I have been slightly avoiding talking about golf too much because I shared so much about it on here last summer.  Since then, I haven’t picked up a golf club and my kids have gotten way better.  I guess that’s not a bad thing – that’s actually fantastic!  But I do have a little remorse that I haven’t followed up on my aspirations of joining the golf community.  This summer I’ve been more of a spectator.  Sometimes duty calls (i.e. being a mom to 4 super busy kids).  For now, I’m loving being a spectator but will never forget taking lessons at Lake Quivira with Morgan…we had an absolute blast!

While we were on vacation this summer, my brother graciously attended the Burning Tree Golf Academy picnic and awards.  This is the first time we have missed the picnic.  It’s always burning hot at that course – I’m starting to wonder if that’s the reason the course is called Burning Tree!  I’m happy to report that the Conley Crew swept the tourney with first place finishes.  Way to go kids and thank you, Collin, for re-creating an awards ceremony for us!  You’re awesome!

Thank you Papa and Greg for being awesome caddies!

When we returned from vacation, Morgan, Jake, and Drew had the opportunity to work as driving range attendants and ball spotters for the Lake Quivira member guest tourney.  They really raked in the cash!  It can be long hours and very hot, but it’s so worth it!!  Jake will spend his tip money immediately on tennis shoes and golf stuff, Drew and Morgan will save.  Thank goodness someone has learned!The first week of August is the Overland Park Junior Golf Tournament and it’s permanently on the calendar.  This year, I had all 4 kids playing in it and it’s 3 full days of competition with varying tee times.   I walked back and forth so many times, the volunteer staff members were really getting to know me.  I’m so proud of all of them!Jake played some of his best golf and earned 1st place in the championship flight and was a medalist for the lowest 1st round score.  AWESOME!  Best tournament to date!

Drew earned 1st place in the 2nd flight and 7th place overall.  That’s fantastic, Drewy!

Reece was awesome!  She’s never played 9 holes of golf in her life…let alone 3 days of it! Way to go, Reecie Cups!  She played so well and exceeded all expectations.  I hate to admit this, but visions of her stomping off the course and quitting mid-round did run through my mind.  She actually had a smile on her face all the time!  Woo hoo!

These cute girls were cracking us up!  They take SO MANY practice swings!  We weren’t sure if they were doing it because they thought they had to or out of boredom during times of slow play.  I don’t know…but I bet they swung those clubs hundreds of times each round!  We were worn out just watching them!And WOW – Morgan played 18 holes for 3 days…another first!  We could not be more proud!  She always has a great attitude and shakes off the bad shots.  This is why she is so fun to play with!  You go girl!Day 2 was very rainy and tough conditions but these cuties managed to play right through it.

But overall, it was just a lot of fun on the golf course…

This is my dad interviewing Jake (he’s a super fan!)…

CONGRATULATIONS JR. GOLFERS!Just a couple days prior to the OP tournament, Jake was selected to compete in the PGA Jr. All Stars tournament at Lloch Lloyd.  They made it through the semi-finals.  It was very exciting and fun to watch these guys.  The competition is tough!  Congrats!!

We also had the opportunity to sign Morgan and Jake up for a tournament at Falcon Ridge.  Even my sister and Scott came out to watch since they live on the course.  We had the best time watching her!Every time I turn around, new clubs are appearing in Morgan’s bag!  I don’t even want to know what is being spent on those custom fit clubs.  Apparently she kept getting in trouble at her lessons that she needed better equipment.  Ugh!

She was only a few strokes off of her goal and took 3rd place.  Yay MoMo!Jake took first place in the 12 & Under group and actually also scored better than the 13/14 year olds.  Way to go Jake, you’re on fire!Finally, I will finish this up with a big congratulations to Morgan for making the JV golf team at Olathe Northwest High School and competing in her first Varsity tournament!All of your hard work has paid off!!  Way to go MoMo!