Miramar

In October, we took the boys down to Miramar for the annual air show. We prepared and brought ear plugs with us as well.

We started our experience that day with a shuttle from the car to the air show. The first thing we did once there was walk into a cargo plane. Apparently I overdid the sunscreen a bit right before this picture. Matt asked me why I was so shiny!

Smiley Matt!

Ear plugs, sun glasses and a soft pretzel anyone?

The planes and maneuvers were amazing!

It was over the top sunny and hot that day, but we had a blast with close seats to enjoy seeing all the military does with amazing aircraft.

The boys got to climb into a police helicopter!

A closer view of the cool dudes in the helicopter!

Hey, Mommy, look at our cool moves!

Watching more planes fly by as we head closer to the parking lot.

Soccer!

Matt was very into baseball in the spring, and hadn't played soccer yet. Since baseball isn't offered in teh fall around here at his age, we decided to give soccer a try. He initially said he wasn't interested, and didn't want to play. One week in and he was hooked! He LOVED it! He just hated "losing", though they weren't officially keeping score at this age.

Practices were full of a variety of drills.

The first game, coach asked what the 3 rules were. Matt responded that one was "don't cry"! He did a little, but only when they were "losing". Funny how adults don't keep score, but the kids do.

A missed opportunity, and Matt's head was in his hands.

Matt loved the long kicks the best.

I need to be over there, coach!

I think they got scored on. They were so cute, even in their disappointment.

It turned out to be a good season, full of fun moments and some social, emotional and athletic growth for Matt. We'll see how he feels about soccer after baseball ends, but now it's on to baseball again!

Tall Ships

We get to do some pretty cool things around here! One evening, I took the boys to see the "Tall Ships Parade" in Dana Point. They played on their favorite beach, laughed and splashed in the cold water, and watched pirate ships float by all around! It was a great evening!

On the way home, we stopped and got out of the car to get a view from above.

1st Day of School!

It's nearly winter break from school, and yes, I am posting "First Day" pictures! Trying to catch up so I can post something current!

Matt was very excited to start school this year. He'd been out of the school setting since we moved and we were both very eager to get him into a routine, and back with some peers!

Jonathan was not as eager as his big brother to hold his sign, stand still and smile. I got 2 out of 3!

Then I go the smile, but not the sign.

Then came the smile, the belly, and part of the sign!

I'll take it!

Matt & I met up with a friend of his from tee ball and walked to school. It was good to know he already knew at least one person in his class. Once we got to school, we found another tee ball buddy of his. Matt, Jonathan & Ryan were all very excited about the first day!

Matt & his buddy Jonathan listened very attentively to all their new teacher had to say on that first day. The parents stayed and it lasted about an hour, but it was nice to all transition together and ease into this big step!

SC Football!

When the football season began at USC, we had to be there! We got tickets and loaded up the car for the big season opener at The Coliseum.

We got there in plenty of time to walk around, take it all in, and be there for when the team arrived!

Matt got prepared to see the players up close.

The boys getting ready for the big game!

Soft pretzels and silliness

Anyone want some salt?

Our view from the not so cheap seats!

The boys had a blast and made it to halftime, which is more than we expected, given our early arrival time. We will definitely do it again, but we'll wait until next year for the next one!

Indoor Playtime!!!

The boys and I headed to play one day when we had no plans. We had to get out and do something, so we of course chose their favorite indoor playground.

They have both finally mastered the zip line!

Shooting the balls is always fun!

More zipline!

Jonathan even mastered it this time, and hung on for the whole ride.

Apparently we weren't the only ones with the impromptu trip, because shortly before we were going to leave, some friends of ours came in and we had a lunch date after we finished playing. It was a great time!

The Spectrum

We went wandering around The Spectrum in Irvine one day. The boys loved all the sights and things to do around the shopping center.

First stop, the merry-go-round.

Next up, the ferris wheel.

Jonathan finally spotted me on the ground!

After lunch, what else? Dave 'n Busters!

Ditchin' It!

The boys were having fun with their golf lessons and we decided to join Nick at his favorite golf course, "The Ditch".

Matt loved getting a chance on Daddy's putting green.

Don't all golfers have on Rainbows?

Some bunker shots with Daddy!

Raking the bunker! I think this was their favorite part.