Football!

Football is in full swing!

     This past week was the first full week of school; and, of course, that means FOOTBALL. The week was full of practices, a "Meet the Flashes" night, and a Saturday "Football Jamboree"! All four of our boys were involved. They all, of course, had practices during the week. In addition, this past Thursday night was "Meet the Flashes" night at St. Aloysius High School. This is where Landon attends 8th grade, and the three younger ones attend St. Francis Elementary School, which is attached to the high school. It is all one school system. They are the "Flashes."
 
     At "Meet the Flashes" night, the junior high and high school football players are introduced, as well as the cheerleaders. The younger ones (our 4th graders and 5th grader) got to wear their jerseys and run across the field. It's all very exciting for all of them. Here are a couple of pictures of Landon on the field. He is becoming such a handsome young man! (Oh, all right, I guess I am a little bit prejudiced!) As excited as I get about it all, it still makes me sad that Russell is missing all of this. 

Brothers Kieran and Ryan w/cousin Luke

Kieran and teammates

Must be BEFORE game--pants too white!

Luke--getting psyched up!

             Saturday there was a football jamboree for the younger teams in Jackson (about 40 miles away). Luke and Kieran play together on the 4th grade St. Francis team, and Ryan plays on the 5th grade St. Francis team. I wasn't able to go. I had no nurse the night before, and I just didn't think I would be up to it with no more sleep than that! So I stayed with Anna, and the kids phoned or texted with updates. As I understand it, they all played so well. The 4th grade team (Kieran and Luke) tied the first game and won the second one 14-7. Luke plays defense and made some great tackles. Kieran scored a touchdown in each of their games. (He plays linebacker and safety on defense, and running back and quarterback on offense). Here are some pictures of the younger ones at jamboree. For some reason, they are all going through a "not smiling" phase. Ryan plays safety on defense and flanker on offense. (I hope all this makes some sense; I don't know my football positions!!).  He also caught one ball and intercepted one with one hand. I'm getting all this feedback directly from the boys, so I hope it is all "exact"! 

Luke with teammates--plotting!

      Of course, I did do my part. Since I was staying home with Anna, and since it was so hot, I kept all the girls. Alicia had a prior commitment, and Craig had his boys and wanted to watch all the games and not have to chase after his two girls, so I had all three of my girls from about 9 until about 3 in the afternoon. Megan would NOT take a nap, but she wasn't fussy.We played cards, read books, watched a LOT of "Caillou," and just generally had a really good time.

Sis Elizabeth--ditto!

     We MUST have had a really good time because about 5 minutes after Alicia left with her two, she texted me with this message, "Wore them out!" She attached these two pictures of the girls in the car on the way home.

Megan--plum tuckered out!

Kieran, Ryan, Luke, Landon and Sheri at Jamboree

         I'm adding a few pictures here that a friend whose son is also on Luke and Landon's team posted on her Facebook page. I think they speak for themselves!

That's Kieran hanging on after a tackle and Luke standing by.

Kieran from Behind

and front view

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luke front and back, too.

 

They are SO CUTE at this age! Think that's Luke blocking and Kieran somewhere in there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A friend, Misty Jabour, took these last pictures!

This one is my favorite. Thanks so much, Misty!! 

          And, not to be outshined, Megan found Luke's helmet in the living room, put it on backwards, and said, "Grammy, look, I play football and hit the bat!" As she said this she pretended she was swinging a bat. Well, she is a girl, and we're talking sports--she'll get it straight soon enough! She had already done the "swing the bat" move before I could grab my camera!

Future base-football player! Whatever!

      This week was mostly about the boys. Next week I will try to put the girls in more. Elizabeth (7) has enrolled in competitive cheerleading. She will be doing some traveling during this year for that. I'll try to get some of her for next time. I don't know HOW the parents can keep up with all these activities. I just know that I, as the single grandparent, am here and prepared to do my part--whatever that is! I do plan to catch all  of the boys' home football games at least.