Fall in Alabama

Hello everyone!! We are doing well. Sorry we haven't updated lately, I have been busy.

The kids are enjoying school. Emma still wants to be with mom, I can't go to the school to eat lunch or to her class activities without her crying when it's time for me to leave. Clark and Ryan are enjoying their classes. Clark is adjusting well to the changing of classes (like Jr. High). He has to do a lot more projects this year than he has had in the past. Ryan was tested and accepted into the Ace program this year. He really is enjoying it, he is learning some fun ideas. Monday is parent teacher conferences so I will find out how they are actually doing, they tell me they are doing well, their weekly papers look good so I believe them. They are so busy between soccer, piano, scouts and dance for Emma they seem to be having a good time.

Last Saturday we were invited to go to the Auburn/New Mexico State game by a friend from Herff Jones. It was fun, we tailgated with them and then walked over to the stadium. I couldn't believe how big the stadium was, it was so cool. I think we all enjoyed ourselves.

I am going to get back to this, I have some pictures to go with what we have done this fall. But I have to learn how to do that. I will try to get back either later today or tomorrow.

Love ya' the Draper's

Going to the Gulf

On Saturday we took off for the coast. We ended up at a town called Gulf Shores in Alabama. It was beautiful, the sand is just so white and you could actually wade out in the water and not worry about the waves. Just as we got there a little boy had gotten stung by a jelly fish, so Ryan would not go in the water. Everyone was already in there so dad went and tried to get him. It took a lot of coaxing but he finally got in. Clark and Emma had no problems about getting in. Clark kept going out further and further, we had to keep calling him back, he had so much fun body surfing he didn't realize he was going out further. The only problem we had was that the water was sooo salty that it burned the eyes and the nose when you were suprised by the waves. Emma loved being in the water, dad taught her how to jump the waves by herself. When it was time to get out the kids did not want to get out, so we told them that we would visit the coast again.

We left Gulf Shores and headed towards Mobile where the Battleship "The Alabama" is docked. Carrson was in heaven. We got there 30 minutes late to buy a ticket to get on the ship, so we have to go back there too. The boys were excited to see the ship, they also liked how there were tanks, jets and even a submarine. So we will have to spend more time there.

We hope that you are enjoying your summer, let us know how you are doing.

The Drapers

Summer Vacation '07

Sorry that we have not updated this for a while. We have had a busy summer. Towards the end of May we took off for a vacation to Utah, Carrson had to be to the Logan Plant (Herff Jones) for a week, so the rest of the family tagged along. On our way there we were able to stop in Nauvoo and Carthage, IL. It was a great experience for us and the kids. I think the kids (and dads) favorite part was the pioneer games area. They played games that the pioneers played. We do have photos and we will get them on the blog soon. The kids also learned how to make rope, barrels, how the pioneer women baked bread and we also learned how they made bricks.

On May 28th dad flew back to Alabama and left the rest of us there. While we were there Clark and Ryan got to go and visit their school classes in Smithfield. Clark was able to go on a field trip with his class. The boys also got to go to Scout Camp with friends while they were there. Thank you to those of you who hepled make it possible for them to go. They really enjoyed themselves.

We also got to go camping, swimming, 4-wheeling. We were able to visit Promintory Point while we were there. Clark and Ryan were able to answer questions about the park and become Jr. Engineers. They thought that was pretty cool.

Also Ryan had a very special day while we were there. He turned 8 and he was able to be Baptized. On Ryan's birthday we went to Lagoon, he thought that was great but by Saturday he asked if he was ever going to get a cake. Mom kind of forgot about that since Thursday was his birthday and he was Baptized on Saturday. She had quite a bit on her mind. But the day turned out to be a wonderful day, and he finally got his cake on Sunday (Going to Golden Corrall wasn't enough). We also want to Thank everyone for their help in seeing it happen and for coming we really appreciate your love.

Not much has happened since we arrived back home. We have been getting ready for school to start. It starts tomorrow (August 7th). The kids are so excited to start, Emma asks every day if it is time for Clark And Ryan to go to school, because she knew she was going to be able to go when they went. Clark will be in the 5th grade, Ryan starts 3rd, and Emma will be in all day Kindergarten. Mom dosen't know what she will do. The boys are starting paino Wednesday, Emma starts dance in a couple of weeks, and soccer starts for Clark and Ryan at the end of the month. Clark also wants to try a do the Chess Club at the Library when it starts. Mom's hands are going to be full between homework, Scouts and everything else. Well that's what has happened here so we will talk later.

A Hat Trick, a Shutout (sort of) and a Princess

This past weekend we spent Saturday morning at Prattville HS for the kids' soccer games. Clark's team had its biggest challenge so far this season. They played a team that was very physical and could score. Late in the game we were down 5-3 and we thought the game was lost. However, Clark and the other forward on his team had other ideas. Clark took a pass and broke for the goal and while the goalie tackled him to keep from scoring, Clark was still able to get the shot off and scored. With the game nearing an hour played, we didn't think we had another chance. Then the kick off was stolen, passed to the far side forward who then worked with Clark to move the ball down the field. Clark finished off the drive with a score from the left side! After the goal the referee blew the whistle indicating the end of the game. Tied 5-5!! Clark was the hero of the game with three goals!!!!

Ryan continues to be impressive at goalie. He loves stopping the other team and no one has yet to score on him. His team did give up some goals, but as Ryan is quick to point out...not on him!! He cracks us up...one minute he will be a social butterfly and the next he is yelling out instructions and focusing on attacking the ball. What a nut!

Then there is our princess. Emma was a trooper Saturday. Her team was short handed and thus were out numbered on the field. While careful not to mess up her hair, she did manage to get into the mix and kick the ball. She did get tired at the end of the game and was ready to go home and play with her toys. I don't think she gets into all the sports stuff, but she does have fun and that is all that matters.