Back to School

Kylie is now a first grader! I have to say this is very strange for me, considering I taught first grade for four out of the five years that I taught school. I LOVE first grade...let's just say that her teacher better love me so that I can come in and work with the kids. I have been waiting for this since the moment I realized I was no longer a first grade teacher. I look forward to a great year with Kylie in first grade - I know that she will do great. She already loves her teacher Mr. Dalilis (having a male for a teacher is no big thing for her - he's just like her Daddy). She is now playing on the big kid playground, and is so much more independent. We are so proud of what a great reader she is, and how much she loves to learn. We will keep you posted on school fun throughout the year!

AYSO - Another Year of Soccer is On

Here we go again...back to the crazy weeks of practicing, and weekly Saturday games. Actually, we really do enjoy soccer, it just keeps us very busy. David is coaching Kylie's team for the second year in a row, and it seems like we have a great team again this year. We are the Dragonflies and will be wearing bright neon green - how exciting (not really)! Now that she is in the U7 group the fields are bigger, they play longer, and they have a keeper (goalie) - which they did not use last year. She has improved a lot since last year, and it seems like she is starting to get a bit more aggressive. It's funny to watch her run down the field - she definitely runs like a dancer. It was extremely HOT for the first game, I was amazed at how well all of the girls kept up. They worked hard! I'm sure we'll share more exciting soccer news in future posts. Watch for Chad's pics of soccer coming soon. He will be playing with Parks and Recreation in a couple of weeks!

And Then There Were Teeth

So....Kylie and Chad had no teeth on their first birthday. I was expecting the same for Cameron, until he started to wake up at random times in the middle of the night. It's been really frustrating, but I knew that some teeth had to eventually pop out. It's taken a while - but they are here! Last Saturday morning, he woke up toothless. By 2pm, as were were getting out of the car, I noticed two little teeth on the bottom of his mouth. It was pretty funny, we all surrounded him and started to cheer and clap - and he looked at us like we were crazy! It's funny how the littlest things are so exciting (even with the third child!). See if you can notice them in his picture taken a few minutes after they were discovered.

Summer Swimming

Swimming Lessons

We decided to come back to Corona Parks and Recreation swimming lessons again this year, after having private lessons in our neighbors pool last year. The private lessons really paid off, because Kylie and Chad both moved up a level and were so much more confident this year! They had a blast, and have both become little fishes in the water. Watching Chad dive down under the water with no fear, and watching Kylie do the "chicken, airplane, soldier" stroke while floating on her back was awesome! I'm always amazed at how tan my kids get at the end of the summer season (well, maybe just tan for our family!).

Family Day in Solvang

On our way home from Pismo, we spend the day in Solvang. We had a great time walking around the cute town, and the kids really enjoyed being outside. The highlights were having pea soup at Andersens, eating great ice cream, and riding around town with the kids in a bike that was large enough for all of us. The kids got to sit in a basket in the front, and could not get enough of the hills in the neighborhoods of Solvang. It was a great day.

More 4th of July Pics!

4th of July - better late than never!

I know, I know - July 4th was a long time ago - but I'm just getting around to my summer postings. This was our only trip this summer - a drive up to Pismo Beach to stay with Jeff and Marisa. We always have a great time with the Hills, and we even got to be there for Isaac's baptism. We went to a home town parade, and then headed for the beach. It was a great day! Thank goodness for our free country!

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!!!

I honestly cannot believe that Kylie is six years old, and just participated in her fourth recital. I remember signing Kylie up for dance class right after her third birthday, and wondering if she would enjoy it. I don't think I realized what a committment dance would become. She does love it, and after every recital I am reminded why we pay all the money that we do each year. She lights up on stage and is such a performer. She really enjoys dancing and each year begs me to add another class to her schedule. This year she participated in six numbers - CRAZY - I know! I'm very proud of the little dancer she has become, and it has been fun to watch her grow! These are the few pictures I have saved right now - some of her many costumes. Unfortunately, we are not able to take pictures of her on stage during the show - wish you all could see how excited she gets when she's up there! It's been fun!