More Soccer!

Yes, it's February and I'm not to Christmas yet. So, it seems silly to drag out a soccer season that has long since passed. Here are some more photos of Matt's fun on the field last season!

He LOVED playing goalie. He didn't have to be aggressive and chase the ball. He could hang back and wait for everyone else. He could use his long kicks to get the ball away. Maybe that's why he volunteered just about every time!

Love this action shot!

He played soccer in our street just about every day we would grant him permission to "go out front!" He just couldn't stop and would do it whether he had on tennis shoes or his Rainbow sandals. He just wanted to kick the ball around. Love his passion!

Viva Las Vegas!

We went to Las Vegas with the boys to visit some friends and attend their baby shower. Some of our good friends from Texas were able to fly in and join us for the shower. It was great to at least see some of the old Galveston crew during our time there.

We went to Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay with the boys one afternoon. It might be our last aquarium visit for a while. Matt seems to enjoy some of the experiences, and remembers it well. However, while he's there, he constantly says he's ready to go.

The interactive stuff typically gets them both!

Acting unhappy!

They climbed up on this box and looked like they were about to dance a jig. Cracked me up!

But the shark hat had to be the highlight! Unfortunately this was the best shot I could get.

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!