Virginia Beach and Soccer

Two weekends ago, Lyla’s team had a state cup game in Virginia Beach on a Saturday afternoon.  While we certainly could have driven down and back in the same day, we really wanted the chance to hang at the beach at least for a little bit, so we got down to VA Beach on Friday evening and after checking into our hotel and grabbin a quick dinner we got to the beach to walk in the sand and enjoy the peaceful sound of the waves.

 

The next morning we went back down to the beach and were treated to an absolutely beautiful morning.  You could tell it as goin to be a beautiful day, and while I would have loved to spend all day there, we enjoyed some time before we had to head back to the hotel to check out and head over to the soccer fields.

The game was quite a physical one, but the team won, so they at least rode home happy!

 

There’s been quite a bit of soccer these days as the girls are in the middle of their fall season, and it’s been a lot of fun to watch them.  Last week, unfortunately, Lyla sprained her ankle badly enough that it kept her out doing much for the week, but as the bruising is starting to subside and the ankle is feeling better, we’re hoping that with continued treatment (and a good tape job) she’ll be back out there and playing as soon as she can.

 

 

 

Sky Meadows Day

We had a free Saturday on a beautiful day in September, so we decided to head out to Sky Meadows for a quick hike.

  

We took a nice 5+ mile loop with some great views of the valley (including walking up to the top of the overlook through a field of cows), that lead us up to the Appalachian Trail and then across to another overlook then back down through the cow pasture.  

 

During this time of year, the vegetation was in full growth, so the path was a little overgrown in spots, but when we got to the clearnings, all the vegetation was really nice.

  

     

The dog who will do anything for treats…including a quick pose for the camera!

 

 

  

  

 

 

After the second overlook, we could take a trail that brought us back to the first overlook so we could walk back down through the field to our starting postition.  The cows were clustered around the trail area where we needed to walk to get back down to our car, and they weren’t that intent on moving.  Thankfully, Cayenne stayed quiet and calm and Mark made loud noises and they moved off (LOL!) but we definitely had to pass through a large portion of the herd before we were clear of them.

 

 

Typically after a hike, we like to find somewhere fun to stop afterwards, and this time we decided to try Lost Barrel Brewery as we had heard good things about it from friends.  We got there and found a table, listened to some live music, ate dinner and had a beverage then headed back home.  It’s always one of my favorite types of days where we’re outside together doing fun/active things! 

   

Doggone Wild Pool Party

The weekend after the pools closed, one of the pools in our neighborhood hosts a Doggone Wild Pool Party.  Dogs are allowed to come to the pool and swim (since the chlorine has faded out of the water) in shifts, get dog treats, and play on the pool deck.  Nina was working the event, so Cayenne got to come and hang out during one of the sessions, and she had a blast!  It was her first time at the pool party, and she ran, swam, got plenty of dog treats, and had such a good time.  It’s a great idea for the dogs and a lot of fun for their owners also.  I’m so glad Cayenne got to go!

  

  

  

  

A Collection

I really haven’t brought my “real” camera out this summer nearly as much as I would have liked, but here is a collection of some camera phone photos collected over the past month.

 

We had Maggie stay with us for a few days, and when she arrived, we thought *maybe* Mags was in need of a bath. Maggie evidently does not like the bath much at all, so not only did it take some work to get her in the bath tub, but once she got in, she wasn’t too happy about it.  What was really cute though was that Cayenne stayed in there with her and gave her some kisses and kept her company.

    

They also watched the bird feeder together much of the day (watching for squirrels) and both share a dislike of storms, so they spent time together in Nina’s room when some thunder was rolling in.  Even though they are different in many ways, they are good buddies and they get along well together.   

 

Nina and her friend started coming to my Friday Body Flow class towards the end of the summer.  It was fun to have them, and I wish school didn’t interfere with them continuing to attend, but it was nice while it lasted.  Lyla started back to soccer towards the middle of August and had a fun 3v3 tournament one weekend and a full team tournament the next weekend.  It’s good to get back to watching some soccer again.

    

  

Cayenne continues to live her best life every day, but I do think (aside from hot walks) she loves the summer.  With the girls home, she’s always got plenty of attention most days, and let’s be honest, aside from food, attention is a “must need” to survive.

   

Mark and I also did sneak out for a date night when we had an unseasonably nice summer evening.  The weather was comfortable and nice, and it was a beautiful evening to be out.

  

Then just as soon as it started, summer came to a close.  The girls had their first day of school this week - both at Independence High School.  Lyla got to find her way around the school at the open house a couple days before school started, then on Thursday, they had their first day.

Lyla did great adjusting to the change at high school.  She found her way to classes, made friends, and survived the stressful lunch routine.  She’s off to a good start!  Nina had her final two days of Behind the Wheel before school this week, and on Friday she passed her driving test, so she was super happy about that!

  

We celebrated the start of school and the drivers test with dinner out at our favorite pizza place on Friday.  These milestone just keep coming along quicker and quicker.  Days, weeks, months, and years are just going at such a fast pace right now.  We’re enjoying the time we have in this phase right now, and even though we didn’t do as much this summer as we did last summer, it still flew by.  Hoping for a great year ahead for the girls!