Axel's first soccer game and Goodbyes to Annika

Last Friday after school the kids cooled down reading books to each other. They are best friends or worst enemies. Luckily, at this moment they were best friends. 

 Daddy had to get finger printed to before the first soccer game. It is required for all coaches. We met him at the finger printing place and then after showering up headed to the first event of the year. The back to school picnic. The high light of the night was the free ice cream/ Popsicle. You can tell both kids thoroughly enjoyed their treat. Phoenix managed to finish the entire big Popsicle by herself which resulted in bad dreams and her coming into our room at 2 in the morning. Keith and I both noted this to ourselves and we will make sure no more loads of sugar for her before bed.

 On Saturday morning before Axel's big game I had him make a birthday card for Riley since he wouldn't have time once he got home from his game. Of course, he went over the top and made an amazing three dimension card. I am still impressed with his imagination and creativity. He is so gifted!

 Annika stopped by to give Axel a good luck card since she couldn't make his game. Axel really appreciated it and wanted to make sure he included it in his picture. Here he is all ready for his game. Phoenix and I were unable to attend as well because it was during her nap time. I didn't want her to miss her nap considering we had Riley's birthday party that was scheduled to go until 8pm and they were up until almost 9 pm the night before.

 Riley is in second grade but just turned 8 years old. He is really into football. His mom, Robyn made an amazing home made birthday cake and cupcakes all in his favorite football theme. The kids had fun, but this was a really big learning lesson for Axel as he had to fit in with Riley's friends. Axel was the only baseball buddy invited and he was a year or more younger than most of the other kids. Both Keith and I were really proud of him. He had to pull daddy aside for a short bit to unload his frustration, but over all I was over the top impressed with him maturity and how he handled the situation. I think I would have caved in and asked to leave, but not our Axel! Go Axel!

 On Sunday night we had the Zimmerman's over for dinner. It was bitter sweet. The kids really enjoyed spending the evening with Annika and Marlena. Here is a cute picture at dinner.

 Marlena stepped right up and tried to put Pheeny's hair up. She claims that she doesn't want to babysit because she is afraid of messing up, but I think she did a great job hanging out with the kids. I think by the end of the year she will be more into it. She made varsity volleyball and plays travel club ball so she is very busy, but hopefully she will find some joy with hanging out with the kids. Keith and I would really like to have another sitter to call :)

 On Tuesday night after soccer practice we headed over to say our final goodbyes to Annika. I don't think the kids really got the fact that she is moving away, but it was nice to give her one last hug. We are so excited for her future and have been so blessed for the almost 5 years she was a part of our lives. She plans on coming back for Christmas and next summer, but after that she is on the fast track to finish school in 3 years.

Tomorrow Axel has another soccer game and we are suppose to find out what team Axel is on for baseball which starts next week as well. We also have Keith's MIT buddy's 40th birthday bash in Halfmoon Bay and the possibility of buying a car this weekend. We will see if any of the dealerships want to give us a good price. We are getting excited about the car, but have decided we rather wait a month or two to get the price we want so let's see what happens!

Our First Grader and more

Phoenix (and sometimes Axel when he is not in camp) were really starting to enjoy story time again. Here is Phoenix doing an art project after story time. This was our last story time for a few months as Axel is back in school and Phoenix is in daycare on Thursday because I am working 4 days a week.

On Fridays we continue to go to Jack Fischer Park. Phoenix loves going and she has several friends she looks forward to playing with. 

It was a bit cooler than it usually is so Phoenix wore my jacket. What a cutie! She borrowed a friend's rocket blaster and had over 30 minutes of fun watching the rocket blast into the air.  

 Last Saturday we went to Braylin's second birthday party. Almost all of my pictures turned out blurry so I don't have many to share. We were glad to take part in celebrating her special day.

 I love this picture of Axel enjoying a cupcake. It was decorated like a ho-ho because it was a a ho-ho cupcake with cream in the middle. Yum!

 On Sunday we went to Josie and Dilinger's 4th birthday party. It was at a local park and we were all melting from the heat. I forgot to mention that Braylin's party was moved inside because of the severe heat (105) and the dangerous air quality from all of the fires. The air quality was a lot better on Sunday, but not great.

 The kids somehow managed to have fun despite the heat. Axel and then daddy had the painting artist paint a flash symbol on their left arm.

 Axel later had a rainbow painted on his right arm which daddy thought looked like our favorite rainbow ball. I forgot to mention on our last post that Axel started tying his shoes on his own. He has known how for awhile, but is finally skilled enough to get it tight enough and double knotted so that it doesn't come on done. Just another example of how our little boy is no longer such a little boy.

 On Tuesday at 5pm Axel and I got to see who his first grade teacher was. He was on the class list for Mrs. Boehm. She was a second grade teacher that is a surprise first grade teacher this year because her son is in second grade at Marshall Lane and she didn't want any issues.

After we swung by Marshall Lane we then headed to Axel's first soccer practice Tuesday night. Axel and Phoenix had a blast. 

Here is the team with the three coaches and of course little Phoenix! It was really fun watching Axel enjoy himself so much, but even funner to see little Phoenix mixing it up with the boys with her pinkalicious soccer ball. 

 Proud daddy capturing a picture with Axel before bed after his first practice.

 Wednesday morning was Axel's first day of First Grade!

It was such a different experience compared to last year.

Keith and I struggled to get Axel to take pictures with us. He wanted to get right into his classroom and get to work. We were able to get one family photo and one picture of him in front of his room. I thought it was very funny how Axel really didn't even want to give me a hug or kiss. He is very used to going to class by himself because he goes to morning care. On Friday when I brought him to school I had to remind him to say goodbye to Phoenix and I. This is a big wake up call for me as he begins to become more and more independent from here on out. Keith and I are very proud of him and can't wait to see what this year brings!

The rest of the week brings more fun. We have Axel's school picnic on Friday, his first soccer game on Saturday, a birthday party on Saturday evening and a good bye dinner for Annika on Sunday. 

7 years of marriage with a visit from Grandma Susan

This weekend and last weekend we had very productive visits to the car dealership. To give you idea of what we do while we are talking and figuring things out here is a picture of Axel and Phoenix running down a long hall. The kids have been very good overall, but it takes a bit of creativity to keep them entertained and behaving well. 

 On Wednesday night I picked up Grandma Susan from the train station. On Thursday morning we went out to breakfast at Stacks because daddy had a doctor's appointment in dermatology later that morning to get a possible basal cell carcinoma removed. He will find out in a week or two if it was benign or positive.

 We had an awesome breakfast with awesome service. The food came fast and was well enjoyed.

 The kids were so happy that Grandma Susan was in town!

 After breakfast we headed to story time. Axel received his certificate, a free book and free passes to The Children's Discovery Museum for completing the summer reading program.

 We had some fun play indoors at home in the afternoon too. Axel purchased these new omnifix building cubes with a gift card from his birthday after attending a math and art camp. Grandma spelled Phoenix's name so Axel spelled his name.

 On Friday morning we decided to head to the Discovery Museum because we had 2 free tickets.

 This was Phoenix's and Grandma's first time there.

 Although Axel has been there a handful of times there was a new West Wing that he was able to explore. The climbing wall was one new thing he discovered.

I find it fascinating how the exhibits can grab the attention of children all ages.

After two hours of fun we headed outside for a picnic lunch. We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon together with fun indoor art projects and a long trail walk with Louis.

On Friday night Keith and I went out for dinner. We decided on the Cheesecake Factory so we could enjoy some yummy cheese cake after our meal.

It was a nice dinner and amazing Tiramisu cheese cake. After dinner I was feeling so uncomfortably full we decided to walk around the mall. We ended up buying Axel lots of great dry fit clothing from Old Navy for great prices before heading home for the evening.

Here is a very cute picture of Keith and Louis from yesterday morning. Yesterday we were able to go for a nice bike ride together and then Aunt Shannon, Uncle Ryan and Braylin came over for a short visit. Grandma and the Jolley's headed home just after noon. We headed to Hyundai on Capitol Expressway to finally test drive the 2016 Tuscon. We are excited that we finally found our vehicle, but are a little bummed that we have to patiently wait for a Limited to come in. We then had a nice dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Fiesta Del Mar, in Mountain View.

After lots of great time with family we have our last full week of summer. It is amazing that the new school year is practically here. Check back soon!

Summer Fun

Phoenix started back at Angela's and Axel started up summer camps over the past two weeks and both are thriving. Axel really enjoyed Campbell Care camp as he was with a few of his classmates. Phoenix loves Angela's because she is back in with her girls as the leader of the pack. I didn't realize that she was such a leader, but Angela really wanted to let me know this week how much she likes to run the show and how much the other girls look up to her and follow her around. Fun! I would have never guessed seeing her do everything her big brother does.

 A week ago Thursday the temperatures cooled down for a few days. Here is miss little Phoenix wearing my jacket. 

 On Friday we headed to Jack Fischer Park for the first time in awhile. Phoenix still loves the swings, but likes to play on the play structure more and more. She truly is a little monkey.

 Axel had a blast playing with the little kids. I am very proud at how well he adapts and is able to play with kids older and younger than himself.

Last Saturday morning we went to our friend Alex's 5th birthday party. It was at one of those indoor play centers. Axel had so much fun with Alex and his friends.

Phoenix had a blast as well. they had a great section for kids 3 and under as well as a kitchen and grocery carts, which is always a real win for Phoenix.

My two munchkins waiting for birthday cake!

Here is Alex and Axel playing with the goodie bag toys before we headed home for nap time.

I have been really bad at taking picture the past few weeks, although I was inspired to capture a photo of our little old man wrapped up in a blanket. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful loving dog. It makes me sad knowing that his days are numbered. We received a call from the owners of Touie last weekend. Touie unfortunately passed away. He was filled with fluid and by the time Ia took him to the vet they said his cancer was spread all over and that there was not much they could do. It was a tough decision for Ia because she loved Touie so much, but she put him down so that he wouldn't have to suffer. Keith and I were very sad because we didn't get to see Touie this year like we usually do. Ia and her husband are getting older and it is hard for them to host their annual 4th of July BBQ. She was very kind to call Keith and inform us.

Over the past two weeks or so Axel has been working on this 500 piece puzzle that he received from Grandma Susan last year. He was finally ready to take the time to complete this puzzle. I was extremely proud of him. He did over 50% of this puzzle by himself. I am hoping he will want to tackle another big puzzle again soon.

In other news, this week has been quite eventful for the kids. Phoenix had a low grade fever last Sunday and when I  picked her up at Angela's Monday evening she had a rash over most of her body. It happened to be 5th disease that she and another child at daycare picked up. On Tuesday when I came to pick her up she was holding an ice pack. Angela informed me that she got stung by a bee on her finger. She was very upset about the bee sting and if you talk to Phoenix today she is still talking about how the bee bit her and that she killed it. The story keeps changing and getting funnier and funnier.

In Axel news, he went to a great camp this past week, called Blending Math and Art. He met a new friend that he really likes. Her name is Chloe. Chloe doesn't go to Marshall Lane, but will be taking another camp with Axel in a couple of weeks. Axel really wants to have a play date with her, but he said he is happy to be spend another week with her at camp for now. This is the first time that he has talked about making a friend at camp, so Keith and I were very excited for him.  

We rode to Marshall Lane one night this week. Axel continues to enjoy riding his bike. Phoenix lost interest after getting her cast off, but finally rode her bike well on this particular evening. Unfortunately, her 10+ minutes of bike riding ended with her first crash. Somehow she got a bruise on her forehead. We can't figure out if her helmet gave her the bruise of if the helmet came up and her forehead hit the pavement. Luckily, she was fine and we played a bit on the play structure before heading home.

We continue to car shop and we think we have it narrowed down to the Hyundai Tuscon, Sante Fe or Kia Sorento. Now only time will tell what we will end up with and who will give us the best deal :).

Today we are going to check out a pool/club that we plan on joining next year. It is open April through October. It looks like Axel is going to join their swim team as well. We are really excited about the great find and can't wait to see how the family enjoys it today. Until next time...