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.