Love at First Bite

This year both kids wanted to be Vampires, Holyn went as a Monster High doll called Dracu-Laura and Max was the traditional Dracula.  It was a little nippy outside, but a beautiful sunny day for gathering candy.  We first begged in our neighborhood and also fit in two other close by developments before the bags were just too heavy for them to carry.  Max of course ran to each and every house, Holyn liked to take her time (and make adjustments to her wig and costume between front door appearances).  We even encountered a house serving jello shots to the parents of goblins.  Lant and I couldn't remember the last time we had had jello shots, Max was just mad he didn't get any jello.

Movin' on Up (North)

So happy to finally not be homeless!  We had a great time in Chicago while "homeless", letting Uncle Tom spoil us with his fabulous cooking. After all the trials and tribulations of home buying and closing we are finally settling in.  Loving our home on the "ledge" (as the locals call it) and our view of the lake each day as I drive the kids to school.  Can't wait for everyone to come visit.

GOOOOOOAAAALLLLL

On our last weekend of soccer, Holyn accomplished her long awaited goal of a GOAL!  We had a long talk before the game about scoring a goal and that it was ok if it didn't happen and that it takes a team to make a goal, not just one person.  (But secretly I was really hoping she would get one before we moved). And about halfway through the 1st quarter she connected.  All the parents cheered for her and the best part was how she ran to me, jumped into my arms and hugged me. (Here's what I captured of her goal in progress:)

Max's team played next, but as hard as he tried (and as much as they set him up) his didn't make a goal.  He didn't seem to mind in the least.  He had fun running around.  The opposing team didn't have enough players, so halfway through the game their coach asked Holyn to fill in.  It was kind of funny to she Holyn and Max on the field playing against each other. I loved it at the end of the game when Coach Barry told the team "I don't know if you guys know but today was Max's last game, he's moving.  Everybody tell Max good game and shake his hand".  So cute I almost cried.

10 on 10.10.10

Soccer Sunday around here again and Holyn and Max's teams pulled out wins today.  Max played first and ran and kicked like crazy.  With 80 degree heat in October, Max did get a little tired toward the end of the game but did a fantastic job defending the net as goalie. (He's kicking the ball in the above shot).  The Firefighters won 5-4 after a close game.

Holyn's team played a little later in the afternoon (thank goodness) and held the purple team to 1 point as they scored 10.  The girls were super excited to have scored 10 points on 10.10.10!  Holyn played goalie, defender and forward and kept that ball from going into the net many times.  She's still working on getting a goal of her own.

Movin' to Badger Country!

The Doran's are moving to Wisconsin. Seems almost funny that I started out in Badger and am going to Badger Country.  We are super excited for Lant, he was promoted to Service Center Manager of Fond du Lac (which means "foot of the lake".) Fond du Lac sits at the base of Lake Winnebago (see picture of us above) and is not far from Madison, Milwaukee or Green Bay.   I'm also excited to tell you that we have bought a house there and will not be moving again for the foreseeable future!  Max's main house hunting request was to have a basement and we've fulfilled his needs (well that and he seems to think he should now have the master suite, but isn't happening). Holyn already wants to head to Lowe's to pick out paint chips for her room.  I love her enthusiasm, and  I feel the same way.  We will close on the house on October 25th, just in time for Halloween (I gotta find the winter coats). I better start practicing up on my "you betcha's" and other Wisconsin speak.  Our realtor thought my accent sound like New Jersey!

Game Day

Holyn and Max had their first soccer games today and both at the same time.  Luckily, they played on fields right next to each other.  Holyn was thrilled to find out her team wore teal uniforms (her favorite color).  Max's team wore red and are sponsored by the Vincennes Firefighters.  Both kids ran until they dropped, Max even came home with a couple bruises.  Holyn tried to kill it every time she kicked the ball and ended up losing a shoe a couple times.  She didn't care and just kept playing. (No worries, I got her new soccer cleats). Holyn informed me after the game that I am now officially a soccer mom.

Soccer Sarcasm

Sarcasm is a favorite for our family and seems to happen regularly. With that said, Max started outdoor soccer practice on Friday, and seems to think he's an old pro at the game (he played at the YMCA this past spring).  He ran and kicked with his teammates on the field for a while, then took his spot as goalie.  Lant tried to offer some constructive criticism to which Max had quite the comeback.  He yells (because my children only have one volume setting) "Dad, don't talk to me unless you're going to encourage me".  Everyone on the sidelines cracked up, including us.  It's now become the new catch phrase at our house.