Little League 2011 Comes to a Close

Today was closing day ceremonies for Valley De Oro Little League. I thank the good Lord that Christian and Lily had a fun and safe Little League season. They both improved so much over the season. Mommy and Daddy enjoyed watching the kids play and we are all a little sad that the season is over.

Christian played in the minor league division this year for the Indians. They had a great season and finished in 1st place. Christian played 3rd base and ourfield this year and is know for hitting the ball hard.

Lily played t-ball for the Phillies. She was fortunate to have some really great coaches. She learned to hit the ball off the tee and to hit the ball when her coached pitched it to her. She got to play all the positions, but the she enjoyed playing catcher the most.

Goodbye

Today is a sad day for me. My beautiful cat Amber passed away. She was 17 years old. I found Amber in a pet store many years ago before I was married, and I fell in love with her and brought her home. She brought a lot of joy to my life. I will miss her, she was a dear friend.

Universal Studios

We spent fun family weekend at Universal Studios. It is Alex's favorite theme park and we hadn't been there is years. We drove up on Saturday and stayed at the Sheraton right across from Universal Studios. We spent all day Sunday and most of Monday at Universal. The little kids had a great time and so did us big kids!

This is the Donkey from the Shrek movies. He talks talks to the crowd and makes jokes. Lily was totally enamored with him.

Christian thought the shark hanging in the Waterworld auditorium was very cool and wanted his picture taken with it. Alex and Lily decided to get in the picture too.

Lily poses in front of the War of the Worlds set while on the studio tour.

Christian on the studio tour in front of the set for Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds.

Lily was very happy to meet Spongebob and pose for a picture with him.

Alex loves classic horror movies and enjoyed posing for a picture with Dracula.

Swim Lessons 2010

Lily and Christian posing with their swimming certificates

Today was the last day of swim lessons. Every summer Christian and Lily take swim lessons. They always enjoy it. It's so much fun to be a pool on a hot summer day. Christian's back stroke is looking really good and Lily can now dive down to the bottom of the pool to retrieve a dive stick. Since this was the last day of lessons they got to play pool games and jump off the diving board. After the lessons were over the instructor presented their certificates and we celebrated by having root beer floats.

Lily's 1st Soccer Practice

Lily at her first soccer practice

Yesterday was Lily's first soccer practice. She was really excited about it. First I took her to get her the equipment she would need. She picked out a set of pink stripped cleats, shin guards and soccer ball.

Concentrating . . .

Wham!

Before I go to bed at night I go into my kids rooms to check on them and give them a kiss while they're sleeping. When I went into Lily's room to check on her, I saw that she was sleeping with her soccer ball. I thought it was so cute. I love this girl!

Christian Goes To Camp For The 1st Time

Yesterday I dropped Christian off at camp for the first time. I had some mixed emotions about it. I was excited for him but I was having some separation anxiety too. It was kind of bitter sweet for me. He was totally excited about going and had been looking forward to it for weeks.

Here he is at camp

Christian has picked out his bunk

Christian and the other boys discover some big rocks to climb on

Lily decides to join in the fun

Checking things out

We go on a tour of the camp and discover there's a big pool with a pool slide. Looks like fun!

Christian wearing his new camp t-shirt. The camp theme is "Extreme".

EXTREME LIFE - EXTREME LOVE.

Christ’s love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do. II Corinthians 5:15 (The Message)

Lily rests in a shady spot

Lily sits on Christian's bunk. She really wanted to stay too, but she isn't old enough yet. In a few more years she'll get her turn to go to camp. This week Lily will have Mommy and Daddy all to herself for the first time in her life. I'm going to try and do some special activities with Lily this week so she won't feel like she's missing out.

Christian's Spring 2010 Piano Recital

Christian played Fur Elise by Beethoven. He did a lot of practicing getting ready for the recital and he did really well. Mommy and Daddy are very proud of him. He did a good job, don't you think?