The Big (GULP) 3-0!

I had a great 30th! I dropped the boys off at school. Then I met Allison for a run, we went to Starbucks (two of my favorite things!) and played with Molly and Mia before picking up the boys. Allison picked up lunch for everyone and we took the kids to the park for a picnic. It couldn't have worked out more perfectly because there was construction going on right next to the pavilion where we were eating. After lunch Allison brought out a cake and candles and the kids sang to me. It was so sweet. After cake I opened my presents. I got a gift certificate for a spa pedicure, a bracelet that Blake made, and some hip hair ties. After watching trucks and playing on the playground we headed home for naps.


*Side note: while we were watching the construction trucks work, I said, "I couldn't have asked for a better birthday lunch! We even get to watch trucks work!" Andrew turned to me and said, "What do you mean mom? Girls don't like trucks!"

To add to my perfect day, ALL yes ALL 3 kids napped. I showered and laid on my bed in peace for about 20 minutes before Andrew woke up. Once Drew got home, I headed out for a girls dinner with my bible study girls. We went to YaYas, had great wine, food, AND they spoiled me with presents! Thanks girls! I brought my camera along but of course I forgot to take a group shot. Drew got me an iPhone, a skinny watch and 2 bottles of "nice" wine! He knows me SO well!

THEN on Friday. I picked up Allison and met Drew at my parents with the kids. Drew told me we were going to dinner with John and Allison but it dawned on me that John would be out of town when I started planning soccer practice on Thursday and realized he wasn't going to be there. SO I knew Drew had something up his sleeve, I just wasn't quite sure what it was. As I pulled in, Drew had Over the Hill balloons and a 3-0 sign in the yard at my parents. (Isn't he funny?) Then there was wine and cheese out and he even bought the boys some "party favors". I fed Molly and then my mom and dad took over with the kids while we had a few cocktails. To my surprise, John and Christina walked in! I was so excited they would be joining us for dinner! We headed to the "surprise" restaurant, Paul Mannos, and to my surprise, Annie, Lindsey, Stacy, and Brittany were waiting to surprise ME! Dinner was awesome and the girls even surprised me with some beautiful CODI jewelry. After dinner we headed to for drinks at Roxanne. Since I hadn't been out in a while it probably would have been best for me to call it a night BUT you only turn 30 once RIGHT! After drinks, Drew surprised me with with a room at the RITZ!!! It was such a nice surprise. Even though Molly still won't take a bottle, I experimented with her the week before because I knew Drew was wanting a night away. She didn't seem to care that I didn't feed her one morning and still refused the bottle SO I told her I wasn't worried about it if she wasn't and I enjoyed my night away! (Yes, I realize I used the word surprised WAY too many times in that paragraph but I like surprises and Drew has finally caught on after 7 years.)


The buzz kill was waking up the next morning in time to get Andrew to soccer pictures by 9:30 and coach an 11:00 game on the hottest day in September! But it was so worth it. Thank you everyone who made my 30th the best yet!

OOPS! Almost forgot my wonderful husband turned 32 the day before my 30th. I love you Drew! He had a wonderful birthday, work in the morning, golf in the afternoon...came home to a clean house and clean kids. The kids sang him happy birthday, gave them the cards they made, and went to bed!

GOAAAAAAL!!!!

Saturday, September 11 we had our first soccer game. It was an exciting day as a mom, coach, and soccer player. I was so excited for Andrew and so happy he was enthusiastic about the big day. I was a little frazzled and nervous about coaching for the first time; getting everyone on the right field, switching players in and out, hoping the boys would have a some clue about what they were doing and most importantly that everyone would have fun. It was also exciting as a soccer player because it brought back so many memories and great times that I had during my career.

So the Pre K format is 3 v 3 on two different fields. Our team is basically split into two teams and then there are 2 other Pre K teams that split up and we rotate fields. It's pretty confusing basically the boys just need to know what goal to score on. I am on the field with them and try to coach and encourage while they are playing. After the games were over I was left with no voice!


The most exciting part of the day was Andrew's first goal! I probably don't need to type much because Drew captured my reaction:) Obviously I was so excited and I even got a little teary! It was awesome.

First Day of School

Andrew had his first day of school the Tuesday after Labor Day. Unfortunately I had to get some dental work done so I didn't get to take him to school. Drew said he did great heading back to school and Matthew was very upset it wasn't his first day. I got a picture with him before I had to leave and Drew snapped some more while I was gone.


Then Wednesday was Matthew's first day of school. Since he's a momma's boy I was a little concerned drop off could be painful...for both of us. We dropped Andrew off first and then I asked Matthew if he wanted me to drop him off or take him in. He opted for me to take him in. I parked the car and unloaded Molly and him. We walked in and he seemed a little overwhelmed but stayed brave. I gave him a quick kiss good bye and told him I'd see him in a little bit. Thankfully Allison was walking Chase in a few minutes after me. She told me that Matthew was just standing in the room looking lost when she walked in but he turned around and saw her and run up to her and gave her a huge hug with a huge smile on his face. Now that brought tears to my eyes but I was so thankful to hear he was doing well.



I decided to live up my first day with the boys at school and took Molly on a run then ran a couple of errands. I felt guilty making her miss her morning nap but as always she was a trooper. After school I took the boys to Toys R Us to get a special treat for doing so well at school the first day. Also, Drew was out of town so I figured a new toy to distract them would help my sanity later in the day:)



After Matthew napped we headed to watch John's freshman soccer team play since they were playing pretty close to our house and Drew was out of town. By the time we got to the game I knew there would only be about 20-30 minutes left which I figured would be about all the boys would pay attention to. Well unfortunately one of John's players broke his arm right before we got there. We were walking in as the ambulance was trying to get onto the field and they decided to call the game. Of course the boys didn't mind because seeing an ambulance in action made their day. And John let them get on the players bus as a special treat.

Lots of Firsts and the Last Day of Summer

First Soccer Practice; September 2

The day finally arrived. After all the preparation it took to become Andrew's soccer coach we could finally have fun! I have 13 kids on my team and it's a great group. My assistant, John Pacifico, couldn't make the first practice so I was solo. It was a little crazy but I think the kids had fun. We have a lot to learn but it's going to be a great experience!


Right after soccer practice we had Back to School Night at the boys' school. We went to Matthew's classroom first and then to Andrew's. It was completely chaotic but I'm glad the boys were able to see their rooms and meet their teachers before the first day. Matthew only has 10 kids in his class with 2 teachers which is perfect for him. He's also with his buddy Chase which will be extremely helpful in transitioning my momma's boy into going to school. Andrew's class has 20 kids but seems very well organized and very academic which is perfect for him considering he's the oldest in his class.

Matthew's room (above)
Andrew's room (below)
Friday, Sept 3; being the last day of summer vacation and a BEAUTIFUL day. I decided to take the kids to Purina Farms. I had never been before and decided it would be a great adventure. The Pacificos joined us which made it even better. It was a long drive but a beautiful drive so we didn't even notice. It wasn't very crowded which was amazing since it was such a beautiful day. The first thing we saw when we arrived was a pond full of fish, then we looked at the cows, pigs and horses. Then it was time for the Dog Show. After the dog show we walked around and pet some pigs and chickens. Then on the second level of the barn there were all kind of toy tractors for the boys to play with in a table full of corn...they were in heaven! Mia and Andrew also enjoyed the mazes. Molly was such an angel. She just chilled in the stroller, missed her nap, and went with the flow. She's amazing. She also used a snap trap for the first time. The last activity we did before lunch was a tractor ride which was a big hit. Amazingly the boys stayed awake the whole way home because they each got a new little truck; it must have given them the energy they needed to say awake. Poor Molly only slept about 30 minutes in the car and that was it for the entire day!

After naps the Pacificos came over to our house for dinner and a walk to the pond. The weather was just amazing. It was a great last day of summer!


Saturday September 4; All Day at Camp Pacifico

Allison and I met for our Saturday morning run. This day we did a trail run at Bablar. Then we went back to her house and Drew and the kids met us there. We spent the rest of the day there, even naps. It was such a perfect day! The guys watched football on their outside TV, the kids played inside and outside. Matthew and Molly took great naps. Andrew felt so special skipping nap and watching a movie with Blake. After dinner we made smores. It was a perfect Labor Day Weekend Celebration!


Sunday September 5, 2010
After church it was so windy that Drew had the bright idea to pull out the kites and let the boys try flying a kite. They got a little frustrated but it was cute. After the Tulsa football game we headed out to do some fall shopping. Not exactly a fun time but it had to be done:)





Labor Day, September 6, 2010

John and Christina came over for dinner. Again, it was a beautiful day. We had a great time playing with Josie. She is so cute. She does not like to sit still so during dinner John and Christina had to follow her around giving her bites. After dinner we took a walk. It was such an enjoyable night. Josie's favorite part were the ducks in the pond. She loved quacking at them and them quacking right back!

Blog on the Back Burner

This is a crazy time of year and it's driving me crazy that I'm so far behind on updating the blog and my pictures. So here we go...I'm taking an hour and catching up!

Grants Farm; August 27

Christina asked us and the Pacifico's to join them for a fun day at Grant's Farm. We arrived right as it was opening and hopped on the tram. Of course the boys loved being on a "street train". Then we ventured off to feed the goats. Everyone freaked out as we entered the gates with our bottles in hand except for Andrew. By the time I made it through the gates with Matthew, his bottle was empty. Of course there was so much chaos that I couldn't capture any pictures. After the goats, we headed to the carousel. Then we walked around and looked at all the animals. We ended the day with lunch, a tram ride back to the car and a quick visit to the Clydesdales. Of course everyone fell asleep on the way home and didn't go back to sleep so it was a long day but worth it!

Chase's 3rd Birthday party; August 28

We headed to the Pacifico's for Chase's big celebration. Of course the boys were so excited knowing they were going to swim, play with trucks, AND eat cake! It was a great party; very laid back and LOTS of fun! The ride home was interesting considering the bridge to get back to our house was closed. So our normal 15 minute drive turned into 45 but it was fine and the kids were great!



Sunday Dinner/Celebrating Grandma; August 29, 2010

**On the way to Sunday dinner we stopped at Babies R Us and took advantage of their trade in promotion and got Molly a new big girl car seat.



It's been a year since my grandmother passed away. So my mom decided this would be a good Sunday dinner to celebrate Grandma. We drank a lot of chardonnay, had fried chicken, and dessert in honor of her. It was so good to be together with everyone remember our special grandma. There is construction going on in my parents subdivision so they boys spent a lot of time there trying out all the machines. Kiersten and Kaitlyn even joined in on the fun. Matthew was giving Kaitlyn a ride on the Bobcat and said to her, "You can sit on my lap, but I can't take you home" :)) During the kids dinner Kiersten made Andrew take care of her baby. It was hysterical, she just bosses him around and he takes it. It was pretty late by the time we headed home so we said our nightly prayers in the car. I looked back and the boys had their hands in "prayer" position, it was priceless.