Christmas at Grammy and Gramp

Christmas Day continued at Grammy and Grampa's house. Santa made a special delivery for Sage, Rayne, CC and Zoe. Stockings were filled and presents were scattered under the tree. Rayne's new doll was a big hit for all the girls. Carols were sung and then it was time for Santa. Who would have thought that Santa had one more gift to drop off? He lit a tree on the edge of the woods and left a present for each of the kids. The kids watched him from the deck and he took off as new snow was falling.

Allison's complete collection of photos can be see here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Allison.M.Horn/200912Christmas?authkey=Gv1sRgCL7Zr_XkvOerPg&feat=email#

Sudbury Christmas

Santa must have been happy to leave Sudbury. Besides getting some excellent cookies, he was able to unload a good portion of his sleigh under the tree.

Yaya, Papi and Wally came up from PA for the big holiday. Besides Christmas activities there was much new baby planning going on. The little guy's room is ready to welcome him home.

Firecrackers explode when it counts

Playoffs! The results of the regular season really do not matter as long as you make the playoffs. And since every team makes the playoffs, all is good.

Sage's Firecrackers have had a tough season. The saying goes 'you win some, you lose some'. For the Firecrackers, it goes 'you lose some, you lose some more, you tie one, and then you lose some'. The 0-7-1 record does not reflect the effort or heart, just that the girls were playing some tough competition in the u12 league.

The playoffs were a win or go home elimination tournament and the Firecrackers decided it was their time. They shocked an Acton team 3-1 in the opener. Sage played some stout goalie shutting every attack down the first 10 minutes. She then ran the entire pitch as middie, helping to set-up the offensive attack. Sage returned to goal to close down the match. Acton never got into rhythm.

Next up, top seed Delta FC. Unfortunately, the Cinderella story ends here. Two early own goals buried the Firecrackers in a hole they could not climb out of. Age, strength, speed and talent won out in the end. At least the Firecrackers made Delta work very hard for their win.

Christmas Tree Trimming

The snow finally melted off the Christmas tree and it came inside. The evergreen is displayed in the living room this year and it fills the front right corner. The traditional tree-trimming with Mark, Haya, Abby and Lily took place this past Sunday. Hot chocolate and warm stew keep everyone toasty and energized. Lily had to stretch atop of Mark's shoulder to put the star on the tree. The tree was taller than normal because the stand is boosted by an old desktop PC. (yet a new benefit to old technology!) The Concolor Fir has many full branches at the bottom and needed the extra lift. Now we are just waiting for Santa to visit.

Pictures of the tree are coming

Christmas Tree Lumber Jacks

There is nothing that says Christmas like new fallen snow. Mother Nature decorated the Christmas tree farm in a way that only she could. This made for a very different tree cutting.

Good news was that we not only found a sweet 7' Concolor Fir tree, we also did not lose Rayne in the process. She was wearing her new one piece snow suit. Fortunately, it was just bright enough. Sage helped to dig out an access to the evergreen's stump. She even crawled under and took some good cuts with the saw. Timber...

After the harvest, we enjoyed the Christmas cookies and warm cider. Trimming will have to wait for some warmer temperatures because there is still significant snow and ice on the branches.

Holiday Concert

Sage sang in her sixth holiday recital in Falmouth on Sunday afternoon. The fresh snow and cold temperatures certainly made it feel like Christmas. It was held at the West Falmouth Library, which was decorated for the season with garland, bows and a well trimmed tree.

Her first song was Let it Snow.

Her second was Sleigh Ride

As you will hear, both songs were peppy, jazz renditions.

Sage received many compliments after the show. The most common was how she looks like she is having fun while performing. This was something she was working on. For the Spring recital, Sage hopes to give a high energy performance of a pop song. Get your suggestions in now before she starts working on her next project.

Rayne Jingle Bells

Not to be completely outdone by her big sister Sage's singing talents, Rayne is also working on songs for the holidays. Her first is an abbreviated version of Jingle Bells.

Notice the very cool Patriots jersey she is wearing. Her fan support will certainly help us turn the season around.

Sage the Bandit

Sage ran in her fourth Framingham Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning. This year she had to run as a bandit because the race sold out. She ran her fastest time ever. Look at the picture closely and you can see Jura is also dressed as a turkey. Gobble gobble

Ray's KC Adventure

Rayne had a great time out in KC with Yaya and Grammy. She enjoyed her 'Kansas Home'. It was non-stop activities as Ray went to the Children's Museum, KC Zoo, water park, and many many playgrounds. The merry-go-round was a big hit once she got over her initial fears... six times round and round the first day and then five times the following day. Its real good to be a grand-daughter.

Sage bends it like Beckham

The last game of the Fall BAYS season was Sunday. It was supposed to be Saturday, but of course it rained (again). In fact, it rained so much that the field was still soaked when the match started. One corner actually had a puddle!

The first half was very competitive and the two teams played to a 0-0 tied on the slow field. Sage anchored the defense and shut down every run that came at her.

She was moved to forward for the second half. It was a move that paid dividends quickly. Sage took the ball just over mid-field and dribbled it towards the goal. She was tackled just outside the goalie box by an aggressive defender. Sage drilled the direct kick over the wall and curled it into the left corner of the net. Goalie never had a chance. (This was her second 'Beckham' like moment of the week as she also converted a direct kick Thursday night in indoor soccer)

Now with the game at 1-0, Sage stole the ball at midfield. She faked past one defender and then lofted a pass to her teammate who blasted past the goalie for the final goal.

The BLAST finished the year winning 4 of the last 5 for a final record of 7-3. Sage is pictured here with her new BLAST trophy, which is a replica of the World Cup trophy.

Teeth Removal x Four

Sage took the first steps towards a beautiful smile this week. She had four baby teeth removed. Her gaping smile was just a little too late for Halloween. Space retainer is coming next to help guide the adult teeth in. She was very brave during the extraction and even negotiated with the tooth fairy to keep the teeth and still collect the cash!

First Donut at New Overland Park D&D

Donuts are baking out in KC. Monday was Friends and Family day. Free donuts all day as long as you know somebody. Rayne is testing the chocolate covered with sprinkles. According to Rayne, this is the 'black' donut. None of the topping survived.

Saturday Soccer Double Header

Why play one game of soccer when you can play two? The BLAST played Weston in the morning game. This was the team that ripped the BLAST 8-1 earlier in the year. With a change in formation (3-3-1) and extra focus on defense, the girls played to a 0-0 first half. In the second, Weston came out playing extra hard. The BLAST withstood the rally and started making threats on their own. With five minutes left, the BLAST striker was tripped near the goal. The following penalty kick found the corner of the net. One last offensive rally was stunted and the BLAST escaped with a 1-0 victory. Sage was a defensive force in the game. In the second half, it was her job to shadow Weston's best player. She completely took the player out of the game.

In the afternoon, the BLAST had to travel to Wayland. The excitement from the morning contest had evidently taken a toll. The BLAST got out to an early lead, but could not hold on as Wayland rallied for three first half goals. The defensive intensity from the morning was missing. Sage played goalie and was left to defend open shots time and time again. Neither team could make progress in the second half and the score ended 3-1. The loss dropped the BLAST into second place with one week to go.

Halloween

There was significant Trick or Treating in Sudbury Saturday night. Rayne transformed into the cutest little mouse. She squeaked and collected as much candy as she could.

Sage went as a beautiful angel. Her wings were home grown and looked as if they could take flight.

We cruised Sudbury with Sage's BFFAE, Amelia. She took the streets as a devil and thus completed the duo. Last year they went as Little Red and the Big Bad Wolfe... this year Angel and Devil... my how opposites attract.

Rayne lasted about half-way. She then rode in the wagon as the girls collected candy. 108 pieces were the final tally. Such a good night.

Sage scary good in Win

Sage and her team haunted Natick Saturday morning. They came with face paint and hair dye. Halloween was never so ugly.

The poor Natick Ninjas... after a challenging first half, Sage led the explosion in the second. She netted her first two goals of the year! The first one was on a sweet cross from her other forward. Sage connected and slammed it into the far corner. The second goal came four minutes later. She received a pass from her center middie and dribbled through the final two defenders. Using her strong body, she steadied herself and drilled it past the goalie. It was game over.

This was the first road win for the BLAST who sit atop the table at 5-1. Three games left and they are all important.

Kristine Lilly

Sage's soccer team had a clinic with US National Soccer Team player Kristine Lilly. Kristine has played in more games for her country than any other man or woman in the world. She is also the captain of the Boston Breakers. The clinic was won by one of Sage's teammates' parents in a charity auction. Kristine ran the kids for an hour and then signed autographs and took pictures. Sage was blown away by the event.

BLAST Exact Revenge from Ashland

The BLAST started strong at first whistle and never let up. They trounced the FireStorm 3-0 in a game that was not even as close as the score indicated. Sage played Center Middie in the first and anchored the Defense in the second. She denied every attempt made by Ashland to get a goal. The win pushed the BLAST firmly into first place at 4-1 in the division.

Blast not firing in 8-1 blowout

The only thing that could have saved the Blast Thursday night was rain. Unfortunately, it didn't start falling until after the game. Sage's team battled against a faster, more technical Weston team and suffered the consequences. Weston is a cross over team and therefore not in our division. It was a tough ride from the start as the Thunder beat Sage 5 times in goal in the first half. All this with one of our stronger defensive sets and our best goalie. The positives were that Sage got a taste of going against more skilled players. She fought hard in the second to stretch the field and change momentum. Sometimes you just have to hand it to the other team... too strong.

Next game is back in the division against Wayland on Sat. Conditions are calling for 40s and rain. Wonderful.

Sage's gift for Tom and Jess

Sage sang 'It is you I have Loved' for Tom and Jessica on their wedding day. She sang this at the reception. It kicked off a musical tribute to the happy couple.

Lost Weekend for the BLAST

Rained washed out Saturday's game against Weston. Sunday was not much better. Ashland shut down the Blast 3-0. Worse still, Sage was injured during her first rotation. An Ashland player kicked her in the foot hard enough to warrant x-rays.

Doc says just a bone bruise. It is now wait and see until her is well enough to play. Keep taking the ibuprofen.

Crazy rally stifles the Explosion

The Sudbury Blast rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win 4-3 over Southboro and keep their undefeated season alive. Sage is the captain this week and she led her team through her play. With time running out, she stole the ball at midfield, shook a defender and dribbled 20 yards towards the goal. As the defense collapsed around her she dished to her open wing who drilled the game winner. It was as strong a soccer move you will see. When the final whistled sounded there was celebrating all around!

Photo is of Sage getting her game face on prior to the match.

Next game is Saturday at Weston and Sunday in Ashland. Both teams are first rate.

BLAST rout Natick 7-0

Saturday was a beautiful day for soccer and the BLAST did not disappoint the home fans. This was the first match that Sage ever got to play against her 'old' town of Natick. Unfortunately, none of her kindergarten and first grade friends were on the team. Maybe they should have been, because Natick really needed the help. Sudbury came out strong scoring two in the first half. Even with the lead, the half had been very competitive. In the second, the BLAST passed and shot their way to five more goals. Sage pitched in with two assists, before playing some emergency goalie. The starting goalie was injured when a Natick player kicked her in the hand. Sage jumped at the chance to defend and posted her second shutout in as many games. "Wow, I really punted that ball high"

"Make-way, coming through..."

"So nice of you to hold my hand, while I school you in how to make a move!"

Big games coming up this week as Southboro comes to Sudbury on Tuesday night and then the BLAST travel to Weston and Ashland over the weekend. By Sunday, the season will be half over.

Time for new office space

Weekend project took on a new meaning this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the playroom became the playroom plus an office. Papi and Yaya came up from PA and led the charge. In three days, all the studs, rough electrical, sheet rock, and trim were completed along with hanging four new doors. Even the new guest bedroom was painted and that includes the closets. Next up is for Grampy's back to recover so he can help finish the electrical and for Chris to complete all prep work on the walls. Should have a grand opening in a couple of weeks. Thanks to all who helped. It would not have been done without you.

Safety Sage

The Peter Noyes Safety Patrol drafted Sage to guide the younger kids out to the buses and cars. Sage also enforces the 'No Running through the Gym' rule. Fortunately she only uses her considerable powers for good.

Rain Cannot Stop the BLAST

Sage's soccer team won their first game of the year Saturday morning. In a driving rain, the BLAST beat Wayland's top team 2-0. Sage played goalie in the first half. She defended well and blocked all shots. Several of her punts sailed towards the mid-field line. In the second half, she played a defensive center middie which support a strong defense. Always good to win the season opener!

BLAST Soccer Schedule

Date Time Field Home Away

9/12 10:30 Cutting BLAST Wayland Celtic

9/26 10:30 Cutting BLAST Natick Ninjas

9/29 5:30 Haskell BLAST Southboro Explosion

10/3 10:30 TBD Weston Thunder BLAST

10/4 4:30 Briasco Field Ashland Fire Storm BLAST

10/17 10:30 Claypit Hill Wayland Celtic BLAST

10/24 10:30 Cutting BLAST Ashland Fire Storm

10/31 10:30 TBD Natick Ninjas BLAST

11/07 10:30 Cutting BLAST Weston Thunder

First Day of Fifth Grade

Hard to believe that Sage is off to her last year of Peter Noyes Elementary school.

Chicago Adventure

Big weekend in the windy city for Mom, Dad and Rayne. We were out to partake in the Rhyne family reunion. It was good fun to meet and re-meet all the aunts, uncles and cousins. There was even an opportunity to see the baseball fields and check in on Ryan, who is working in a laboratory at ITT for the summer. Raynie really enjoyed the Lincoln Park Zoo with all the animals.

Sage and Amelia to Harwich Port

This is what happens when you mix two ten year olds with very exciting two day visit to Aunt Judi and Uncle Tim's beach house. Keep in mind, this photo is from the backseat of the jeep and we all know how comfortable it is back there.

Ice cream, bike rides, trampolines, restaurants, beach time and kites were the big activities. The girls even played a few round of soccer golf and did some 'shopping' of the original house items.

Many thanks for having us.

Baby's got Game

Who says that Sage is the only soccer star in the family? Rayne has some slick moves of her own. Watch the change of direction move. Too bad Sudbury doesn't have a u3 league. Rayne will need to wait until next year for organized soccer.

Slocum Soccer Camp

Sage survived the Slocum Soccer Camp. With temperatures ranging from 85-95 degrees for five straight days, Sage competed with everything she had. She was assigned to team Sweden and she wore their blue and yellow colors well. Sage played inspired goalie with several saves to keep her team alive in the scrimmages. She also created some brilliant field play. On Thursday, she scored all three goals for her team. It was a physical, challenging camp that should make her ready for the start of the BLAST season.

The photo series below shows Sage making a move and blasting it past the goalie!

Harwich Port Birthday Weekend

Big party down in Harwich Port for Uncle Tim's birthday. Rayne had a great time hitting the beach during the day. She really enjoyed swimming with Mom. Maybe next year she can join in the Ritchie Invitational Golf Tournament. The evening party was a big success and Rayne stayed up way past her bedtime. Balloons and fancy dresses always are a big hit.

Sage the Fisherman

On Tuesday morning Sage and Gramp took the SnowMade and went out for the first fishing trip of the year. Sage captained the boat while Gramp set up the poles for trolling. After not much action in the first hour, it was time to drift fish. Using seaworms and squid, Sage immediately caught two scup on the same rig. She continued to have success reeling in 13 fish total. It was quite the collection of scup, dogfish and one rock bass. Sage is holding the rock bass and enjoyed it for lunch.

Wayside Inn Craft Beer Festival

While Yaya and Papi were in town, we headed to the Wayside Inn for the Craft Beer Festival. The food and beer were very good, but the entertainment was even better. Rayne met a friend named Emma and had a great time dancing the night away.

All of this does lead to the question of what do you do with a drunken sailor early in the morning?

Breakers Game

Good times at Harvard Stadium as Sage, Annie, Grace and Rachel went to the Breakers game with Chris. Breakers had to win to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, they lost 2-1. However, the girls did manage to get onto the big screen at the stadium, so all was good. Sage also got Kristine Lilly's autograph after the game.

Elite Soccer Camp

Sage spent four days at the Elite Soccer Camp this past week. It was held at Bentley College and she went with Amelia and Izzy. The three friends were the three youngest players in the all girls camp. Temps soared into the high 80s each day, but with loads of gatorade and popsicles, they made it through. Playing the older kids was tough, but Sage thought it made her a better player. The top picture is Sage heading the ball away during one of the scrimmages.

Camp Gramp Week Two

Week two of Camp Gramp hit the road. A big field trip to the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence RI for the green campers. Everyone got tattoos! Snakes were very popular, as were the special glasses. A run to the candy store and more beach time filled the rest of the days. Good times.

Rayne's Birthday Party

Rayne's second birthday party or 'Elmo Party' as Rayne called it was great day. All her friends came at 11 for the kids portion of the party. There were little ones everywhere. Elmo was also everywhere. Kristin and Aline created a giant balloon rainbow that circled a hand painted Elmo. Rayne really enjoyed the Elmo cake as well. She ran until 2:30 before finally crashing for her nap. The parents enjoyed a relaxing afternoon in the sun... basking in all the joy.

Thanks to everyone who came and helped to make such a special day for Rayne.

Mpre pictures on the web at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/mcclure.christopher/RayneSSecondBirthdayParty#