I'm Happy to Report...

The girls are doing very well in school! I had both of their conferences this week and was very pleased and proud. Allison got 5's (92% or higher) in Word Knowledge, Math, Science and Social Studies and 4's (82% or higher) in Comprehension and Writing. Mrs. Falciano said Allison was proficient in all areas and just needs a little "fine tuning" with fluency. She praised her great participation and said she works very hard in class. Great job Allison! Keep up the great work!

Taylor continues to amaze me. She got 5's in all areas and I think her lowest grade was a 95.6% in reading. Unbelievable! Mrs. Atkinson praised Taylor for being a leader, great helper and fabulous student. In 4th and 5th grade, the students get recognized for making Honor Roll at Friday Flag Salute. Taylor was called up for making Honor Roll...
and then took a big step forward for getting all 5's.

Quite an accomplishment! Way to go Taylor!

New Moon Mania

The girls have been counting down this day for months! We had so much fun at the Twilight midnight showing last November so we knew we had to do it again for the New Moon release. Wendy purchased the tickets months ago and I marked the calendar. I am not quite as "crazy" as Wendy and Chessa are about these movies, but I must say I was looking forward to it after the quick refresher that Wendy gave me! It had been a while since I read the books. Chessa, Leslie and Wendy waiting in line

We picked up Chipotle on the way to the theater and got in line around 6:30. New Moon sold out in all 15 theaters which meant 3000 people waiting in line for the midnight show. Luckily, we got tickets to see Twilight at 9 so we were let in around 7:45. We found seats at the very top, unloaded our candy-filled purses and settled in for the 6 hours in our seats. I actually enjoyed Twilight more this time around and anxiously awaited New Moon.

At 12:03, the theater erupted with screaming fans as the movie began. I listened to Wendy cry as Edward left Bella and saw Chessa wipe away a few tears. I spent most of the time just trying to stay awake, but think I liked this movie even better than Twilight. I may even want to see it again (during the day next time). My head hit the pillow at 3am which made for a tough Friday. I have until June 10th to recover and then it is time for Eclipse!!!

Lightning Horses Team Party

Tonight we said goodbye to the Lightning Horses at our Shakey's Pizza team party. Allison had a great season scoring lots of goals and playing 1/2 of each game as goalie. She was a real leader and will do very well in U10 next fall. Marley, Reanna and Allison

Taylor got some nice cuddle time with Denton.

Allison hit the jackpot in the arcade!

Coach Debbie presented Allison with this trophy and thanked her for all of her effort.

More Birthday Fun

Lauren and Reanna spent the night for Taylor's actual birthday. We made delicious Cinnamon Burst french toast and the girls played most of the morning. Hank and Leslie joined us in the afternoon for lunch and some football. Taylor asked me to make meatball sandwiches for her birthday dinner and they were delicious. She opened some more presents ( a sleeping bag, soccer ball, manicure& pedicure gift card from us and some clothes from Gigi).

Then it was time for chocolate chip ice cream cake !

10 Years Ago Today

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful 10 year old I know. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful daughter who is kind-hearted, eager to please, self-motivated and smart. You are a fabulous friend and a talented soccer player. We have loved watching your sense of adventure as you explore the ocean and push yourself to try new things (rollercoasters, for example). We admire your attention to detail, your sensitivity and your willingness to volunteer to help others. You have been awarded for being a very creative writer and amateur photographer and also proven to be a tough opponent on the tennis court. We love you for all of these things and for just being you! Have a fantabulous 10th Birthday! We hope it is the best year yet!

One Game Short

Wow, what a week! Our team played in the 1st playoff game Monday and won 4-1 against the Mustangs. Taylor scored once and the team played very well. We were so excited to move to the semi-finals. On Tuesday night, we matched up against the Pink Diamonds and won 4-0. 2 more goals were scored by Taylor and the team was jumping at the chance to play in the Championship game. We soon found out we would be matched against the Bandits, a team we had beaten in the regular season 2-0, but a team that had very few goals scored against them.

Tonight was the night! So many family and friends came out to support our girls. The sidelines were roaring, the wind was blowing and our girls were fired up. We scored first, giving us the lead going into the half. Coach Charlie pumped them up at half and told them to give it all they had in the remainig 24 minutes. We were just hoping to hold them from scoring and the game would be ours. Unfortunately, the Bandits wanted it bad and it showed. We gave up 2 goals in the 3rd quarter and despite many desperate attempts by our Angels, we were unable to get another goal. Final score, 2-1 Bandits. We finished one game short of the championship, but quickly came together to support the team. A TVSA representative presented Coach Charlie with our trophies.
Charlie thanked all of the girls for their effort and told them they had so much to be proud of.

We gave each girl a glass of sparkling cider for a little toast.

Cheers to a wonderful season!

Thank you to all of our friends for coming out on a very chilly night to support us.

Taylor, we couldn't be prouder!!! Show us what you've got in Commissioner's Cup and All-Stars! We can't wait!

Surprise, Happy 10th!

I've struggled with the thought that Taylor is turning 10, but knew she deserved a special celebration. With Veteran's Day falling just days before her actual birthday, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to surprise her with a special day out with her friends. Emily had spent the night on Tuesday and then Maylie and Lauren arrived bright and early. Taylor wasn't quite sure why they were there, but quickly realized this must be part of the birthday surprise! We dolled her up in a Birthday boa and button, ate some breakfast and loaded up the cars with Taylor still unaware of our destination.

It wasn't until we got off the freeway and she saw the road signs leading us to Knott's Berry Farm. She has a horrible sense of direction!

I thought this was a good place to spend her 10th because she is always afraid to try new things, but is always so proud of herself when she does. I figured her friends would help nudge her on some rides she wouldn't normally feel comfortable attempting.

They proved me right. Here they are on Montezuma's Revenge! Taylor came off the ride shaking, excited, crying and saying "I am just so taken!" It was really sweet.

Giving their tummies a break with a Dippin Dots snack.

Swinging away!

Matt was the only one to brave Riptide. I think he regretted his decision the second he stepped on it!

Emily, Maylie and Lauren suit up for a trip on Perilous Plunge.

Poppy didn't want to miss out on the fun!

They took the plunge...

and lived to tell about it! Allison and Reanna sat with Poppy in the middle and the big girls sat with Leslie in the 2nd to last row.

After several more rides, many tired kiddos, lots of sore feet and a required stop at Sutter's for funnel cake, we headed home when the park closed at 6:00. Although the park was very crowded, the girls all had a ball and were such good friends to Taylor. Happy 10th Taylor! We love you!

Playoffs, Here We Come!!!

Charlie's Angels finished the regular season in 1st place with a record of 9-0-1 and can't wait to head to the playoffs. The girls have worked really hard and are so excited to play under the lights tomorrow night against the Mustangs. We haven't played them before, but we just told the girls to play the game they know how to play. It is a single elimination tournament so everything rides on tomorrow night. If we lose, the season is over. But if we win, we play Tuesday night and then hopefully in the championship on Thursday night. The girls had a lot of butterflies at practice today, but we will collect them at game time. Go Angels!!!

Farmer Jason

2nd grade boarded the bus for a field trip to the Old Town Community Theater to see the play "Farmer Jason". The parent chaperones, including me, followed behind the bus and met the kids at the theater.

Allison with her pals Kaylee and Cooper

We were hoping to see a cute play about farm life following the EI EI Oops play that the 2nd graders put on last week. Unfortunately, it was just Farmer Jason singing farm songs while playing his guitar and harmonica. It would have been cute for younger kids, but the 2nd graders didn't seem all that impressed.

Farmer Jason did come out to meet all of the kids after the show. We sat in the courtyard and enjoyed our lunch away from school. Then it was back on the bus for the quick trip back. I think the kids at least had a fun time together.

She Can Finally Have Gum!!

After 18 long months, Taylor got her braces off today. She has been counting down for weeks. Not because she wanted the braces off, but because she couldn't wait to chew gum. I gave her a big goodie bag with lots of different flavors and she dove right in as soon as she got home from school.
She will probably eat Laffy Taffy and Tootsie Rolls out of her Halloween candy tonight too!