Soccer

Sydney decided she wanted to take gymnastics this spring, so we let Jaxy try his feet at soccer.

He played on a team of 3 & 4 year olds at our local YMCA. They had 24 teams with 9 players each. Jaxy's team was the Stallions. At this age, they play either 3 on 3, or 4 on 4, depending on what the coaches decide.

They only play on Saturdays for one hour. They have a 30 minute "practice" and then a 30 minute game. Jaxy loved his first practice! He and Donnie kicked the ball around, took shots at the goal, dribbled across the little field...whatever the coach instructed. Each player had their own ball during practice.

Then it was time to start the game. The coach asked who wanted to play first, and Jaxon's hand flew up the fastest. He was so excited...and then he realized that there was only one ball for 6 little kids, and people would push you down to get a chance to kick said ball.

The first time he went down hard, he was ready to go home :) He wasn't so excited after that.

Fast forward five weeks, and things began to change. We showed up for his game, and only two other players an one coach were there. With only three players, everyone had to play the whole time. Donnie was unable to be there, so it was up to Sydney and I to motivate Jaxon.

I promised him we would go to Menchie's (a frozen yogurt place he loves) if he would be a good teammate and play the whole time. He did a great job, and even started trying to kick the ball away from the other kids. By the end of the game, he was doing a great job of kicking, but he would kick the ball down the field and then stop and not follow it all the way.

Finally, by game number six, Jaxon was excited to go in to play. He would not only kick the ball, but kick it away from the other kids too. Then he would actually stay with it and dribble it down the field. At one point, it was Jaxon versus 4 kids from the other team, because his teammates were not interested in playing (it was really hot!).

Jaxon scored 5 goals! He was so happy and had such a great time. At the end of the year party they gave all of the kids medals, and he thought that was the coolest thing ever. We were so proud of him, and the progress he made!

BUT he said he wants to try gymnastics next time.

Birthdays

I did not get a three-day celebration (Donnie said it was closer to a two-week affair).

Sydney and I spent the afternoon getting pedicures, and Jaxy and Donnie went shopping. They bought me new shoes and lots of chocolate, so I'd say it was a good day :)

We went to dinner with the kids, and finished the night off with a yummy coconut cake (my fave).

For Donnie's birthday, we had a little party at our house. We invited over 6 other families and had a cookout. The weather had been really nice (like in the 70s and 80s for a few weeks at that point), so the kids mainly stayed outside, leaving plenty of room inside for the adults.

Also, we had pie and ice cream for dessert since Donnie is not a cake person. It was fun to spend time with friends and celebrate Donnie :)

H-A-doubleP-Y 'cause it's your birthday...

Sydney lucked out this year, and we had a three-day celebration for her 6th birthday. First, she wanted to have a "tea party" with her friends. So on Saturday, we decorated the house, made tea party foods and cupcakes, and set up a craft station.


Soon our house was over-taken by a gaggle of 5 and 6-year-old girls (and Jaxy). The girls dressed up like princesses, ate, played, and then made their own bags. Donnie was the master of crafts, and with the help of our friend Kim, the girls made very interesting purses. Sydney had a blast, and I was happy to see it end :)


On Sunday, we went to my parents' house for the family celebration. Sydney had a great time playing with her cousins, and it was a nice relaxing day. She stocked up on craft supplies (her favorite thing in the world; she comes home from school every day ready to make a new art project or craft), and books.


Then on Monday (her actual birthday), we ate lunch with Sydney at school, and brought cupcakes so her class could celebrate with us. It was also the 100th day of school, so her class had special activities all day. Then that night we took her out to dinner.


The only problem is Jaxon now thinks his birthday should be a three-day celebration too!

Christmas

We had a lot to celebrate this Christmas! We have been so blessed with a wonderful family, great friends, and a lot of incredible opportunities. After a long summer, with many ups and downs, it was nice to be able to relax and enjoy everyone - and give thanks for the way things turned out.

We had the Ralston family Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve at my parents' house this year. Then on Christmas Day, we went to Deidra's house to visit with Donnie's parents who came in to town. With two celebrations in as many days, we were a little tired, but it was nice to see both sides of the family at Christmas!

Jaxy was most excited about the candy canes and underwear in his stocking - why did Santa bring him toys? :)


Sydney stocked up on Lala Loopsy toys, and was happy to hear she would not have to share them with baby sister when she is born.

After Christmas, Donnie had to go out of town for a few days, so it was up to the kids and I to take down the tree. I ended up doing it alone when it became to much for the kids to bear. They didn't understand why we couldn't leave it up until next year :) Jaxy was very broken up about it.