Arsenal Summer Classic

It couldn't have been any hotter this weekend for the Arsenal Summer Classic in Riverside.  I don't know how the girls played in 109 degrees, but they managed a 1-0 win and a 0-0 tie on Saturday.  Allison played great in both games and her team is really improving, trusting each other and staying connected.  Sunday's game was called at halftime due to the heat.  We knew our team couldn't advance due to point totals so it wasn't worth the risk of heat stroke.  I was overheating under the umbrella…can't imagine how the girls were feeling!

Concordia Camp

Allison was so sad she missed this camp last year, but was super excited to be able to go this time.  All 3 of Heidi's teams were participating and met in the Starbucks parking lot on Monday for the caravan to Concordia University.

Allison rode with Aubree, Reanna and Zoey and was looking forward to 4 days of training, games, team bonding and beach time!

Heidi and Jen took all of the girls' phones away for the time on campus, which I loved.  It allowed for no distractions and real focus.  Jen was sweet enough to text picture updates to the parents though.  Here they are ready for the 1st training session on Monday.

They ate most of their meals in the dining hall.  Allison loved the breakfasts the best and liked getting Costco pizza for the movie night!

 There were soccer tennis tournaments

and minute-to-win-it competitions.

Yesterday, they spent the afternoon and evening at Newport Beach.

 They had time to relax and roast hot dogs and s'mores.

 They even posed with some "hot lifeguards"!  I am grateful that Allison had this opportunity and grew closer to her teammates as they begin this next season.  We sure missed her at home though!  It was especially weird not being able to talk her at all, but the benefits were worth it!

Goodbye Wisdom Teeth

Matt took Taylor to get her wisdom teeth out this morning.  She was pretty nervous, but held it together better than I did.  I hate teeth stuff!  She did great during the surgery and was absolutely hilarious once they put her in the wheelchair.  We have some great videos!  She was most worried that her lip was gone and she would need botox!!  She also thought Matt had multiple heads!

 Andrew was here all day to help take care of her.  She was concerned he would break up with her because she was so ugly, but he was very reassuring :)

They watched The Office, Mulan and Pirates of the Caribbean.  She enjoyed snacking on frozen lemonade, milkshakes and macaroni and cheese from Corner Bakery and wasn't in too much pain.

She was a good sport about keeping the ice on her cheeks and actually said it felt good!  I'm glad she got this out of the way before all of the fun stuff we have planned this summer!

One on One Time

While Allison was away at soccer camp this week, I snuck away from work a little early for a little one on one time with Taylor.  We rented bikes at Mission Bay and cruised around the bay and boardwalk for the afternoon.  

 The weather was a little chilly for a beach day, but was perfect for a bike ride.  I was also trying to keep Taylor's mind off of getting her wisdom teeth pulled in the morning.

 We found this awesome viewpoint at Palisades Park…hoping to come back for a picnic!

Matt was getting off of work just in time for dinner. We met him at his favorite lunch spot, Katsu Cafe. The portions were gigantic and the food was delicious.  Taylor filled up since she can't eat anything past 10:00pm.  Love my time with this girl!

ONE YEAR

 This weekend marked Taylor and Andrew's one year anniversary.  They put a lot of thought into planning a fun weekend to celebrate.  They spent all of Sunday at Disneyland.  They said the lines were short and it was a super fun day.

Then Monday, they went to the Angels vs. Twins game in Anaheim.  Taylor gave Andrew a keychain with the coordinates for the Rose Garden etched on it since that is their favorite spot to hang out.  

Congrats Emily!

We have known Emily since she was in 1st grade and this week she graduated from high school.  We helped her celebrate with family and friends this weekend.

 She is so excited to attend University of Alabama this fall and we can't wait to hear about all of her adventures.  She will do great things!

Lisa is prepared for an emotional summer and sad goodbye in August, but she is so thankful to still have Dominic at home.  I'll be sharing those same feelings soon enough!

Big Bear

Taylor attended the leadership conference up in Big Bear this week with WSB and Peer Leaders. It was a great bonding opportunity and a chance to prepare for this year's activities.  

With Caitlyn and Jenner

 They had time to go hiking, play games and swim.  Each group was in charge of making 1 meal and they even learned that Mr. Skaggs loves watching The Bachelorette!

 Devan, Taylor, Madison, Jacob, Jenner and Claire

 Taylor and Lexi

 I love the friendship these 2 share!

 They came home dirty and tired, but enjoyed a fun few days together to kick off summer!

8th Grade Promotion

No more middle school for this girl!  Today was 8th grade promotion!

Although the ceremony was at 9:00am, it was sweltering and umbrellas and pop-ups were everywhere…luckily I was still able to see for a few pictures.

Allison walked down to the field with her PRIDE class

 and then each student was called up individually after Mr. Groepper and one of the students gave speeches. Short and sweet!

Emma and Allison

 Andrew graduated last night, but joined us this morning to support Allison.

With Maddie

With Chris and Blake 

 Mr. Fabozzi taught all 3 of these kids for 8th grade Social Studies.  He was such a great teacher and we told him he should move over to GOHS!

 Cooper and Allison have known each other since Kindergarten.  I can't believe they are off to high school!

A big thank you to Grandma and Papa for making the trip down!  We were glad to have you here to share in the special day.  

 We are so proud of this girl!

Allison,  you have matured and learned so much in middle school. You have grown more confident, more independent and more beautiful over these 3 years.  You have stayed true to you and been a true friend to many.

GOHS will be lucky to have you and I'm so excited that you get to spend one year with your sister there.  Enjoy the summer!  You deserve it!

8th Grade Awards

 This is the one night in the 3 years of middle school where students are honored for their academic excellence.  Select students and their parents are invited to evening event.

 Allison was given the Math Award by Mr. Ricks and earned an Outstanding Academic Excellence Award for maintaining a 3.92 GPA throughout middle school.

Allison and Maddie

Allison and Chris

 Afterwards, we celebrated with ice cream at Dairy Queen and ran into Saige.  We had to get a picture of the stripe twins!

Congratulations Allison!  We are very proud of the work you put in at Vail and can't wait to see what you achieve at GOHS!