The stars were aligned and shining brightly as Minnesota’s pro team, the NSC Minnesota Stars, fought their way to a victory over the Carolina RailHawks last night. It was my first pro soccer game in thirty years and it proved to be a good one. I took a few of the kids and we had a great time. Here’s a summary of the game.

The game was quiet until a second half penalty shot. Joe Warren saved and Carolina missed–the battle continued. A red card late in the game helped Amani Walker of the Stars score in the 90th minute. Here’s a link to the goal.

With the game settled, the fans were able to enter the field and meet the players. We said “Hi” to a few and capture a few images as well. It was a really fun evening.

And we still had a lot of fun.

Fortunately we had a roof over our heads.

I’m glad this one passed us by tonight without much force.

Elena just wrapped up another violin recital this weekend. Many friends and family traveled far to cheer her along. Click over to the recital page to listen to her pieces.

In addition to Elena’s performance, two flute students also performed. Thanks to Roger and Michele Frisch for teaching, coaching and helping these kids express their talents so well.

A very happy birthday to Brynn who turned six this week.

Along with breakfast in bed she most enjoyed a couple of presents: chocolate from Keely and a music box from mom. The music played a rendition of “What a Wonderful World”. When Brynn was born, we adapted the words “I see skies of blue and Brynn Rose too…”

Later, Tracey and Brynn spent some time at the park running and dancing.

The official party came later in the week with just a few of us. As always, the cake was wonderful. It was, in fact, designed by Brynn, built by Heidi.

We had a very fun, grown-up event with Elena and Anders last evening. We took them to see Wicked, the musical. We knew the music and a bit of the story so it was pretty familiar.

Today Tracey took the kids to see a full-size replica of the Old Testament tabernacle–not in the Sinai desert, but in Hudson, Wisconsin. Teens for Christ is the ministry that manages the site. It will be setup through October 15th.

Brynn next to the lampstand. The tubes are hollow to store olive oil.

Historically, the walls and posts were acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold.

The ark replica in Holy of Holies.

Brynn standing beside the laver,  a brass bowl for washing, cleansing and sanctification. The priests would wash their hands and feet.

There’s no place like home(school).

Anders ready for third grade.

Keely ready for second.

Brynn not quite ready…

Okay, now she’s ready. Kindergarten here she comes.

Eighth grade for Elena. Off to Beacon Academy.

If you can get a picture like this early in the morning, you know it’s going to be a good day.

Time for the kids to debrief on the first day of school.

I think they’re all gone. Oh, but they did save some for me after work.

For the last two years, we celebrated the end of summer with a neighborhood gathering. Today, sixty-one of us gathered in the driveway and enjoyed some of the last hours of summer sun.

You’d be surprised how many padawan live in the neighborhood. I feel very safe.

The requisite soccer game began as soon as the best bagels were gone.

Thanks to all the neighbors for coming together and making Rosewood Lane a wonderful place to live.

The kids just finished their summer session at Foss Swim School. It’s amazing to see the progress they make in such a short time. Lessons seem a lot more fun for them than they did for me when I was a kid.