Back to Work

With the start of another fall season getting underway, Taylor and her buddies are given the opportunity to earn some more spending money by referreeing the games. Unfortunately, due to some very frustrating miscommunication, Taylor and Madison were at the field without an early game to ref, so we tried to find shade and stay cool while waiting. I bought them slurpees...

...and they used ice cubes on their bellies to beat the heat.

After watching Allison's 1:00 game, Taylor worked the 2:15 game on the same field. I am so impressed by her confidence, her attention to detail and her drive to learn more about the game while earning a little cash to call her own. We're not sure how much she will get to ref with her Club season starting in a few weeks, but she will take every opportunity to fit some games in.

Let's Go Firecrackers!!

Another fall soccer season is upon us and Matt and I decided to coach Allison for what may be her last season in the recreational league. We are excited to be working together, coaching Allison and to get Reanna as our other property player. The team chose The Firecrackers as our team name and after just two weeks of practice, we were on the field for the first of 10 games in this fall season. Unfortunately, the first game fell on the hottest day of summer so far. I heard reports varying from 107-109 degrees, but no matter the temperature, it was HOT! The team checked in with the refs, took their places on the field and got underway.

Allison and Reanna started off strong as forwards and gave us an early 1-0 lead on a nice shot by Allison.

Although she loves playing goalkeeper, she is a tough competitor on the field as well...improving footwork, great aggressive play and a powerful shot on goal!

She got two quarters in goal as well and blocked several opportunities for the other team to score by coming our and jumping on the ball before the forward could take a shot. I think goalie clinic has really paid off! She had some beautiful punts to bring the ball down field, but did let two goals go by and we lost 4-2. We have a lot of new players on the team who are just figuring out what they need to do, but we have high hopes that they will improve each game and have lots of fun in the process. We hope Allison and Reanna will be good team leaders and continue improving as we work our way through the season!

"Cousins"

We were so happy that Lisa and Olivia were able to meet us at The Grove before we left LA today! We met at the American Girl store which worked out perfectly. Olivia warmed up to the girls quickly and they all loved looking at the dolls and being "big sisters" to her.

Could her red boots be any cuter?

We ate lunch at Chipotle, had a little time to chat and catch up and did a little shopping before heading home. Olivia sure loved her accessories and we loved getting to see them. I really wish we lived closer, but I'm glad we got a little visit in!

IRIS

My parents spoiled us with another weekend getaway to Hollywood. They flew down for a quick trip and we all stayed at the Renaissance Hotel adjacent to the Kodak Theater. The Hollywood sign at the top of the mountain and the view from our room!

We spent a little bit of time walking along Hollywood and Highland, seeing Grauman's Theater

and looking for stars we haven't seen before.

We satisfied our sweet tooth with delicious treats at the Nestle Toll House shop and ate dinner at CPK before heading back to the hotel to get ready the highlight of the day...

IRIS is the newest production to be released by Cirque De Soleil and is playing at the Kodak Theater.

It takes the audience on a journey through the world of cinema.

We were even lucky enough to spot one of the main characters walking through the lobby before the show started.

Photography wasn't allowed in the theater, but we snuck in one picture of the gorgeous stage. The show was amazing from start to finish...spectacular costumes, breathtaking acrobatics, powerful music and an incredibly talented cast and crew. Some of the stunts had us covering our eyes in fear for the safety of the performers and other moments had us laughing out loud. Thanks Mom and Dad for a wonderful day!

Taylor in Action!

Unfortunately, I don't take many soccer photos anymore while coaching from the sideline, but thanks to Mary and her sister Julie, I actually got a few from the Carlsbad Wave tournament that show Taylor in action...

This year, she is really working on her aggressiveness,

her speed,

and using her whole body (minus her hands) to gain control of the ball.

She is spending most of her time at left midfielder or left forward, but has filled in when needed at left defender and even played some sweeper. It is nice to be trusted as a utility player!

Carlsbad Wave CHAMPIONS!!!

We started the tournament off with a 4-1 win against the Oceanside Breakers, a team we saw many times last season. They have made a lot of changes since then and although we didn't play our best game, we controlled much of the game. We had several hours until our 6:oo match against Rancho Santa Fe so we moved to that field and set up our picnic to hang out.

The girls played at the playground, ate lunch, told Yo Momma jokes and a few even took naps!

By 5:00 we were all back together and ready to play. We saw RSF last year in Carlsbad Cup and got the win again...this time 3-0! The two wins gave us first place in our bracket and a trip to the Semi-finals!

We were up a little earlier this morning and at the field at 10:00 for our game against Carlsbad Wave, last year's La Costa Matrix. We probably played them 6 times last year and have built quite a competitive friendship with them. They are a strong team, but we pulled off another 3-0 victory...on to the Championship!

After a lunch break and some down time, the girls sat patiently watching the PK's for the game ahead of us.

Although they don't have classes together this year, Taylor and Madison get to see plenty of each other at soccer!
The Championship was at 3:30 against Yucaipa Spartans and was a tough battle. We took a 2-0 lead at halftime, but Coach warned the girls that they could easily come back and that they did! It was all tied up 2-2 with about 10 minutes left in the game and our girls showed the heart that they always do, scoring 2 more in the last few minutes to seal the deal...a 4-2 victory and another championship!

The very tired but excited girls waiting for the medal ceremony!

Allison, Leah and Amanda cheering them on.

Coach Charlie presenting the girls with their medals.

Another great tournament win for our girls...they play tough, have fun together and make us so very proud! It was a wonderful pre-season and I think they are more than ready to take on AA-B North!

CARLSBAD WAVE COASTAL CLASSIC CHAMPIONS!!

Back to School

Here we go! Time for another fantastic school year! Can't believe I have a...

4th grader...

and a 7th grader!

Let the craziness begin!!

Meet The Teacher

How can this be? It is Meet the Teacher time already? Feels like we should have another few weeks of summer, but judging by the smile on Allison's face, she is excited to go back to school and be one of Mrs. Atkinson's 4th grade students!
We are very familiar with Mrs. Atkinson since Taylor had her for 2nd, 4th & 5th. Allison can't wait to be her little sidekick and help out as much as possible. 4th grade is a big jump academically so I am glad she has a teacher she is comfortable with. I just can't believe my baby is already a 4th grader...Sniff, Sniff!!

Elite Cup Champions!!

There is nothing like getting back into the swing of things with a midnight return home and then 3 soccer games the next day. We were sorry to miss our 3-0 win on Saturday to FC Murrieta Black, but Taylor was more than ready for the first game Sunday morning at 10:20. It was a hard-fought battle against Legends FC, but we won 1-0 on Jenna J's penalty kick!
We returned to the field for a 4:20 game against Hawks Black...a team we practice with and scrimmage often. It was unbearably hot and our girls started off a little rough, maybe some intimidation, but within about 10 minutes they came out of their shell and we pulled off a HUGE 2-0 win! Taylor scored a beauty off of Jenna's cross and Taylor Capuzzi also put one in and we were on to the Championship!
Luckily, it was an 8:20 game under the lights and much cooler. We played FC Murrieta Blue...a team we played several times last season. Although this year they picked up some additional players and were a much tougher team. Lauren and Maylie both scored on rockets to the left side of the net and we held a 2-0 lead until close to the end. Unfortunately, Natalie scored for Murrieta, which caused our girls to panic a little. We held it together until the final whistle and took home the Elite Cup Championship with a 2-1 victory and a great team effort!!

Victoria, British Columbia

We reached our final destination at 7pm...Victoria, British Columbia. My parents, Matt and I have all been here before, but we were excited to show it off to the girls. By mid-afternoon today the sun had come out so it was perfect weather for walking the city. Lots of passengers chose to take horse-drawn tours or taxis, but we treked into town. It was nice to walk through some of the residential neighbors and see some of the local markets.

It didn't take long for the gorgeous green towers to come into view at Victoria's Parliament Building. The architecture is unbelievable and the grounds surrounding are immaculate.

My favorite spot is the Empress Hotel, just across the street from Parliament and right alongside the waterfront.

The Empress is most often known for High Tea, but we just spent time on the grounds and walking through the gift shop.

Unfortunately, these were the only Orcas we saw this week!

Cute little ferries and sea planes line the waterfront for tours and excursions.

We enjoyed shopping in the wharf shops and walking through the Farmer's Market, picking up a few last souveniers.

Where else could you find Darth Vader playing the violin?

The sunset on Victoria at about 9pm as we made our way back to the ship.

We arrived back at Ogden Point for one last time. We hated to say goodbye, but needed to get our bags packed so they could be in the hall by 11pm for disembarkation. We have a 7:50am disembarkation time tomorrow as we head back to Seattle and then home. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip spent with family and friends and one we will never forget. THANK YOU Mom and Dad for taking us with you and allowing us to help you celebrate.

HAPPY 40th ANNIVERSARY!!