MVP Performance

Under the lights on Monday night, Carson and the Vikings increased their record to 5-0 against the previously unbeaten Jaguars. The Vikings jumped out to a quick 16 point lead with touchdown runs of 45 and 52 yards. Then the defense took over. The Viking defense once again proved their stinginess and refused to give up a score. Through five games, the defense has yet to give up a TD to their opponents.

Carson personally stepped up the challenge last night with 6 solo tackles in the backfield for losses. He displayed previously unseen speed containing the Jaguar running backs as they attempted to run to the outside. Coined the "Headhunter" by his defensive coordinator, Carson lived up to his name and had a career game at the cornerback position. His efforts last night earned him defensive MVP and was awarded the game ball by his coaches. We are so proud of the energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship he displayed on the field.

This was the toughest, most closely battled game of the year. The Viking's posse (fans) were in full force and encouraged the kids while attempting to keep the referees honest (but thats another story). Nothing was more priceless than listening to Jackie cheer for "her baby" to tear someone apart. Now in sole possession of first place in the league, the team has two remaining games against the Cowboys and Falcons.

Cello....Is anybody home?

Well rock and roll music has taken a back seat at the Tucker household as Jackson attempts to move us toward the classics. He will be learning to play the cello and studying strings theory at Rollings Middle School of the Arts for the next three years. The interesting aspect of all of this is that Jackson never played a stringed instrument before this year (unless you count the piano). He was accepted into the school based on his ability to play and read music (from piano lessons) and to keep and differentiate between different beats.

We initially cringed at the thought of transporting the cello back and forth to school on a daily basis. But, things worked out in that there are cellos for the students to use at the school and we are renting the one that stays at the house. We just couldn't see strapping a cello and a backpack onto Jackson as we sent him out the door.

We are excited about Jackson taking us into this new era and hopefully we can add some culture to what we have already gained from living in South Carolina (LOL). While this will be Jackson's primary musical assignment in school, he is also interested in playing another instrument in the school band. Stay tuned....

Ready For Primetime

It was all about football on Saturday in Summerville, SC. As you can see, the team was ready to go and the crazed fans were painted for the occasion.

With a national focus on Summerville High School for one Saturday afternoon, you would have thought that the winningest coach in football, ever, would have brought his team to play. Well that wasn't the case. In front of the ESPN cameras, the Summerville Green Wave was out-performed, out-juked, and out-coached by a nationally ranked team from Florida. No contest, but......do not fear......

The pride of Summerville Green Wave marching band brought their best to the game and looked and sounded great in their first performance of the season. Harrison was stoked for the opportunity and the national TV exposure. Would he be discovered? Would they catch his good side? Does he have a good side? Wait....does he have a saxophone? Well not exactly. Only minutes before he had to be at the school, he became aware that he had left his sax on the bus Friday afternoon. What to do? Well, without a panic, mom went into action and called our good friends the Rivers. Their son Michael jumped at the opportunity to have his sax on national TV. The day is saved! Freshman year, first game, national TV, and a valuable lesson learned.

Harrison and the band played many songs and cheers from the bleachers and did an abbreviated halftime performance. It was a wonderful experience to see our new high schooler "plugged in" and enjoying one of the more successful organizations in Summerville. We are very proud of how hard he has worked to get ready for the season.

Midway through the 3rd quarter the heavens opened up and the rain, thunder, and lightning came. The game was delayed for nearly an hour but Jackson and Carson found plenty to keep them busy. The game resumed, but only a limited number of the band returned to the stands. The woodwinds left their instruments inside as not to get their pads wet. We stuck around until the bitter end, but overall the Tucker family had a wonderful time.

First Day of School

Today, August 20th, is the first day of scholl in South Carolina. Harrison is now a Freshman at Summerville High School, Jackson is in 6th grade at Rollings Middle School of the Arts, and Carson is in 3rd grade at a brand new elementary school.

It was a day filled with mixed emotion. It is so exciting seeing my babies grow up and the new adventures that are in store this year, but MY BABIES ARE GROWING UP WAY TOO FAST!

The logistics are slightly challenging as this is the first time the three boys are in three different schools. So far, we have managed to get them out the door on time.

Now the evenings are filled with homework, band practice, and football practice. It is only a matter of time before the school projects begin pouring in.