6v6

I'm certain it was over 100 degrees for today's 6v6 Arsenal event in Hemet, but the girls battled hard all day.

 Allison's team played 3 games and took part in a PK battle to advance to the semi's and then the championship game.  She also played one game for the combo team since they didn't have a keeper.  She was exhausted!  Unfortunately, there was some cheating by an opponent and it lead to our blue team playing against our maroon team in the championship.  Rather than battle each other, the coaches decided to have a fun parents vs. kids game to finish off the day.

The girls loved it and the parents' egos were boosted with a victory over the girls!

Taylor's team didn't take the event too seriously and played girls in all different positions and didn't have a coach.  They tied and lost and were happy to hear that their 3rd game was cancelled due to a team forfeiting.  Taylor caught an early ride home to get out of the blistering heat.  I can't say that I blamed her, but it was a fun bonding event anyway!

Spirit Week

The school year is underway and the GOHS school spirit is as strong as ever.  The first spirit week of the year was organized to kickoff the football/fall sports season.

There was Blue Day and Jersey Day (no picture)...

 my favorite Tacky Tourist Day...

 How awesome do they look?

 and of course Red Day on Friday.  Red everywhere!

 Taylor, Claire, Devan and Madison

 All geared up for the football game

The Red Wave is just awesome!  The game ended with an ugly loss for Great Oak, but the team has the best cheering section in the valley!

Double the Love

We finally found a free weekend to meet these sweet baby boys…Jackson and Leighton.  It was love at first site and we ate up all of our time with them.  Lisa and Daniel sure have their hands full with these crawling, not-sleeping-through-the-night, busy and hungry little ones, but they are pure joy!  We took turns holding, feeding and playing with the babies and also enjoyed some games and fun with Olivia.  Taylor took her to the pool for a little while too which she loved!

 Although not identical, the boys sure do look a like.  Jackson is a little smaller and is a cuddle bug and Leighton is on the move a little quicker and is the daredevil.  

 Lisa and Daniel sleep when the can, but we were able to help out a little bit.  I stole Jackson from their bed at around 5:00am. We played on the couch downstairs and then Taylor grabbed Leighton around 7:00am so they could sleep in a bit.  We loved the time and made sure they got a good breakfast.

So many kisses in 24 hours!

Olivia is a very proud big sister and excited about her year in first grade.

We sure wish we lived closer so we could spend more time with all of them!

Attack Summer Classic Champions!

Allison played with the combo team this weekend at the Attack Summer Classic in Oceanside.  On Saturday, they won 3-0 against Arsenal SD at tied 1-1 against San Marcos.  They won again on Sunday with a 2-0 score over Rancho Santa Fe to advance to today's championship.  

Unfortunately, the final game was at 2:00 so the girls had to be checked out of school early.  We played with a small roster since some of the girls wouldn't miss school.  However, the girls finished the game with a 0-0 tie against Carlsbad…sending the game into penalty kicks!  I could see Allison by herself on the sideline, mentally preparing.  She was in a zone!  

3 out of 4 of our players scored on their opportunity.  Carlsbad's 1st player put one over the top and then here is the series of photos of Allison blocking their 2nd attempt.  Thanks for the pics Leslie!

She lined up with confidence...

guessed the correct side...

dove as far as she could...

and brought the ball to her chest!  The 3rd player put another one over the top and we won 3-0!

The players came rushing in and charged Allison and shared a great group hug!  So proud of her!

It was an extra special day because the other team that Allison practices with also won 1st place in their bracket.  A very successful weekend for all of Coach Heidi's girls.

 Receiving their medals and taking a picture for the website.

 The team will pass around the trophy and Coach told Allison she could take it home first.

Allison loves having Zoey as one of her defenders.  She played great and helped them only allow 1 goal all weekend!!  Great job girls!

First Day of School 2015/2016

Taylor was first out the door this morning for her first day of Junior year.  I'm struggling to wrap my head around this and can't believe I will only have one more "1st day of school" picture to take next year.  Although she has quite a bit to look forward to this year…ASB Secretary, the soccer team (hopefully varsity), football games, homecoming and prom just to name a few. She will also have to work quite hard this year…2 AP classes, Spanish 3, SAT and ACT tests and scholarship applications.  I know she will do great and make the most of her year!

Allison was excited to head out for her 1st day of 8th grade.  Big kids on campus!  She got a great schedule with several of the wonderful teachers Taylor had in middle school.  A few already commented on her being related to Taylor.  I'm hoping that starts her off on the right foot!  She was happy to be reunited with friends and thrilled they will all share the same lunch period this year.  I think she will be running cross country again and trying out for the soccer team.  She is also excited to be Mr. Shackelford's teacher assistant!  I know she will push herself to get good grades and prepare herself for high school and have fun in the process!

Last Beach Day

 Well it is the last weekend of summer…part of me wonders where the weeks went and another part of me is ready for the routine again.  Leslie and I took all of the girls (and quite a few boys that lingered in) to Oceanside Harbor for a full day at the beach. 

 We did lots of talking, walked on the jetty and the kids played soccer/baseball/volleyball throughout the day.  We weren't there early enough to get a fire pit, but found a family (although a little hesitant) to share their fire so we could roast our hotdogs.  A little later we found a nice couple who let us roast marshmallows for s'mores too.  The sunset was beautiful and it was a perfect final beach day of summer!

United Summer Challenge Finalists!

Allison was back on the "A" team this weekend for the United Summer Challenge in San Diego.

 They had 2 shutouts on Saturday, winning 2-0 and 6-0.  The team looked really strong and Allison had her best save so far!

Sunday, they won 4-1 to advance to the championship, but fell short to Encinitas Express 2-1 in the final game.  

Finalists 2 weekends in a row…great job Arsenal!