Christmas Tree Farming

The story of the family tree starts with a long drive to Sterling MA in the Jeep. Traveling in the Jeep is always a great tradition. Once we were at the farm we bundled up against the cold and headed for the evergreens. Rayne was stuffed in her pink jacket and a snugli for the day. Of course we didn't like any of the trees in the close fields, or even the medium fields... but in the field farthest from the car, Sage found the perfect tree. As you can see, the tree was a real monster. It stands over 8' tall and is rotund. Sage and Dad crawled under the bottom branches and started cutting it down. Timmmbberrrrr. Next came the long walk back to the farm and the car. It was as if we had slayed a giant. 15 minutes later the tree was finally back and ready to be shook. This process uses a giant shaking machine (called the Shaker) and knocks all leaves, needles and dirt off the branches. Pretty cool tree farm technology if you ask me. The farm served hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. After the snacks we loaded the giant tree onto the Jeep and headed back to Sudbury. We will be back next year and hopefully Rayne will be able to pitch in.

Rayne Milestones

Lots to report, so much change. First the big news...her neck does exist! Maybe its in the genes (or maybe too much milk), but her neck has finally made its debut. The girl is starting to thin out. Doc appt. after Turkey Day will tell all. Her laughs and giggles are becoming infectious in the house. Dad in particular can really get her going. Other things...she's fit 7 or 8 fingers in her mouth so far. Still trying for all ten. She has held her own bottle several times now and even flips pages on her books. And sometimes, maybe, just maybe, Mom even thinks she hears her say 'Mama' :)

Undefeated Season Complete

An action packed weekend ended Fall soccer for the year. Sage played two games in two days and her team responded with a win and a tie. The Lightning won their division going away with a 7-0-3 record. Both games were cold as the temps dipped into the 40s. Good dancing, as seen in the picture kept the girls warm.

For the season, Sage scored two goals, which is only one less than the number of goals the entire league scored on the Lightning in all ten games. Sage was given the 'Perpetual Motion' award by her coach at the team pizza party. Her coach thought she had one of the best kicks in the league. Sage also received her first Sudbury Soccer shirt with her name on the back. All very cool things.

Huricane Noel no match for Flash of Lightning

Sage played her first soccer match in a hurricane last Saturday. Conditions were brutal with driving rain, strong winds and temperatures in the low 50s. (There were several parents (myself included) wondering about the logic.) By the second half, significant mud at both goals and midfield made play very sloppy. Not even warm brownies and a 1-0 victory could make the girls smile. The extra blanket on the drive home and the long warm bath finally thawed the body.

Sage fought hard as the Acton Boxboro team really challenged the Lightning. Sage was strong playing mid-field. One of her kicks actually knocked a girl over. Sage drilled the ball and the poor girl's head got in the way. The ball hit her and she dropped to the wet turf. It was a couple of minutes before the player regained herself. Good news it that the girl was able to play on.

Two games are left to play for the first place Lightning. They are back to back on Friday and Saturday this week. After the last game there will be a celebratory pizza party at Papa Gino's.

Happy Halloween

Halloween was a big event for Vampire Sage and Super Girl Rayne. Fortunately we went out after dark so the vampire wouldn't be burned in the light. Sage chose to haunt Framingham last night. We rolled with a pack of eight kids, including Rayne. Rayne was easy to spot bc she was the only kid not dressed in black. Her pink lightstick did set her apart. So gone are the days when the group of girls all wanted to be the same frilly Disney princess. There were no issues with having to walk in princess heels last night. Sage's candy haul was excellent. She even shared a few Peanut Butter Cups along the way. Rayne needs to pick up the pace next year. Her total haul was a measly three pieces of candy. That is what happens when you pass out from the fun halfway through the night.

Rayne turns 3! (months)

Rayne celebrated her 3 month birthday by practicing her situps for the camera. Actually we had to take "3mth pictures" the next morning because Rayne decided to cry happy birthday all evening long - until we had enough and put her to bed. Here she is 3 months and 1 day showing off how strong she is becoming. With Mom behind the camera, it's been tough getting a smile for y'all. Will keep working on it!

Sage sets the pace for Lightning

Sage led her Sudbury Lightning to their fifth win of the season and sole possession of first place. She played an intensive first rotation which led to her second goal of the season. She put her own rebound past the goalie for the 1-0 lead. Sage was energetic all match as she played wing, center half and striker. It was her best effort of the year. Celebratory popsicles were back even though it was a windy day with temps in the 50s. Hot kids always like pops. The team plays again this Saturday in Lexington. There are only four games left.

My how she's grown!

Pappy and Yaya made the big trip to Red Sox land and what good timing it was. In addition to the Red Sox ALDS sweep, Rayne had several 'firsts' during their visit. She watched her first baseball game and really liked it! Rayne's voice is really taking off as she tries to mimic Mom's talk. You can see her working her tongue and lips to make 'Mama' come out. Mom promises she is working on 'Dada' with her too :) Rayne is also smiling on demand when Mom says 'Lights, camera, action!' Grabbing and hitting hanging toys are the norm now. The bets are in and Yaya and Mom think she's going to be a lefty. She seems to prefer it and has excellent hand-eye coordination. It is still to be determined whether the sweet strokes are going to be for tennis or golf. Rayne is also getting stronger every day, lifting herself with her arms for the first time off the ground. Her personality is coming alive and she is absorbing all of her world!

Halfway to the Championship

Sage's Sudbury Lightning earned their fourth win of the year in match against Concord-Carlisle. The 2-0 score kept them tied for the division lead at 4-0-1. The team has five games left to play.

Sage played with high energy before the large home crowd including Wendy, Dick, Annie, Grace, Connie and Paula. Sage closed the game by playing goalie. She stopped all shots as CC tried to mount a rally.

Her game has improved much since the start of the season. Sage is playing with more intensity and using her strong body and powerful kicks to help the team.

Next match is at home this Saturday against Southboro.

Acton-Boxboro Shocked by Force of Lightning

Sage's Sudbury Lightning knows how to win, win and win. They routed the AB Strikers this morning 3 to zip. Sage made some great passes as she played center-half, sweeper and left wing. Her defensive stops help preserve the shutout. The team celebrated the victory with delicious frozen lemonade treats. Next week the return home to defend against Concord. Coming to the game is a great way for everyone to start celebrating their Columbus Day weekend.

Harvest Time at Pennymeadow Vineyards

There is a special time every Fall when the leaves start to change color and the air chills. It is the annual harvesting of the Concord grapes off the tennis court vines. With Laila's protection, the yield was bountiful this year. Kristin, Sage and Michaela got good and gooey with the grapes. Several pails of fruit and just a few bugs were. A traditional mashing of the grapes by hand took place and the girls loved it. Their shirts may never been clean again. Now it is up to Kristin to turn the concoction into something magical... jelly? jam? Concord wine? You will just have to wait until Christmas to see.

Rayne turns TWO!!!

Months that is… Happy second month birthday to the wee child. She is now regularly sleeping through the night. It has been a treat for everyone, except Laila. The pup misses her mid-night rendezvous with Dad. Rayne is also getting to be quite a social butterfly. She has gone out to dinner twice in the last week. Both times she was the quiet star of the restaurant. Who knew the child would enjoy French and Greek fare so much? Rayne also wore a dress for the first time… and it was not all pink! This Tuesday she goes for her immunizations. So many shots on such a little girl.

Enjoy the pictures….

The Battle of Sudbury (Part One)

In an epic clash between the two U9 Sudbury Soccer teams, the Lightning emerged with a well deserved 3-1 win. The victory was even sweeter as celebratory popsicles were enjoyed by all after baking under the bright sun. Sage played an inspired game making several excellent kicks. The opposing goalie was outstanding and thwarted several brilliant shots on goal by Sage. Two of her shots were so hard they hit the goalie and bounced out of bounds. The Lightning are really coming together and look unstoppable atop the division. This was Gramp’s first game of the year and he was very impressed at Sage’s game.

The Lightning are on the road next week in Acton as they continue to drive towards the championship.

Rayne's Big New Jersey Adventure

Kristin and Rayne headed south to meet Hutch, the second newest member of the family. It started with Rayne's first airplane ride; a perfect flight from Boston to Philadelphia. Papi and Yaya collect them and then the crying started. It was a cry-a-thon as they tried to drive down to Stone Harbor. After several stops, the weary travellers finally reached their destination.
The next morning, Hutch and Justin greeting their new cousin and showered her with lots of love. Rayne partied all day and then crashed, sleeping for 10 hours. Another first was hitting the beach and swimming in the Atlantic. Rayne loved Aunt Joy's mirrors and cannot wait to go back.

Rain holds then Lightning Strikes

Sage's soccer team battled for a hard earned tie against the Southboro Strikers this morning. The day started with heavy rain and wind, but cleared just in time for the match. It was perfect weather for Melba as it reminded her of watching a young Uncle Tim playing football in the warm English rains. Melba's and Aunt Karen's cheers motivated the team to rally back after giving up an early goal. With the score 1-1, the Lightning put up a strong defense against the pressing Strikers. Sage made her first free kick after being taken down hard by a defender. She also had an excellent chance to score but was thwarted by their goalie. The Lightning are now tied atop the division with 4 points.

This was also Rayne's first soccer game. She was a hit with the fans and she enjoyed the festivities.

Game On - Sudbury Lightning strike in season opener

Sage's soccer team won their first game of the season against Southborough Explosion on Saturday. It was an early game, but the temperatures still were in the 80s. The girls played strong and rolled to a 5-1 victory. Sage (#9) scored the team's second goal and later played defence and as the goalie. The second picture shows just before the goal. She broke past the defender and drilled it into the right corner. Their goalie never had a chance. The cool part was that it was a left footed kick. When she was in goal, Sage made four saves. Her best one was when she used her body to deflect one of the shots. It hit her so hard, the ball bounced out of bounds. She was very brave to stand her ground as the player charged. In the end, the team was hot, sweaty and tired... but very happy.

The next game is Saturday Sept 15th at 11:45 in Sudbury. Rumor is it that Melba is going to travel across the Atlantic just to attend the game. It should be good fun. This week Sage has team practice and a special soccer clinic with coaches from the UK. The best part is that many of her friends are playing the same schedule.

Sage's First Day of Third Grade

Sage is officially a Third grader.

It was a bright sunny blue sky Tuesday morning when Sage went to third grade. The day started with Sage waking on her own at 6 AM. She was quickly dressed and ready for the special first day breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes and bacon. There is little better than a breakfast with chocolate chips and bacon covered in syrup.

Even the dogs from the 'hood made the first day bus stop!

The only glitch was that the bus never came. We waited and waited and waited and waited...

Once Sage got to school via the MomBus, she had a great time. Mrs Carrara is Sage's teacher and she is 'the most wonderful teacher I ever had'. Hopefully the rest of the days go as well.

First Practice for Sudbury Lightning

Sage had her first soccer practice for the travel team. Its was 90 degrees and she played on a astroturf field. Her feet were cooking from the turf temperature. The team looks real strong. By playing on the travel team she will play other towns including Concord, Acton, Lexington and Southborough. Here is the schedule:

Date Team
9/8 9:00 Away vs Southborough Explosion
9/15 11:45 Home vs Southborough Strikers
9/22 11:45 Home vs Sudbury Stars
9/29 11:45 Away vs A-B Strikers
10/6 11:45 Homes vs Concord-Carlisle
10/13 11:45 Home vs Southborough Explosion
10/20 10:30 Away vs Southborough Strikers
10/27 11:45 Home vs Sudbury Stars
11/3 11:45 Home vs A-B Strikers
11/10 11:45 Away vs Concord-Carlisle

All home games are at Haskell Field in Sudbury. Come cheer on the Lightening.

One Month Doctor Visit

Rayne went to the pediatrician's office today for her one month appointment. She is now a whopping 10+ lbs and 22+ inches (Both are in the 80th percentile for girls). Rayne is following in her big sister's footsteps as a big baby. She is demonstrating the strength of a three month old. So, we should be expecting significant rolling over the next couple of weeks.

The girl is starting to sleep better after a rough couple of nights. She is also smiling on demand now : ) Such good tricks...

Birth of a New Day - Sage and Rayne

Sage and Rayne are alive and well. This blog will detail their success and conquests. Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter....