Grandparents' Day 2014

1st grade at Union had Grandparents' Day this fall, and the highlight was multiple fire alarms that evacuated the school.  Unfortunately, Grandma & Papa were unable to join due to travels, but Melanie had a great time with Gigi & Poppy!

 

Fall Soccer 2014

Melanie played soccer for her second season in the fall; there were a lot of changes to the team/game format as she moved up an age bracket.  The start of the season was a little painful as she learned the new positions, there was a goalie, there were double the amount of players on the field.... But she warmed up through the season, and ended up being the little hustler she was last season.  She says soccer is her favorite sport, so I should probably learn something about it....

Mel's fall team - The Polar Bears

Two of her biggest fans

Miss Olga came for the last game of the season - Joey was so excited to see her, and then wouldn't talk to her.

Colts Party

Ron & Diane were invited to a Colts party/fundraiser at the Colts training complex, and invited us along.  It was a fun day, with lunch, bounce houses, face painting, and raffles/silent auctions.  The best part was they had the kids overnight prior to the event.

 

Jog a Thon 2014

The kids' annual Jog a Thon, a fundraiser for their school, was in September.  This was the very day, last year, that Joey ended up in the ER, leading to the leukemia diagnosis.  So this was his first Jog-a-Thon.  It was a beautiful day out, and I was able to volunteer for both of their events!  Melanie was excited to get her personal best, beating her record from last year.

Getting ready to run!

Ready to hit the pavement!

Joey ran 2.25 miles!  Someone started a rumor that the kid who ran the furthest would win a mini iPad.  As soon as he was done running, he asked if he won.  He seriously RAN the whole time.  He said he took breaks and walked, but I never saw it - and several neighbors sent pictures from around the track, and he was always running!  He did stop for water breaks nearly every lap, thankfully.

Photo courtesy of Susan DeHart - impressive he let her take it without me around!

Photo courtesy of Susan :)

Mel's first grade class after the run

Zionsville Fall Festival Parade

The kids were in their first parade this year; the Zionsville fall festival parade.  The parade's theme was "Under the Big Top" - my attempt at face painting was pretty weak, but we had a great time!  The kids' main concern was having their grandparents gather the candy they wouldn't be able to collect since they were on the float.

 

Face pencils are not exactly ideal, but they did the trick for a few minutes, at least!  The forehead drawing was a "crown" so Mel could be a princess.

We were riding with the Josiah's Ride: Cruzin' 4 a Cure team; this was in planning for the October 11 fundraiser that Joey was part of

Look - there's Joey's picture on the float!

Surprisingly cuddly with the lion....

Our float received a prize!

The kids enjoyed riding on the fire truck, which was just in front of the float

Part of our fan club

We generally stayed dry - but the day started out a bit rainy...

Since we were the first float, the kids got to reunite with their audience and get their own candy

Happy Birthday Grandma!

We had a "surprise" birthday party for Grandma after the Fall Festival parade.  All the Doans and Indiana Worzalas were there.  Happy "Medicare" birthday!!

The kids were, as usual, excited about the cake

Never too old for playing on the floor!

Strategic candle placement