End of Soccer Season

Yes, it's November, and that means Fall Soccer Season has come to a close. Yeah! Oops, did I say that outloud?

This was Daniel's rookie season and he did Awesome! Watching him play was fun and exciting, probably because the boy was really really happy out there playing. He scored anywhere from 2-7 times per game and found himself outrunning most of his teammates. Many times when he would score, he would turn around immediately and hold up fingers to show us how many goals he had that day. He honestly couldn't tell you if his team won or lost, just how he did that day. The best word to describe him playing was Joy. That what he felt and what he exudes on the field. We really can't wait for the boy to play again in the Spring, and neither can he.

On the opposite end of the spectrum was Ashley. This was her 6th soccer season and probably her last. While she really liked practice, she has stopped enjoying playing the game. She had moments of greatness, but overall, it was a battle to get her dressed for a game every week. For us, it is sad. Ashley is not a bad player, she is fast and has good ball handling skills. For her, it is all in her head. No longer is she the standout player who scores 8 goals a game, now all the girls are good. Some are really good. Ashley just doesn't like it. She wants to be the best, the fastest, score the most goals. Its been a difficult adjustment for her to work her way through the middle of the pack. So, rather than fight it another season, she will move on to another sport or interest. She took tennis lessons last Summer, so maybe we'll go back to that. But swim team starts again in April, and she still has dance classes every week, so maybe we'll just enjoy one less practice a week to attend.

We have lots of great memories of Ashley playing these last 2 1/2 years. I can't wait to see what she wants to try next!

Keeping them busy

What do you do in a store to keep your little kids busy and out of trouble? Here is a good example of what we do while the 6 yr old is getting a haircut.

Give your 4 yr old the camera!

The video's a little looney, but hey, that's us!

Phi Mu Legacy

A few weeks ago, I took Ashley with me to a Phi Mu Homecoming brunch for both Alumnae and Collegians at U of Houston. It was her first introduction to Phi Mu and she loved it. Her favorite part were the sorority colors! Pink and White. Once she discovered our colors were Pink and White, she decided we had to wear pink - rather than UH's Red & White for Homecoming.

Ashley was a big hit. All the girls thought she was adorable and Ashley had a ball checking out every inch of the sorority house.

We had a great time seeing the Collegians, some Alumnae and the house. The best part was introducing Ashley as a legacy and an added bonus was UH winning the football game!

When Bayou Oaks at University of Houston was being built in 2003, Brian and I purchased several personalized bricks to help out the Phi Mu housing fund. This was Ashley's first trip to Greek Row at Bayou Oaks, so her first opportunity to see her brick. It says, "Ashley Lynn Jones - Phi Mu Legacy". Don't you just love the picture?

ABC's

Here is a video I took today of Birdie singing the ABC's



Two things - first, that is a UH Cougar head on her cheek (temporary tattoo that stayed on about 4 days) and second, what she says at the very end of the video is "More, please."

Bowling Anyone?

We attended a BOWLING birthday party today! It was such a blast! Even Laurie got a chance to bowl. She absolutely loved it.

Daniel really liked to help Laurie when it was her turn.



We can't wait to go back as a family for more fun!

Preschool & CDO Pictures

The younger two came home from school this week with their school pictures.
Aren't they adorable?

Guess What We're Starting?

Yes, it's that time again. The little potty has come out of the closet and has found its way to the living room floor. Laurie has no problem wanting to sit on it, but she has yet to put anything in the potty. We're waiting for that Aha! moment when she gets its purpose.
The cutest thing is that Ashley is really working with her on it. This morning, I came into the room and Ashley had taken Laurie's diaper off and had her sitting there in her nightgown. She didn't go, but there was Ashley talking to her like a little Mommy.

About mid-morning, Daniel had taken her diaper off and was encouraging her to go on the potty while they were watching Dora. They're both really getting into it. Hopefully, Laurie will catch the excitement. If not yet, then she'll get it once she finds out what she gets when she puts something in the potty. (We've always given little marshmellows for #1 and a dum-dum for #2).

We've taken the first step, so I guess we are on our way. The end of diapers is finally in sight!

10th Anniversary Trip

At the end of October, Brian and I, along with David & Leah, spent 5 days in Playa del Carmen Mexico to celebrate our 10th Anniversary. We stayed for the second time at a wonderful luxury, adults only, resort on the beach. El Dorado Royale. What a trip! Excellent accomodations, amenities, and wonderful food! We did hit the gym a few times to work off all the amazing meals, but it actually just allowed us to eat more.

Usually on the last day of a trip away from kids and home, we are ready to get back, but not this time. We both really enjoyed the relaxed nature of sitting on the beach or at the pool for 5 days. Not even the rainy weather could bring our spirits down. Is it too soon to plan another trip?

On 2 Wheels

The kids and I spent this afternoon enjoying the great November weather. Ashley has been off and on again trying to ride without training wheels but on her old small princess bike. It has been really hard for her to get the hang of it, so I had a bright idea to take the training wheels off her big Ariel bike instead. What do you know? I guess having her ride on a bike her size made all the difference. She did Great! Sure, it took a little coaxing for her to trust that she could do it, but Boy, was she proud of herself!

With Ashley on the big bike, I put Daniel on the little princess bike (which is the same size as his red bike, but doesn't have the training wheels). He did great also. I couldn't get a video of him because I had to hold on and get him started and kind of run behind him. Of course he crashed a few times, but laughed and got right back up.

Birdie had a great time watching everyone and riding her tricycle, well, except for when Daniel rode away on it.