Backyard Re-Model

For years, we have been talking about building a deck off of the back of the house and getting a hot tub but this year, we finally made our dreams a reality. It was no easy task. We had to have a beautiful (but dying) tree removed and had to have the concrete stairs demolished. Although we thought that we'd be able to build the deck ourselves, once we decided to put the hot tub ON the deck, as opposed to on a concrete slab on the ground, we thought it best to hire someone to build the deck. All of those things were the easy part, as was picking out and buying the hot tub. Actually getting the hot tub delivered was an entirely different story - despite making the purchase in mid September, the hot tub was not actually delivered to the house until early December, rescheduled time and time again. Once safely installed on the deck, we needed an electrical upgrade to ensure that everything would run smoothly. And so far, it's been great. For all those people that said "but you aren't hot tub people" - we are using it three or four nights a week, including Christmas Eve, when it was 10 degrees outside. Emily has been taking dips after workouts, to sooth her tired legs. It is really great and we are looking forward to years of soaking.

We absolutely loved this tree, but it was rotting from the inside out and every storm meant more lost limbs. We were worried the next big storm would drop the tree on the house so it was a bit of relief when it finally came down.

The contractors put up the deck in three days. 

We still need to get furniture for the deck, but will take our time with that.

National Honors Society

In late November, Emily was admitted to the NWC National Honors Society.  The ceremony was held one night in mid December.  We are so proud of all of her hard work!

 

O Christmas Tree 2022

This year's Christmas tree is only making one person in the family happy - and that person is Lee.  He was able to cut down the tree without feeling like he was going to have a heart attack; and he was able to put up the tree without breaking his back.  So, while the girls and I are not exactly happy, he is, which matters quite a bit to us, so all is well!

FC Stars Showcase 2022

The first weekend of December, Emily played in the FC Stars Showcase with her Sporting team.  After the state championship game, she took a full week off from soccer and all other activities, giving her body and mind a much needed break. By the time that week was over, she was ready to go, in part because she has a new club coach this year and was anxious to get to know him.  A week later, the team was playing in the showcase.  This new coach chose to put them in the top bracket, which resulted in a rough weekend.  The girls lost two games and tied the third.  There is a lot of work to be done to get ready for the spring season. 

Emily can play every position on the field except goalie and holding mid.  Her new coach put her at holding mid in the first game, convinced that this is the right position for her long term.  She worked very hard but definitely struggled to find her rhythm.  It was also absolutely pouring during the game, which didn't make things any easier for the girls.

On Sunday, the coach moved Emily to center back - a position she is much more comfortable playing.  He was clear that he moved her for the good of the team - they were struggling defensively - and that she should expect to be back at holding mid once the showcase was over.  In her first game at center back, the team tied, not allowing a single goal.

In Emily's second game at center back the team lost 5-0 - but oddly enough, she was not on the field when any of the goals were scored.  So she definitely had success in her second game at center back as well.

No tournament would be complete without dinner and shenanigans with Meg and Abby.