First Game

Last Saturday was our Penguins first game! They are just hilarious to watch. Kenna got a chance to kick the ball a few times, when it randomly or accidentally landed right in front of her foot. She actually kicked it forward about 20 feet and scored too! Very exciting.

Brooks on the other hand had a bit of an attitude problem. It seems in his little mind, soccer involves him, having his own ball, and kicking it as he pleases with no competition. Just like at home or in practice. He got a rude awakening when he realized he wasn't "getting a chance" with the hoardes of other kids after the ball. He threw a small fit at one point after "missing his chance", and sat on the sidelines pretty much the rest of the game, complaining about his lack of chances. He was less than thrilled when sister scored and he didn't get to. Brian and I both explained that you don't have any chances when you don't try, you have to get out there, chase the ball, and try. He's quite young (short) compared to other kids, as it's the 3 & 4 year old age group, so some of these kids are four and a half, and much bigger than he is. I told him to just get in with the kids, and push through to the ball. Poor choice of Mommy words, as he tells us later, "I will just PUSH the kids!" Hopefully next week goes better with him at least trying to get in the mix and get the ball once or twice.

As fast as it looks like she's running, is as fast as she was actually running...s-l-o-w:-) It was a SUPER hot day, and dressed in all black didn't help. We got Frosty's from Wendy's to celebrate our first goal afterwards!

Toffee Crunch

Sounds like a recipe, doesn't it? Or a yummy topping for a frappucino:-) It's the new paint colour selected for the kitchen and hallway. I finished the kitchen awhile back, but yesterday I finished the hallway. As a got painting I wondered if I ever had taken a picture of the hallway before. It's such a little tiny area, but here's the last of it before it gets all covered up.

Finished! Here's the wall seen from the livingroom, with our little Linus and Lucy hanging up. The Linus & Lucy song was the recessional at our wedding, and Brian's sister Ann had these drawn for us. We love them.

The cool "picture frame" my mom gave me (a Creative Memories product), it's on the wall when you come out of the bathroom, and that's the only wall space there is! I painted it all by hand, no roller:-)

Here's the look on the cabinets...no more blue.

Fall Clothing

Today it was chilly in the morning. So we got ready and wore some fall clothes. By the time we were done our errands it was so hot, we had to change into tee shirts, thankfully I had some in the tote bag (big kid diaper bag). And now it's super hot. But I guess this is the sign that cooler weather is headed our way. Anyway, I had to get a picture to document this first change of the seasons.

Making sure Brother is smiling


I love these little faces! * Can you see why I get asked if they are twins every time we go out?

Saturday Parade

On Saturday, we had soccer practice in the morning. And then we headed down to the beach for the Neptune Festivals parade. In our excitment/rush to get parking and get to the parade on time I left my camera in the car. Totally bummed! The kids have never been to a parade before, and they loved it! Having people throw candy at you makes anything fun, really:-) The first marching band came by with a BOOM BOOM BOOM on the drums. Brooks immediately buried in Brian's shoulder with tears in his eyes. It's a marching band Brooks! This is fun! He was a little skeptical at first, but then completely warmed up to it all and sat on the curb by himself. He's been talking about marching bands ever since. So glad we did it, it was so fun, but I am so sad we forgot the camera. We'll have to go again next year!

National Anthem - video

This is truly a phenominal rendition of the American National Anthem. This was at a Texas Tech University basketball game . . . The National Anthem is sung by five little girls. The two on the right are six years old. The two in the middle are seven and the one on the left is eight. Take a moment to listen to this. The harmonies are amazing, and so impressive for such tiny little girls!!

Penguins Soccer

Another soccer practice! Last Saturday was not a game day, but a soccer clinic, where they go over all the rules and how-to's by station...so you visit the "heading" station and get your lessons, or the "throw in" station etc. Because of the more advanced nature of the clinic, the 3 & 4 year olds do not participate. Can you imagine trying to teach them how to head the ball? Lol. Not a good idea:-) So we had a day off. Our team name is the Penguins, and our tee-shirts will be black and white, apparently. So cute. Can't wait to get them/see them!

Stretching and listening to Coach


Doing something...not exactly what the drill was supposed to be.


Water break! It was a very hot day!


Running and kicking!

Fall Food

To celebrate fall, we had pancakes today, shaped like leaves. Yummy! Even though it's 86 degrees here today and the a/c is still blasting, we are still trying to get into the season:-) Since I wasn't raised in a warm climate, it's sort of an adjustment to try and celebrate all 4 seasons, when it doesn't feel familiar. Christmas sneaks up on us like crazy, just because it doesn't "feel" like Christmas season, to us Northerners. Not complaining about the temps at all! Just feels sort of strange to be telling the kids about changing colours of leaves, etc. when we can't see it happening. It's coming up on "Markham Fair time" in my mind...even though I don't have a fair to go to (I miss it! Especially 2001...fun!)...we'll just be happy with our leaf pancakes :-)

*Note: on the Markham Fair homepage, the last pic on the bottom (hay bale) is of my Aunt & Uncles house/farm. Cool. I just noticed that now...I wonder if they know?

Enjoying our food!