Sock Her

Last Friday, we went napless and headed out to the soccer fields at 5:30. Clearly the person who planned the game for 5:30 didn't realize that I usually feed my girls between 5:30 and 6:00. Thank goodness, it was our only Friday night game on the schedule. I think.

When we arrived, there were no jersey's in sight.

Thankfully, they arrived with just minutes to spare. We had guessed they would be white because our team name is "The Snowflakes." I guess snowflakes can be blue, too.

HJ came to the game, too.

Warming up

Love this shot! The two teams: The Sparklers vs. The Snowflakes

Pre-game prayer

Coach Michelle getting the right girls ready to start.

Guess who wanted to play goalie?

I must say I was quite nervous when she went out.

Well, I had nothing to worry about!

Ready for anything that would come her way!

Here's the first goal she stopped.

And here's the second.

And the third!

My girl was on FIRE! And then The Sparklers sent in the big guns. They did get one by my girl before she was sent to the field to try some offense.

Here she is in complete twirling action!

Best shot of her actually dribbling the ball down the field (she's number 16)

This shot is my favorite from the whole game. It perfectly sums up how much FUN AE had playing! I mean, look at that smile!

Getting ready to say good game to the opposing team:

Note: The Snowflakes are facing the wrong direction!

There we go! Good game!

I forgot to mention it, but AE did get called and whistled at for "pushing". Her coach was surprised at the fierceness! Several girls wandered off the field to pet dogs, chase bugs and whatnot. AE was pretty focused and got to take a few breaks on the sidelines.

The YMCA doesn't keep score at this age division, but we didn't win.

Unfortunately, The Daddy couldn't make it to the Friday matinee game, but he'll get to see his girl in action next time. AND all the grandparents will be here to see her too!

Downtown...

A while back when we decided to move, I knew we'd see our friends more often than not. The trip back to Atlanta isn't too far and my in-laws still live there. I also knew that MANY of our friends would soon be embarking on the family vacation of all vacations: the trip to Disney.

So when our friends come down to this part of Florida, we'll make every effort to see them. It's not too bad of a drive for us to get to Disney and parking is FREE at Downtown Disney, our usual meeting place. For kids our kids' ages, Downtown Disney is great entertainment and there are some good places to eat.

Two weekends ago, my girl Fuerl from Tennessee made the trip down with her two kiddos and husband. I neglected to bring a camera*, but I must tell you EARL OF SANDWICH is yummy, really a great place for lunch.

*Edited to add photos from Fuerl:

Happy on the merry-go-round

Annie, HJ, AE

Last week we met the girls' "boyfriends" to eat at the Rainforest Cafe. Brodie and Dylan's family came to celebrate Dylan's third birthday, and we were able to meet up with them on Dylan's actual birthday.

The girls are REALLY afraid of the croc.

So funny, Dylan the birthday boy was wiped out when they arrived!

He had no clue what was happening around him!

Hey, hey! The gang's all here!

Break it down now!

AE being escorted by Dylan and Brodie

There's the birthday boy AWAKE!

Every man for himself!

Not sure what HJ was creating

AE built a structure as tall as her.

The Daddy took this one. Sweet.

Getting ready to line up a few more visits with friends this summer. Would you like to be put on the calendar? :)

A New Passion

Here's a sneak peek of AE at her very first soccer game last night!

Art Is Fun Day

AE's school is located in a local church. A beautiful one!

Can you tell we live in Florida?

There is a central courtyard and this view offers a peek into the phenomenal playground area at the school.

When we arrived, the girls got to string some beads to go on their bag. Publix donated bags for the kids to carry all the art projects. Now we have two more grocery bags!

The best thing about the day was HJ got to participate in all the activities with her sister. She can't wait to go to school there too this fall.

First stop: coloring fish.

HJ quickly wrapped up her fish and REALLY wanted to swing and play on the amazing play structure. More art to do, darlin'!

Mrs. Whilhite (AE's teacher), AE and Mrs. House (TA)

What day of art would not be complete to a little girl without a rainbow?

The requisite doorknob art.

She was so proud!

Wikki Stix make good jewelry!

My favorite (and easy!) button art project

Both girls were VERY selective with which buttons would go on her art.

Throwback! Record player art!

Sister even helped.

Time for a SnoCone break in the playhouse

This interaction CRACKED me up! The little boy knew AE's name, but she didn't really know him. He had on a Spider Man t-shirt and awesome cowboy boots. They followed each other around for a while eating their cones.

He was a mess.

She was careful.

This was a butterfly project. Stuff bag full of stuff. Use pipe cleaner to twist the center together and make wings!

AND NOW, HJ you may play!

She loves the swings:

After a little play time, we headed inside for the art show. AE had two creations on display:

I love how proud she is:

Here's a better view of the playground:

As we were leaving, I stopped to get a few shots of the church and the girls played peek-a-boo around this tree.

What does it look like AE is saying? Does it look like she is smelling something gross? Ewwwwwwwww?

Yes. She did. And we found it after she climbed into the car, all the way up to her car seat. IT WAS DOG POO. On her shoe. and the back of the driver's seat, on the car mat, on the bench seat, on her leg, on the car rail...you get the idea.

SHOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

But we still had so much fun.