The cooler temps and shorter days can only mean one thing – a new season is about to “fall” upon us. The days begin with much cooler temps but still warm up quite nicely. It’s the season when our days begin with three layers of clothing – tank top, t-shirt and sweatshirt – ending with the tank top. By the time early evening arrives, the tank top is eventually replaced with the sweatshirt.
This time of the year also means high school football games, fall festivals and marching bands. I’ve been enjoying the high school experience for twelve years. This is Taylor’s final year which means I have only three more. I would be the first to admit that I haven’t been a good sports fan throughout the years. However, if the girls make the effort to work hard at anything – I’m there! Being sports minded doesn’t run in the Zeorian family. The girls have made an effort to try competitive sports to see if it’s something they want to pursue. I’m proud of each one of them for giving it a try! Jamie tried and decided it just wasn’t what she enjoyed. Jenna enjoyed volleyball and track. Taylor tried and didn’t really enjoy it. Callie’s freshman year is leading her towards basketball and maybe track. I sometimes feel like we’ve failed as parents because we haven’t pushed them into the sports world. Maybe I should have been pushier with the fact but then I think…why? I don’t agree with kids having to participate just to participate. If your kid comes home disliking something to the point of tears, is it worth it?
All the girls, though, have been involved with other activities in school. One common denominator with the four of them has been band and music. Unfortunately, this element of high school isn’t viewed as important to some as the sporting events. This means these events aren’t as well attended and supported as the sporting events. If there are any financial cuts needed, it seems the arts are the first to go. I thoroughly enjoy the music my girls have brought to this household! I have been blessed with the uplifting sounds of song nearly every day. When the final kid has left this household, I will miss the constant tunes that come from having the girls in the house.
Yesterday was Taylor’s final Apple Jack Festival parade in Nebraska City. This year will hold many “lasts” for her but just means more “firsts” are on the horizon. Yesterday was Callie’s first Apple Jack Festival parade. Jamie, Jenna, Brooke, Jillian and I headed for Nebraska City in the morning to make sure we got the perfect spot on the street to view the band AND to pick up candy. Last year, the weather was not so nice to us. It was so cold, we couldn’t get warm enough! I remember Jillian’s little fingers were so red and cold and yet she never complained. This year, the sun was shining and it was so warm it felt like we were sitting in an oven baking. As you will see from the pictures, Jillian figured a perfect way to cool herself off with a little water. They remained troopers till the end knowing that on the way home we would be stopping at an apple orchard for caramel apples and cider.
The Elmwood/Murdock band has a super band director! He has created an award winning band the community is proud to call her own! We added one more award to the list yesterday. Our band received the first place rating for the attending Class C-D schools. They never fail to give me goose bumps when I hear the quality music those kids produce. Am I proud? YES I AM! Congratulations to Mr. Hanson and the Elmwood/Murdock High School marching band!
The Apple Jack Festival has been one of our favorite contests to attend. Now that it’s over, the next HUGE competition will be in Grand Island – Harvest of Harmony (this is one competition that dates back as far as my dad’s high school days). Be watching for my posting on this one with pictures and results. Can’t wait!