Spencer - Swimming Update

Spencer has been practicing two days a week with the H2Okies team. I try to get there about 15 minutes early to pick him up to watch some of the practice but by then they are usually finishing up with drills. I knew he was looking smooth and confident in the water, but this is the first I have seen him swim FAST!!  I told him today I don't like to lose races to anyone but my kids and I look forward to him smoking' me in the pool. I think that day may have arrived!!

Futsal

Grant has started playing "Futsal" which is an indoor league of 5 on 5 (I think). There are two 20-minute halves, coaches, and a stats keeper. This week, which was their second match, neither side had extra players so they were all out there the whole time and it's tough!!  It's a bit brutal with kids tripping, bumping, and sliding, and poor Grant took a direct hit of the ball to the face. He bounced back pretty quickly though.

Here are a few other pictures that make me laugh!!! 

Grant and Trixie!

Grant bouncing  on the Bosu, Spencer computing!

First Snow Sports of the Year!

We got out for the first snow sports of the year in very mild temps - in the mid 50s. As I pointed out to the kids, it was about 15 degrees warmer than the triathlon I did in October!! I was not able to ski last year so it was nice to get out with them this year, and nice to be familiar with the facility. Spencer put this video together (more on Cort the Sport's blog):

The Movie Trailer

Spencer and his friend Davis had some fun the other night!! I don't know what it is about this movie trailer but it makes me laugh every time!! It's well worth the 55 seconds to watch!

Family Photo!

We were long overdue for a Martin family photo! So here we are, the day after Christmas, outside enjoying some mild temperatures.

Christmas Day!!

It was a terrific Christmas here in Blacksburg, still unseasonably mild and sunny. That didn't prevent Santa from coming (nor did our lack of chimney). Spencer enjoyed his MacBook and Arduino hardware and Grant was excited about his Acer tablet and videorecorder plus night-vision goggles. Christmas Eve included the Martin family traditions of herring salad and bread, while Christmas morning featured Cortney's homemade waffles, sausage, fruit salad, and coffee cake from the local bakery. The kids are now entrenched in their new electronics and Cortney had time for the annual Christmas Day nap!! It's shaping up to be a relaxing lazy day around here.

Merry Christmas!!

Brotherly love!

Oma and Grandfriend

Let's try the new rock hammer on the gingerbread house!

Good morning!!

New rule: nothing made of cloth for Christmas please!

Cheese puffs and a new MacBook. Who could ask for more?

The aftermath!

Winter Break, Week 1

We've had a BUSY and fun first week of winter break!

• Bowling with William and Andrew
• Ice skating with William and friends
• Grant worked out with his gym teacher Dan White
• Swimming with Vivian, Simon, and William followed by snacks at the coffee shop
• A shopping trip with Aunt Elisabeth
• A return trip to the pool for Grant with Andrew
• Spencer cheered on the VT Basketball team with Davis
• Spencer attended John's birthday party
• Cortney and Grant had dinner out together
• More cookie making
• LOTS of programming as Grant is wrapping up his biggest and best computer game yet.
• Started on another puzzle!
• Frosty 5K