep over :)


Carly * Kelsey * Me...dinner at Top Shelf :)

San Diego

We headed over to San Diego on Thursday to meet up with the Dallmans that had been there all week...We hung out on the beach all day Thursday and Friday... :) At night we hung out and played cards :)...even though it was a quick trip...it was very relaxing :)

Before we could hit the beach on Thursday...we had to get the stitches out of Codi's back...Kerri is a nurse and it took the whole family to get them out :)



Codi and Kelli :)


Carli and Kayla buried :)


Craig and Carli


5 cutie batooties :)


Last time we went to the beach with the Nowlins, Craig and Tad built a jacuzzi in the sand...Craig took the liberty to build another one :)