Field Trip

Bella's class had a field trip today to the pumpkin patch at Avila Barn. Luckily, I was able to go and take Matea so both girls got to have fun.

The barn was seriously crawling with kids. I'm guessing over a dozen groups were there and literally hundreds of kids were running around. I was really thankful to be there to supervise Bella and some of her classmates (who needed the supervision far more than she did!) but also kind of wished I had never seen the chaos. I mean, now if I'm not able to attend a future field trip, I'll be freaking out remembering what today was like. But Bella had fun so I'll focus on that instead of my over-protective mommy issues.

Back from Big Sur

Click on the picture below to see our trip album...

Bella's New Do

Before After The Big Reveal

Family

taken October 2, 2010

Disneyland

We surprised the girls with a trip to Disneyland a few weeks ago. Neither of them had any idea we were going and we just whisked them away after their soccer games. The trip down took forever but they were troopers...and they thought we were just going to deliver car parts! We got a cheap hotel that ended up working out really well.

The park was crowded but we never had to wait longer than 20 minutes or so. And everything had just been decorated for Halloween which was really cool. Our passes expire in February and we're hoping to squeeze in one more longer trip before then.

Super Soccer Stars

Matea having her super soccer moment...until her teammate came in and stole the ball. Nice.

Bella (#2) getting to do a goal kick...field kick...I don't know what it's called.
Looking nervous



Both girls had their first soccer games today. Bella was really nervous and anxious about it and Matea was excited. Poor Bella spent most of her game fidgeting with her hair or tshirt because of nerves and just really looking confused and lost. She definitely had fun and her team did great (they have a GREAT coach) but I think Bella may be the only one on her team who hasn't played soccer before so she's still really hesitant to kick the ball and hasn't quite figured out the game. Luckily, her coach is a great teacher and really patient with her.

Matea was amped up for her game but it was a bit of a let down. The other team was clearly more prepared and our girls had absolutely no direction from their coach. Matea started off having fun but burst into tears a few times toward the end of the game. Unfortunately, one of the girls on our team (coach's daughter) is overly aggressive and physical, even to her own teammates, and she knocked Matea down more than once. I think it's going to be a looooong soccer season.

First Grader

Bella looked so cute the other morning, I couldn't resist taking pictures of her before we left for school.

Thanks Grandma for all of the new back to school clothes and Great-Grandma for the money for school shoes!

School Update

Bella is really liking her new teacher and her new school. Our experience last year doesn't even compare to what I've seen this year. The difference is like night and day and I think we're going to be really happy at this school.

Bella has already made new best friends - a girl who sits near her named Darby and a girl from a different first grade class who she went to pre-K with. She's been in a great mood everyday when I pick her up and seems excited about her new class.

I'm happy to report I've perfected my bike riding/trailer towing skills and haven't gotten in trouble with the crossing guard since the first day. Let me tell you, having a super cute pink beach cruiser gets you tons of attention, from kids and adults. I think I've heard "I love your bike!" and "Mommy, look at that cool bike!" at least 5 times a day.

First Day of First Grade

Some nerves.

No tears.

We know at least three of the families in the class from our old MOMS Club days.

I'm biking the kids to school in the bike trailer. Got yelled at by the crossing guard.

Going to find an alternate route to school so I can avoid the mess at drop off.

The house is super quiet without Bella singing her way through the day. Matea and I have a coffee date with a friend, then I'll drop her off at school at 1:00, enjoy just over one hour to myself, and be there to pick up Bella at 2:35.

No More Summer Funnin'

Today is the last day of summer for our family. It's kind of bittersweet. Summer went by so quickly and I really enjoyed the lazy pace. On the other hand, there's far less fighting and mess to clean up during the school year and I think the stricter, packed schedule makes me much more productive.

To celebrate the end of summer, we went on a quick camping trip to Morro Bay. Working at Carters totally put the brakes on our formerly frequent camping trips and now that I'm not working there, we've planned a few trips over the next few months. Matea was a total turd, either whining or getting into mischief the whole time. Other than that, the trip was fun and I kicked Steve's ass at checkers (which needed to be put in writing).