Flash Mob

Heidi's U18 ECNL team played their last game recently, as many of the girls will be graduating.  Heidi invited them to dinner at Yard House for a final farewell.  As a surprise to them, she had her '01, '02 

and '03 teams learn a dance to High School Musical.  They performed a flash mob at the mall while Heidi brought all of the girls out for a photo.

They drew quite a crowd and did a great job surprising the girls.

 At the end of the dance, the parents from the ECNL team joined in with signs and flowers for their daughters.

Allison has really enjoyed keeper training with Marley and has learned so much from her.  We wish her the best of luck as she moves on to other activities.

Photo Shoot

As a Mother's Day gift, I asked the girls for a little photo shoot to replace my old pics in the hallway.  Unfortunately, it was really windy and crowded at Scripps Pier (lots of photographers had the same idea).

Can you see why?

I got a few cute ones, but we all agreed that Maui will be the better spot in a few weeks to try again!

National Peace Officer's Memorial

Matt was awarded an opportunity to attend this year's Peace Officer's Memorial events in Washington D.C.  He was grateful for the opportunity and sent us pictures throughout the trip.  He started out with a visit to the Law Enforcement Memorial.  It was so moving to read the many notes and letters left behind by family members.

 He was happy to have a chance to see Warren and Marilyn for a quick lunch in the city.  It had been too long since our last visit!

 Thursday evening, he had a chance to take a private tour of the Capitol building.

 He attended a candlelight ceremony on Friday night and said pictures just couldn't do it justice.  He estimated a crowd of nearly 20,000!

Geri was sweet enough to drive up from SC to spend Saturday with him, touring the city.  They visited the MLK memorial, toured the Newseum, did a lot of walking around the mall and enjoyed a delicious lunch. I'm glad they were able to have that time together! 

 Saturday night, he took he guided bus tour around the city…visiting the White House, 

 Washington Monument,

 

Lincoln Memorial and much more.

 On Sunday, all of the agencies visiting, dressed in their uniforms for the memorial ceremony.  Matt met this group of officers from Germany at the Metro Station

 and met these officers from Toronto.

Matt came home with so many stories and really would like to return next year with me and the girls.  We are so proud of the work that he does and the sacrifice that all of the law enforcement officers make to keep us safe!  It was quite an honor for him to attend and I am grateful that he cherished the opportunity and paid his respects to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty!

Powder Puff

Taylor signed up for this year's Powder Puff game…juniors vs. seniors in Girl's Flag Football.

 Some of the football players coached the girls over a few weeks leading up to the game

and some of the guys made a great cheer squad!

Taylor was the starting wide receiver

and made a really nice catch down the middle of the field early on in the game.  Unfortunately, the quarterback threw an interception soon after and the coaches decided to not have her throw anymore.  That meant little action for Taylor, but she still had fun.  The seniors beat the juniors by one touchdown and will go on to play TV and Chap at the Sugar Bowl.

Mother's Day

 

I woke up to flowers from Matt and some gifts from the girls.  I love my new Alex and Ani bracelet and workout clothes and can't wait to use my "table in a bag" at the beach.  Matt and I took the dog for a walk to Starbucks while the girls cleaned the house!

 I've been wanting to check out the new Liberty Public Market in Point Loma so we headed down there for the afternoon.  It is San Diego's version of Seattle's Pike Market or Vancouver's Granville Island. Only one phase is complete, but it is pretty cool so far.

Taylor and I got Shrimp Po' Boys and Allison got a chicken platter from Cane Patch Kitchen

and Matt got a brisket sandwich from Liberty Meat Shop…all delicious!

 We checked out the adorable Crafted bake shop and can't wait to go back for burgers at Stuffed and drinks at the Mess Hall.  Matt and Allison sampled empanadas and Taylor got a few macaroons from the french pastry shop. We battled big crowds, but had a nice family day and they all made me feel very loved on this Mother's Day!

3rd Place

Allison played on 2 Futsal teams this Spring.  "Team 9" advanced to the playoffs tonight.  Unfortunately, they lost the first game against a very talented boy's team, but won the consolation game to finish the season in 3rd place.  Futsal has been great for the team!  

14

Our baby turned 14 today!!  She woke up to this collage on her Instagram

 and the traditional balloons and streamers decorating her room. Matt picked up donuts and we did a little shopping to get her shoes for promotion.  Mission accomplished!

 Then it was on to Norco for the 2nd game of National Cup.  The girls lost 1-0, but Allison had quite a few great saves today.  She brought cookies for the team and they put her through the spanking tunnel!

 She chose Lazy Dog Cafe for her birthday dinner

 and got a special sundae for dessert!

 She loved her new Cotton On shirts, Nike Pros, Lokai bracelet, Lululemon gift card and Skull Candy ear buds!  She had fun opening all of the cards from friends and family that came in the mail too!

She requested Trader Joe's cheesecake and we had one final celebration before calling it a night.  

As I try to process my baby turning 14, I feel so blessed by the young lady she has become.  She is so independent, hard-working, compassionate and truly stands up for what she believes is right.  We learned this week that she reached out to a girl at school that was being bullied and made her feel like she had a friend when she was truly struggling.  She even spoke out to make sure the bullies were disciplined and held accountable.  Proud parent moment, for sure!

She puts great effort into her studies and her soccer and is always asking if there are ways she can help make my day a little easier.  I love seeing her become more and more comfortable in her own skin and anxiously awaiting the start of high school.  I'm still a little bit taller than her, but look up to her in so many ways.  Allison, I love you and wish you the best year ahead!  Happy 14th Birthday!!