Happy Halloween

From the wizard, ninja and Iron Man.

Fred and Wyatt decorated the back of the truck for Holyween.

Football Finale

Jacob wrapped up his first season of tackle football this weekend. They started off playoffs with a heartbreaking loss on Thursday night to the Chanhassen Blue Machine, where they lost by 1. Today they got to play on the Chanhassen High School turf and had announcers calling the game and the score board lit up. It was so nice to finally know what was happening during a game and what the exact score was. But, it was even nicer to hear Jacob's accomplishments on the field being announced over the PA system. We heard things like "Middendorf on the tackle", "Middendorf and Harvieux putting on the pressure", and "That's a stop by Middendorf". They came away with the win for 3rd place, so the season ended on a high note. Jacob learned a ton this season and came to enjoy his role as lineman. The first game of the season he didn't know what he was doing and was not a happy camper afterwards, so of course I always suggest that swimming would be a great option for him. But then he learns a ton, has a great time with friends, and enjoys the season. He's already talking about his 6th grade season.

Warm-ups

After the win.

Good sportsmanship.

3rd Place Chaska Black

Gavin also had his last flag football game yesterday. His team was missing a few players, so he got a lot of playing time and had a great game. He had a run in for a touchdown, a pass into the end zone for a touchdown, and a made a hand-off that resulted in a touchdown. We had such great weather for this football season, it was great to see the boys playing each week.

Gavin making a hand-off.

Gavin blocking for the running back.

Gavin running for the touchdown.

Celebration donut.

Gavin also started basketball games on Saturday. That team was also missing a few of their players, so he had lots of playing time there. His team looked ready for the NBA compared to their opponents. I think we were missing our weaker players and they were missing their stronger players. Gav and his teammates made a bunch of baskets, did some great dribbling, passing, and rebounding. Looks to be a fun season.

Jacob has started practice for travelling basketball. He is on the 5C team and its his first year travelling. I'm hoping it goes well as he had said he just wanted to do in-house again. However, after a friend's dad said they needed one more kid to make 3 teams of 8, Jacob was persuaded to try travelling. Then after they posted the teams a few of the kids dropped out (don't get me started on that whole deal). They found a couple replacements from the Chanhassen system, so they have a full team again. He's had fun at practices so far and we'll see how it goes once the tournaments start.