Gracie and Soccer

Gracie just doesn't seem to be into her soccer game much this season. In my opinion, I don't think she wants to work too hard. I think it is so important for her to learn the efforts of a "Team." She gets better and better every time she plays, however she can't seem to make that last kick into the Goal and I think that's discouraging to her. We watch her play and the 3 of us shout her name and encourage her the entire game. You can tell she thrives on that because she gets a big grin across her face when she hears us.

I have always known that about Gracie. She desires, needs, craves the approval of her Mom and Dad. Maybe it's because ever since she was born we have complimented her, encouraged her, praised her and loved her up one side from the other. So when she is hearing us call her name and root her on during the game- suddenly her kicks are harder, her running is faster and she gets aggressive and goes after that ball with a BIG smile on her face.

Here are some pics that my friend Amy shot. I love her camera and the action pics she can get with it. I need a new camera!

Cole is playing his very 1st season of soccer.

This pic was actually Cole's 1st soccer practice. He was really excited. And let me tell you- he is a natural, can you say NA.TUR.AL? He whizes around that soccer field so quickly and with such strength. He seems to love it so far. Let the season begin. We have both if the kids' games on Saturday at the same time. Wish us luck. xoxo

Girl Scouts and the Snow!

Last month we went to the snow with the Girl Scouts. It was mother and daughters. Lots of fun: playing board games, building snowmen (as you can see in the pic), sledding, walks, talks and bonding time. We had a fabulous time and would you believe it -way TOO hot for March. We had 17 of us in our 2 bedroom condo. HA! Quite funny, yet everything went really smoothly. It was a good time.

Sorry!

It's a real bummer that I haven't gotten on here in so long. Contrary to what it seems like, I really have good intentions for my blog. I have so many things to share. Simple and sweet things about what we have been up to. I will get to that- I really will.

For now I have been "blog tagged" by Jocelyn. I love reading Joce's blog because she keeps updates on her family and their temporary digs in England!! Cool!! I think she is headed back home this summer-wow that 2 year stint went by fast. I hope desperately we are able to hook up on one of our next trips up north. I think she'll be back by June? Right, Joce?

So for now the "tag" is supposed to be my 4th picture in my 4th folder! Brace yourselves because of all things this one IS BORING~~ but I am following the rules. This is from Early 2005 when our swimming pool was being built in the backyard. Need I say more? Probably not. I'm sorry it wasn't something more exciting-like a cute pic of the kids when they were babies....:)

Now I have to "tag" someone. How about Sarah Markley?

Trying to gain some control.

Recently, when my Dad was here, Gracie attempted to have a "talk" with him alone. It went like this,
"Papa, isn't there something you can do about your daughter? She always put things on my plate that I just don't like. Certainly because you are her Father, you can control her? Can't you tell her to stop?" Excuse me. Now I definitely know that I have a strong willed and opinionated daughter...BUT did I expect this. Stories like this are hysterical! I loved it.

Gracie and Cole in Theatrical play...

I don't think this needs a comment. Highlight!

Gracie and Cole doing Theater...Jan 2009 from Trina Walker on Vimeo.

So Ambitious!! Good for you Cole.

Cole learned how to ride a bike...YES, I said Cole learned to ride a bike!! He is 4. We were taking a walk on a path with some dirt, etc. which made it hard to ride on with training wheels. You could just see his frustration and he was mad that Gracie kept beating him, no matter what he did. So my dad and Robert said, "well what about if we take off your training wheels for you?" Cole looked at them and very meekly said, "now?" It was really funny. So we got home and took them off and he picked up the bike and started riding. He was riding it and doing jumps off the curbs within the hour. A born natural...so incredible!! We were so extremely proud and got some great video. AND I learned how to post it, see below!!


Cole Learning to Ride a Bike- Dec 2008 from Trina Walker on Vimeo.