The Petersen Clan : November 2017

As usual we have been going one hundred miles an hour with school, sports, after school activities, and Jordan's studying.
Both kiddos finished their soccer seasons. I was able to co-coach on Austyn's team. She did amazing. She really improved from the last time she played and she had so much fun playing. She does have a hard time getting aggressive enough to get the ball out of the pack of kids. She's just too sweet to play rough. She is always concerned that she will hurt another kids feelings. Quade did very very good for his age. I put him on a kindergarten team, so all the kids were a year older than he was. Unfortunately I had to pull him out mid season because his legs were having a flare up again and he couldn't run and was in so much pain. Poor little guy.

Jordan was able to squeeze in a hunting trip with Quade one day. He was so excited about it. He got to take his own gun and Jordan gave him a knife to carry while they were out there. They didn't get anything or see anything that day, but the memories made were priceless. Then one morning after we dropped Austyn off at school Jordan looked out our slider door and there was a little spike in the backyard. So he went and got the gun and shot it off the front porch. It was so exciting. It madethebest jerky I've ever had.

Halloween was a success as always. Again the kids said no to me making their costumes. So store bought ones it was. Austyn was a mermaid and Quade was a pirate. They looked adorable. Jordan had to work this year, so my Mom came along with us. We met up with my Dad, brother, and his girlfriend to wander around the neighborhoods later in the evening. We missed Jordan, but the kids had a blast.
Because of Jordans promotional test he had to skip out on Elk hunting this year. But we didn't let that stop our annual Mimication! I love that it is something that the kids and I look forward to every year. We went to Driftwood Shores for two nights this time. One day we went to the Newport Aquarium and then the next day we went to ride go carts at one of the family fun places in Florence. We filled the rest of our days with swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming, and more swimming. And also playing on the beach in the 70 degree weather. It was the perfect trip! And we are so so lucky to have my Mom make this a special annual tradition for us.
Jordan has successfully completed his promotional test. He ranked 3rd on the test which means he will be third in line to get the next available promotion. As of now, he is thinking it might be another year before he promotes. But at this point there could be many unexpected retirements happen. It was a long long road for him. He was so dedicated and worked so hard and diligently for this test. I'm so glad it is over and we can have him back with us. Every spare minute he wasn't at work he was studying at home or doing mock interviews to prepare for this.
Austyn is doing Volleyball and Basketball right now. She is really loving the sports! She has continued her love for school. She is very dedicated to her school work and making sure she never misses a day. She is involved in the Garden Club at school as well. It's really cute, they learn about gardening in different seasons and make projects and crafts. And she is very social. Always wanting PLAYDATES. She definitely got that from her father, because I have such a hard time with it.
Quade has blown me out of the water with his behavior in school. He is the example student (who would have thought) in his class. And is the one that gets to pick from the prize box for being so good. I'm so glad he has the respect and self control to act perfect at school. I just hope he keeps it up! But I guess I would rather have him be a pill for me and be amazing for everyone else. Quade will also be playing basketball this winter. He has been able to practice with Austyn during her practices so when it's his teams turn he will be ready.
Not a thing is new with me. I tried to get a jump start on Christmas this year with shopping and making the gifts I do each year. I should be mostly done before December hits. Jordan and I will be going to Vegas the first part of December. It will be so nice to blow off some steam. Jordan signed up for the Seattle Stairclimb again this year. So that will happen in March. And I think that Jordan and I will both be participating in the Firefighter Fitness Challenge. I skipped last year, but the Grand Prize is too good to miss out on this year. It is a trip to New York during 9/11 and $1000 spending cash. The other prizes are incredible too. And the intriguing part is that you don't have to have the best results to win. You're automatically entered to win if you sign up by just having a beginning and ending measurement. Our chances of winning are slim, but it's a good reason to join the Fitness Challenge and get into some sort of shape again. I'm looking forward to Christmas this year with the kids. It seems like each year it keeps getting better and better with them as they get older. I am a little nervous about our Christmas tree situation though. We always like to put our tree in the living room in front of the big window. But that is also right next to the wood stove. Last year it got so dry I was terrified it would catch on fire. So we will have to revamp our ideas on the Christmas tree. I've suggested an artificial tree or everyone can get their own personal small trees. But my ideas were all vetoed immediately.
Hope everyone has an amazing Thanksgiving!!