Thursday, August 20, 2009

The Reading Continues

Both boys have started to read the Artemis Fowl book series. They have really put in large chunks of time into reading. As a result, I was happy to go out and buy 3 of the books in the series. They really seem to be sharing those well. And since they are both reading so much, they are both keeping pace to be able to switch books and not have to wait on the other. It is a good series. The classic kid genius tale seems to have that universal appeal with children. I have read this series as well. I guess that makes me a big kid. But that is nothing new.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Things Are Looking Up

Caz seems to really be enjoying himself in his new league and on his new team. Not only that, but he seems to be thriving. He seems to have decided to put his physical skills to use. He has always been fast, but speed will only get you so far. He is on the taller side for his grade. While his weight may be on the lighter side, he is using leverage. Caz has also made a conscious decision to hit. That is just something one cannot teach.
I do like the coaching he is receiving. This years head coach is firm and preaches discipline. He also does this in a positive manner. He demands the players' full attention, respect, and effort. But he also encourages and provides both positive and constructive feedback. The team really seems to respond to this, and Caz especially has taken it to heart. I really hope this trend continues. This is starting to be such a better experience than last year for Caz.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Summer Turns to Fall

How does summer end in mid-August? Sign your kid up for football. Equipment was handed out over the weekend and practice starts today for Caz. 4 days a week of football practice for the next 3 weeks. Preseason can really take its toll. At least there are not double sessions. Coco gets his equipment this weekend and the head coach (yours truly) scheduled the first practice for the Monday following. The Mites and parents are in for a bit a rude awakening. This is not Mighty Mites anymore. We have league rules and moved up a division this year. They thought we played big towns and kids last year. They ain't see nothing yet. At least there is a weight limit this year. That should help level the playing field a bit from last year.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Last Hurrah

"Start spreading the news....."

One final weekend at Mom's on the Island. Family road trip. Demi's mom is finally selling the house and moving full time to FL. It was only a matter of time. I know this will be hard on Demi. There are a lot of great memories in that house. The boys will miss it too. Even though we have been spending more time staying with Demi's sister while on Island, the boys have spent a lot of time there at Mom's over the years. It has been the site of many Christmas festivities and family events.
The boys are really traveling well these days. No movies. No constant stopping. I think we stop more for Demi and Gizmo. The wee wee jug gets used here and there but for the most part, the kids are champs at holding it. We use the third row seating so each kid has his own space. They fall asleep halfway into the trip. And better yet, they wake up enough when we get there to walk into the house and crawl into bed. We listen to the Sox on the radio. They play Nintendo DS for a bit. Demi and I still limit their electronics. It's not all video games and movies the whole way. We haven't even packed the DVD player on a few recent trips. Caz does have an IPod nano that has video capabilities. He has a season's worth of Mythbusters on their to keep him busy. The kids have always been decent travelers but they are really pros now.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Reading Challenge - Update 7

Coco is now done with the series. He read 600 pages in a little more than a day. He told me when I got home that he was done. He also told me that he wanted to read the Tales of Beetle the Bard. He finished that one after dinner. I really do marvel over what he has done. The amount of reading he has done is truly astonishing. We had a little wrap up quiz and discussion about the last book. Coco really had good insight into what he was reading.