Jake's U-8 Dare Devils FC

This is Jake's 3rd year playing soccer and from here on up no more coed teams. So we had to say goodbye to his former coach, who is still coaching his daughters' teams. Another new thing for U-8 soccer is they begin playing the keeper/goalie position, therefore it's 4 on 4 with 8 kids on the team. Jake have really enjoyed soccer the previous years and we hope it will be something he can carry on for the years to come.

Jake's new uniform. Looks way better then the t-shirts from the years past. The coach also got them matching shorts and red socks so the team looks really sharp together.

Jake scoring a goal during his first game of the season.

Team photo day. The boys waiting for their tardied teammates.

Jonah and Kira did a fabulous job waiting in the small space while Jake was getting his pictures taken. Plus I bribed them with popcorn.

Jonah-s U-6 Blue Lightning FC

Mike and I have the pleasure (or frustration) of coaching 6 wonderful 5 and 6 year olds. We're half way through our season and everyone is doing doing very well.

Team picture - I elected not to be in the picture.

These photos were taken by Madison's mom at practice. The kids' favorite game at practice is Cat and Mouse, but most of them sabotage themselves so they could be the cat.

These pictures were taken by Madison's mom again, thanks to Leanne, during our second game of the season. Which was also the infamous game when I got into a yelling match with the other team's parents - I know so unlike me. The kids did an awesome job and we came out on top!

Happy Birthday Jake!

Jake turned 8 this summer. It's amazing how fast timee flies. I can't believe he is 8 already!!! We celebrated his birthday by going to his favorite restaurant, Red Robins for dinner. Then on Sunday we had a party at Sullivan Park for him. The kids had a great time playing on the ginormous playground and swimming in the lake.

Jake's hamster, Sniffy, whom he adores and takes care of. Kira excited for all of her big brother's presents.

The kids watching Jake opening his presents at his party.

Nate. Jordan, and Jake playing in the sand. I think Jordan was trying to cover himself with the sand.

Water balloon fight.

Happy Birthday Jordan!

Jordan is Jonah's good friend, probably Jonah's best friend in preschool. We had a blast at her 5th birthday party.

Summer 2009

Fourth of July

Kira riding her trike chasing boys.

I just love to watch her sleep.


Kira at the playground while her brothers are at soccer practice.

Coast Guard helicopter at Brier Park for some reason.

Seattle Sounders Summer Camp

Since Seattle acquired a professional soccer club, it's only fitting that they had some sort of youth summer program. Jake was able to attend the Seattle Sounders soccer summer camp for 1 week this past summer. Our goals were for him to pick up some new skills and to get more exposure and practice time before his soccer season began in the fall. To our surprise, Laurel (in pink), also was there for the same camp. They buddied up together since they didnt really know anyone else. Overall, I think Jake learned a lot, and we're hoping for a great soccer season for him.

Next to the camp was a little playground. We discovered this broken tube and took a cute picture with Kira.


The Sounders also hosted a campers' appreciation event at Qwest Field. We basically watched them practice for a couple of hours, then all the players introduced themselves, and at the end the kids were able to get some autographs from a few players.

Summer 2009 - Seattle Pro Sports

Kids running around the bases. This is Kira's first time running by herself, but my camera malfunctioned, so I wasn't able to capture it on video. The boys always liked it when they get to go on the field...as long as it's not an extra-inning game, it's actually quite enjoyable.

Mike takes the boys individually to the Seahawks pre-season games. Jonah had a great time.

Another Mariners' game, and of course the boys ran around the bases afterwards. I believe this was the game that they got Griffey backpacks as well.

Jake having a great time at Qwest Field and enjoying his cotton candy.

San Diego Day 8 - Knott's Soak City Waterpark & Benihana

On our last full day in San Diego we went to Knott's Soak City Waterpark. Mike and I debated going back to Legoland for a 3rd day, but we were really glad that we went to the waterpark instead. The boys had a blast going down water slides and playing in the pool and floating around the lazy river. We got there early enough to get our hands on some lounge chairs under the canopy - thank goodness. I didn't get to do pretty much anything because of Kira, but I still had lots of fun hanging out with my little princess.

Caking on the sunscreen.

This was the only water slide Kira could go down on because she was so short. We tried to get her to go in the morning, but she wouldn't do it by herself and I couldn't slide with her because this is an area for 48" of below. Finally after she napped we had Jonah take her up there and she totally loved it. Every time she slid down she wanted to "do it again".

We decided to have a special dinner at Benihana's for our last dinner in San Diego - plus it was conveniently located behind where we were staying anyway. The boys were thoroughly entertained with the teppanyaki chef - though it was really weird to hear Japanese out of a Hispanic person :)