Killian Confessions - Colorado through Charlottesville

Sunday, September 7, 2014

First Days of Fall and...

The first week of September was packed with firsts

Matthew's first week of preschool (the youngest in the school!)
Margaret's first week of Pre-K (big kid on campus now)
Margaret's first day of ballet (as much as I tried to steer her towards gymnastics)
Andrew's flag football (Margaret practiced the first two weeks, too---fewer more hysterical things have I ever seen!)
Andrew's first UVA football game and flag football games

Yep, that's Little Miss playing at dusk with the boys, green gingham dress and all!

When Matthew needed a break from watching Andrew catch and run the ball above, he folded his hands and watched the middle school kids just like a coach run their laps in full pads.

I'm wondering if the whole obsession about ballet is just for the leotard and slippers---and they are cute!

Pretty good seats for purchasing Saturday morning on Stubhub---this is not possible for VT games.

Military Appreciation Day is always entertaining.

Modelling Grandma's Purdue visor

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Fold me up, put a stamp on me...

and send me to Columbus!

Three years ago, Michael says to me, "VT is playing in Columbus fall 2014!", tow which I responded, "Let's make it happen!". Rather than the response I hoped for, I got the realistic look...."How? Way too many factors and logistics to figure out with the kids.".

About a year ago, I contacted Uncle Bill and Donna to see if they could their hands on any tickets---thought maybe I could send Michael and Mark as part of their on-going 40th birthday celebrations. Bill said he would get back to me. I forgot. July = email from UB. "Got 2 tix w/ your name on them. I'll be at Abby's hockey tourney, but Donna can babysit. Have fun." Or something to that affect. Next thing you know, we were there! Got some rare time with Bill Friday night before he flew to Baltimore to see Abby play. Kate was at school, but Hannah (12th), Matt (10th) and Jack & Emily (4th) were around to thoroughly entertain my kiddos. And who better to babysit than Donna?

The only downside? For a week after we returned, I heard nothing but, "I don't want to live in Charlottesville anymore. Can we move to Columbus?"
Margaret: "Mommy, can you fold me up, put a stamp on me, and send me to Columbus?" Why not?? After all, Bill and Donna would hardly notice another 3 kids around.

Heading to the park across the street from their house.

Now THIS is a back yard, with a pool warmed as nicely as your tub:)

Jack (almost 10), Andrew (6.5), Matthew (20 months)

Abby's stellar field hockey accomplishments at Michigan State.

Donna getting her toddler fix; Matthew annoyed that she wanted him to sit still for 0.2 seconds. There were BIG kids to play with!

GAME TIME!!!

The Scull Session in the basketball stadium in which the remarkably talented band plays extra sets for the packed crowd.

110,000 strong

An impressive "VT"

The famous "Ohio Script" and dotting of the "i"....even more incredible than on TV. This band is unbelievably talented.

What a GREAT game! Thanks for the INCREDIBLE memories, Bill and Donna. (See below for video of the Ohio Script.)

Monday, September 1, 2014

Swim Team Banquest

The Swim Team Banquet was a tremendous potluck (always fun 3 on 1 in that situation!), and an hour and a half of JJ pouring his heart out to these kids and coaches, recognizing each of them in some way for their achievements.

Little Miss received her first trophy. I was SO excited! And she promptly broke it within 2 minutes...and didn't care. Oh well. That's probably better than the alternative.

Sunday, August 31, 2014

End of Summer

The end of summer and our last official days at Fairview were marked by:

Matthew going down the water slide (but not for the camera!)
Champs at UVA's Aquatic Center - Andrew was incredibly proud to be his heat winner in freestyle, shaving a full EIGHT seconds off of his PR. 26
The JSL Champs party - what a hoot Matthew was!
Margaret and Andrew getting their first taste of synchronized swimming (who knew how intriguing that would be!)
Mom's age group victory of the annual Fairview 5k run
VBS
Matthew crawling out of his crib - NOOOO!!!
and of course a Labor Day trip to Baltimore for the Vogel's annual Colts and Crabs.

Grandma and all but one of her babies.

The whole crew, minus David who is at Coastal Caroline now.

Last away meet - cheers before decidedly bringing down our biggest rival, Crozet.

Someone has to teach you about Klondike bars.

Maybe if I let him dangle uncomfortably long enough he will finally. stop. getting. on. the. table!

Helping JJ coach after the 5K run.

Mommy's race shirt. Guess who won her age group???

Champs at UVA! What an amazing venue and meet. Seeded middle of the pack, Andrew WON his heat in freestyle, squashing his previous PR by 8 seconds!

She looks comfy. He's just gonna fill her up with gas.

Leading the crew in VBS songs.

Newest lifeguard in the family - never too early for anything at Fairview!

I've got the tub to myself!

Watching her first synchronized swimming show...with her favorite person.

No mistaking that ground hog on the way home, but I was relieved since the kids had shouted that there was a bear next to us.

Yep, two days before school started (when I have to leave the kids during nap to go to the bus stop, Little Man started climbing out of his crib:( He first fell out around 12 months. A one time deal that scared him, I swore the next time would be the last time. But I've watched him throw one leg over and then carefully lower the rest of his body to the ground. It's quite safe, so I can't possibly justify a crib at just 19 months when his safety is not in jeopardy.

Cavman's crew gives you free tix (and shirts, evidently). Daddy is thrilled!

My new pink rocking chair - Thanks, Lily!

For the love of God, I do not possibly know what sort of self destruction I may be capable of if this 20 month old---who is FINALLY down to binky at crib and carseat only---starts sucking his thumb!!!