Saturdays.....The Day of Rest

Aaaah! Saturdays- the blessed day of rest and relaxation.......

Not!

Well, maybe if your children are all grown up and moved on to the next stage of their lives. But I 'm just guessing, since I haven't hit that stage of life yet. But I do dream of those days often. However, if you happen to have any teenagers living in your house, you know what I mean!.

The last two Saturdays have found Carl and I on opposite ends of this island we call home. Not separately, of course, but together. First the southern end, and just recently the north.

Two Saturdays ago, we traveled via the team bus, with Jacob's soccer team to their tournament in Kaohsiung, the second largest city in Taiwan.We left the cold and rainy central area for a warmer and more pleasant climate.

Jake played well, as did the rest of his team. They brought home second place. They are in a rut-  second place in volleyball. Second place in softball. And now second also in soccer. I hope they break out of that rut for basketball!

This past Saturday, we once again boarded the team bus, but headed north for Taipei, the largest city in Taiwan. The sporting event, not soccer, but track.

Ben competed in the long jump, triple jump, and  the javelin throw.

Abbi long jumped,  ran the 100 meter hurdles, and completed the second leg of the 4 x 100 relay

Unfortunately, for both of them, pole vault was not offered.

For some reason, we seem to be a pole vault family.  Last week, they both placed first in the community meet. Of course, Abbi was the only girl competing, but she broke the school record. Even Jacob has spent time learning to wield that pole!

The best thing about attending sport events at TAS (Taipei American School)  is the western chain restaurants near the school. For lunch, I had a Subway sandwich. Supper consisted of dessert first, a Blizzard from Dairy Queen (just opened in the last six months!), followed by a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. Such little things make me happy!

Next Saturday is Morrison's Invitational Track meet here in Taichung. Ben, Abbi, and Jacob will be competing. Pole vaulting is scheduled as one of the events.

The following Saturday is the elementary and middle school's track and field. This is a huge and major event for the students. Divided into multi-age teams, each child competes in two track events and two field events. It's on a Saturday, so all the parents can come cheer the athletes on. I am praying the warmer weather sticks around. Last year, track and field day was chilly and with a couple drenching downpours. Being outside all day is more enjoyable when it's warm and sunny. 

In two weeks, Carl, Ben, and Abbi will be traveling to Okinawa, Japan to compete at the Marine base.

Ben ran 6.5 miles yesterday to help raise funds for the team to participate. I don't know about you, but I was impressed!