Mouli and Geetha's Big Backyard

The family ventured to the woods of Andover to experience the new Ramani house... and what an experience it was! The beautiful house near Haggetts' Pond is all new construction and sits on beautiful property. Mouli will be spending most of his summer weekends mowing the par three in the backyard (Full 9 iron). Hopefully, Geetha lets him buy a nice tractor. The girls are wearing the latest Bombay fashions. Clearly they are international best dress models!

Stars Avenge Early Season Loss to DS

Sage's soccer team came to play on Saturday and they delivered a statement game. With the championship on the line, our girls played their best game of the year. Some say that it was the popsicles at halftime that gave them the extra energy, but others believe that the girls just wanted to settle the score. Sage led the first half from the right wing position. In the second she commanded the entire field as the center middie. She gave a great effort. Sage set her friend Abbey up for a beautiful give and go goal that sealed the game. Sage was well supported at this game. Melba travelled all the way from England just to experience Sage playing her game. Aunt K also came out as did Claire, Dave, Auntie Lauri, Uncle Rick, and their two kids.

15 month doctor visit

On Friday, Kristin took Rayne to her 15 month visit with Dr. Zackin. Reports were good on all fronts. Dr. Zackin was very impressed by Rayne verbal abilities. He felt her social skills were good and was pleased to hear that Mom and Dad are not exhausted from endless tantrums. Rayne received 4 shots today, including a flu shot. Kristin says Rayne was brave, but not happy with all the poking. Rayne continues to grow like a future fashion model. Her 32.5" is 97th% percentile for height and 21lbs 9 ozs is 33rd% for weight. Rayne did fail one test in the office. Dr Zackin took her shoe off and threw it across the office. To pass, Rayne would have needed to go and get her shoe. Instead, she just continued to look at him with a puzzled expression of 'why did you throw my shoe?'. Evidently, she felt that since he threw it, he should go get it. At least we have something to work on for next time.

Halloween Pumpkin Picking

Sunday was pumpkin picking day! The family went to Fern Julian's Farm Stand with Dick and Wendy and found bountiful orange treasures. The farm also had white and sage green pumpkins this year. Sage was looking for a pumpkin touched by the ugly stick, while Rayne just wanted something to carry around. Wendy was best prepared for the picking as she was looking for the perfect painting pumpkins. In the end, we took two large carving pumpkins and four smaller ones. Pictures of the jack o' lanterns are coming soon.

Hard Fought Tie against Acton Boxboro

The Sudbury Stars battled this past Saturday to earn a 1-1 tie against the Acton Boxboro FC. It was under a beautiful blue, but cold sky. Fall is settling into New England. Sage led her team with strong wing play in the first half. She tied the game by scoring her fifth goal of the season. The play started by Sage drilling the ball from 15 feet out into an AB defender. The ball bounced off the girl back to Sage, where she drilled it for a second time at the defender. Remarkably, the ball bounced off the player again and back to Sage, where she kicked it for a third time. This time it screamed into the upper far corner of the net for the goal. The game was especially hard because the AB field had goals designed for younger kids who do not play with goalies. (not sure why this was the case, but it does explain why most games in AB are 0-0 ties) In the second half, Sage played defense. She challenged every run made by AB. Twice she had free kicks that she boomed down field. On the last rotation, Sage moved up to center and ran the field with wild abandon. The Stars could not get the game winning goal, but they maintained their position atop the division by earning the point for the tie. Next game is Saturday in Sudbury at 10:30. This game will be against Dover Sherborn. They are currently in second place, but they are the only team that beat the Stars this year. Good chance that the winner of this game will take the division crown.

Adventures in Long Island

The family explored Long Island over the holiday weekend. It was an entertaining visit with the Boisclair family in their home in Huntington. We got to experience both the north shore and the south shore over the three days. Fire Island is the south shore and it is still growing (sandbar) about 25 feet per year. It is a state park that has a huge beach. The weather was sweet, but not quite good enough for swimming. There was an excellent game of whiffle ball on the beach! Sage was adventurous enough to climb the Fire Island Lighthouse. It was 152 steps and 2 ladders to reach the top. She said the view was amazing. She could not see NYC, but could see much of the Island. The trip home was by land and sea. The ferry ride from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport CT was Rayne first ever! As you can see in the picture, she was very excited to be walking about the boat.

Stars Shoot to First Place

Sage's soccer team took care of two league opponents last week.  With solid victories over Canton and Newton, they are alone in first place after six games.  Sage had two strong games.  She scored again and now has 4 goals on the season.  No games were played over Columbus Day Weekend, but the Stars are back in action on Saturday as they travel to Acton Boxboro.  The team expects a defensive game as Acton Boxboro doesn't give up many goals.  Game is at 11:45 on Saturday.