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.