Playing Soccer

Both kids are now playing soccer through our church's Upward Soccer league.  We signed Jackson up on our own - knowing he's really good at kicking balls and this is the first time he's been old enough to play on an actual team - thought he would love it.  We gave Rachel the choice to see if she wanted to try it.  Honestly, I was more concerned about Rachel enjoying it than Jackson.  They practice once a week - both at the same time so that's nice.  And their games are on Saturdays.  So far they've practiced twice and had their first games today - which just so happened to both be at the same time today.  So, Michael and I had to split up and each watch one half of each game.  

Rachel has done really well so far.  She is enjoying it, trying hard and doing her best.  

Very proud of her so far.  

Jackson on the other hand...it depends on his mood - which changes oh so easily.  The first practice, I was over there with him and he started out fine... Then his shoe started hurting him and it all went downhill from there.  The second practice, he did much better!  Today at his game, he initially didn't want to go out, but he did and he played really well the first half.  Then that was about it for him - didn't want to be out there at all the second half.  So, we'll take it week by week and see how it goes.  Hopefully he will continue to get better - even if it's just being better at being on a team and staying out there - I'll be happy with that.  

Before the games.

Rachel's team warming up.

Devotion at half time.

Rachel was a cheerleader on the side when she wasn't playing.  She taught the other girls several cheers and made them fit her new team.  She also got the sportsmanship sticker for today.  

Rachel throwing it in.

 Jackson's team before his game started.

He's number 4.

Hot and tired boys eating their snacks afterwards.

Keep your fingers crossed that we have more of the better days than the not-so-great ones! 

First Days

Monday was the first day of school for the new year.  Rachel started second grade and Jackson started Pre-K.  They were both up and ready early and we had plenty of time to wait on the school bus (which was late by the way). 

 

 

 

 

Silly faces!

 

 

 

This is a picture of Rachel and her new teacher at the Meet-and-Greet last week.  So far, she really likes her. 

 

 

 

They both had great first days.  Jackson's teacher said he had a "perfect first day - using his manners and listening very well".  This is Jackson's last year at Kids R Kids.  He's doing their private pre-k program, the same one that Rachel did.  I can't believe that next year, he will get on the bus and go to school with Rachel.  I may have a hard time with that...

Jackson Turns Four!

Thursday was Jackson's 4th birthday.  He was very excited about his birthday but turned shy on the day of around other people.  We let him open a few presents that morning before school.

 

 

 

He and Rachel both love this Sully mask.

 

 

 

Rachel, Michael and myself all went to his school in the afternoon and brought cupcakes to celebrate with his class.  Jackson was so shy with us there.  Rachel enjoyed dancing with the kids - even if Jackson wouldn't!

 

 

 

 

After school, we let him open a couple other gifts as well as his new bike!  He was pretty excited about that!

 

 

Everyone loves Olaf!  So cute!

 

 

 

 

He got to pick where we went for dinner that night and luckily it wasn't McDonalds this time!  He chose Mexican - so he could wear the hat!  He waited on that part the whole time we were there. 

 

 

 

Saturday afternoon was his birthday party.  This is the first year we've invited any of his friends to come.  He was so excited!  We had an outside water party at our house.  We set up sprinklers, had water guns, added a water feature to their roller coaster, and put the slide in the baby pool we have.  We also tried to do water balloons - and the kids loved them - except for they kept popping before we could use them.  So that part was a bit of a disappointment, but overall, it went really well.  We had great weather and all the kids seemed to enjoy themselves!

 

Waiting on his party to start!

 

 

 

I made his cake again this year.  It was the first time I've attempted rolled fondant.  It wasn't perfect, but I think it turned out pretty good. 

 

 

Two balloons got away... Jackson wasn't pleased with this.

 

 

 

 

Our resident life guard. 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel and the girls.  The one on the left has always loved Rachel...

 

 

 

 

Popsicle time!

 

 

 

Rachel helped us fill up the water balloons for the kids.

 

 

Blowing out the candles on his cake. 

 

 

Cousins!

 

 

That evening, he got to open a few more presents... He's all about Spider Man and other superheroes these days...

 

 

And of course he still loves the Minions.  I just love the big ones!!

 

 

And here he is the next morning in his new costume. He couldn't wait to get everything opened so he could start playing with it all. 

 

 

That's it... He had a great birthday.  We were exhausted - but it was worth it.  Can't believe how fast time is going, they are both getting so big!

 

School starts next week.  Our summer is about over...