Picture Session - July 2011

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Growing

Lil’ TK has never been much of a swimmer. A couple of scary incidents in the water when he was much younger left him with a bad taste in his mouth for the whole swimming thing. But going to his friend’s lake home over the past couple of summers  and the closer he gets to high school and swimming as a section in phy-ed class has made him want to work on it. This summer at the local pool, he’s started jumping off the diving boards and swimming to the ledge. And then these pictures from his latest vacation to the lake show up on his Facebook page. Not only is Lil’ TK growing up physically….he’s growing as a person.

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A Day at the Park

Big TK, Ang and the Casio Crew hung out together during Independence weekend a couple different times. On July 1st, they went to Westwood for supper. Ang had never been there and it was a beautiful night to enjoy a good meal with good friends outdoors

A couple of days later...Ang and KC went to Sibley Park for a small picnic and to check out the new animal barns. And take a few pics....

 

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Winding Down

It's hard to believe the baseball and softball seasons are coming to an end already. The weather here in Minnesota this summer may have had something to do with that. From rainy and cold to stifling hot in a matter of days each week...it's been hard to find that summer groove.

Lil' TK and the Mankato Royals 13AA Maroon team will be playing their season ending MBT State Tournament this weekend. Coming off the high of the 1st place win in Edina, the boys had a rough weekend in Rochester. Some good practices and some time to reflect will help them get ready for State in Lakeville.

Kels and the Mankato Peppers 14U Blue team found their groove thing at the MMFL Qualifier Tournament in Farmington last weekend to earn a 1st Tier 4th seed placement in the State Tournament this weekend which will be in Forest Lake. Coming off injury to her left foot, Kels came back with a vengeance to strike out the final batter with bases loaded and win the game that propelled them further into the championship bracket at the Qualifier. The team ended up taking 3rd but played some great softball on a long, hot weekend.


Big TK added working for MAYBA as a Gambling Auditor to his list of activities each day. Ang is still with The Occasions Group. One of the companies that is part of TOG, Carlson Craft, has launched a new program called The Celebration Nation. Sounds pretty neat. Check it out (there are even money-making opportunities for stay at home moms and anyone who likes to celebrate life's events!)

http://www.TheCelebrationNation.com
http://TheCelebrationNation.blogspot.com

Abby is not digging all the loud storms and hot, sticky weather. Nor did she enjoy the roof being replaced and the driveway being fixed. All that's left to do that will be loud and have strange people bugging her is the new siding that will be installed soon. She sure does love her walks with Ang though so maybe the Crew can appease her with lots and lots of walks!

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Baseball & Softball

What a weekend for Lil’ TK and the Royals 13AA Maroon team! After a slow start to the season and some disappointing losses, the come-back kids went 3-0 in the Edina Tournament and took home 1st place. It was a fun game to watch, especially the 6th inning where the boys went on a hitting rampage scoring 11 runs (including one home run hit by “Steve”) and blew open the game 17-8. Maroon was able to play some tough defense and hold the Minneapolis Millers to no runs in the bottom of the 6th and the 7th inning to take home the hardware. The team has really gelled in the last few weeks and are playing great together.

Kels and the Peppers 14U Blue team struggled in the A Bracket in the Bloomington Tournament after winning two games in pool play Friday night. Frustrating umpire’s, lack of teamwork and lack of confidence are hindering this team from being as successful as they should/could be. The girls did take 1st in the Farmington Tournament “B” Bracket last week. So, the talent and opportunity are there…now to bring it out with a vengeance.

Big TK and Ang are relegated to taxi duty now that the travel season is in full force. Both are looking forward to the shack getting a new roof, new siding and a new concrete driveway this summer. Abby won’t be too happy with all the commotion going on during the day but the end result will be worth a little doggy anxiety!

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The Von Kopp Family Singers

Kels and Lil' TK performed in their Pops Concert on May 24th. The theme was "Glee-k" and everyone in the choir got t-shirts. It's fun to see the kids perform in something other than sports. Now to get them over their stage fright and show off the pipes they inherited from Big TK!

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Finally Warmer Weather!

The weather has been somewhat of a challenge here in beautiful Minnesota.  A lot of baseball and softball games were cancelled, postponed, rescheduled or played in weather not fit for man nor beast. Big TK and Ang were so excited to see the kids playing for the Mankato West Scarlets this year. Here are some the memories Ang was able to capture.

 And of course we can't forget Miss Abby Lou - who is loving the green grass and spring-like weather that FINALLY made it our way.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love