Football Sports Spectacular

This fall consisted of football and more football:  soccer and flag football to be precise.  Simone played her first organized team sport with practices 2x per week and 3 weekend jamborees.  She did pretty good.   Sometimes it's hard when the boys and girls play on the same team - even at this age, the little boys are more aggressive than the girls.  However, Simone held her own when she mixed with the fellas.  We are proud of our little striker!  Cullen embarked on his third season of BGC flag football.  He had a great team complete with his 3 best buddies (Jack, Owen and Will).  There was no score kept in this league, but Cullen was certain that his team scored more than all of their opponents.  Cullen even took after grandpa Flyer with a few TDs of his own!

F is for Four K Fieldtrip to Fergusons

Simone's 4K class took the ever-anticipated fieldtrip to Ferguson's apple orchard.  It was a beautiful fall day.  The tractor ride was a hit, but the kids seemed even more excited to drive the tractor-trikes of their own.  From hale bales to baby goats to fresh apples - the kids loved it all!

2 Wheels

And just like that, Simone now rides on two wheels. One evening, she looked at us and said, "I am ready to ride without training wheels."  Unlike Cullen, Simone showed little to no interest in her balance bike.  Therefore, we weren't sure how this would go.  Simone has a very healthy level of self-confidence.  She knows with absolute certainty what she wants.  Once Simone sets her mind to something, she goes after it with determination.  Whether it's arguing for another cookie after dinner or riding a bike, she goes after what she wants with 100% effort.  So... Dirk took off the training wheels, placed his hand on the back of the bike and helped her off down the street.  And just like that he let go and she peddled a few feet on her own.  Simone is cautious and didn't want to go too fast or too far, but she rode - on two wheels all by herself!  After some time practicing, she now rides down the street - long distances without hesitation.  This little girl can do anything she sets her mind to!

Cullen grew up and got a big kid bike:  complete with hand breaks.  As we watched Cullen early in the spring, we noticed his legs had to pedal so fast to gain speed on his small bike.  This kid had a major growth spurt over the winter.  Off to the bike shop he went - and came home with a bike fit for a big kid.

Obligatory First Day of School Post

Cullen is officially a 1st grader and Simone has joined him at Cathedral Elementary school.  Neither of the Swanson kids was nervous.  The first day was filled with excitement.  Cullen joins his buddies Jack, Owen and Eva in Mrs; Servais' class.  Simone joins her bestie, Stella, in Miss Jensen's class.  Thanks to our awesome, artistic nanny, Abby for the driveway chalk art.

Last days of Summer.

The Swanson kids had a great summer.  Days were spent playing with the neighbors, Harry and Cal.  Fishing, fort building, biking, hiking, swimming, etc.  One of the last 90 degree days brought the perfect opportunity for a lemonaid stand with Jameson and Quinn.  We also had to say goodbye to our nanny, Abby.  She is still around, but super busy at UWL.  Abby became an honorary member of Team Swanson and we hope to have her back next summer!

Door County Tri

Put it in the books.  I completed my first sprint tri (quite the feat for someone who hasn't taken a swim lesson since the 2nd grade!).  Dirk rocked the 70.3 half-ironman and Cullen creamed the competition in the kids tri.  We had a great time in Door County and the athletic competition made it a memorable one! 

La Crosse Tri Weekend

Simone competed in her first tri and showed the boys how it's done!  All three did great in the La Crosse YMCA races.  The family that tris together sticks together - right?!