October 11 = Soccer Day

I just love this picture of Malia:

And here are some pictures of Malia from soccer today: 
 

Soccer "practice" is hard.

September 27 = Soccer Day

First, I have to share this.  Need a tip for painting your nails while being a mom?  Just don't.

I got ambitious during nap today.  This is what our garage looks like.  It is the place where we put things when we probably won't need them in the near future.

Not done but feeling a lot better about it.

Also, Malia had her second soccer "practice" today.  Here's some pictures from Zachary:

Evie, Malia & Weston

September 20 = Firsts Day

Today was my first MOPS meeting.  I tried to join a MOPS group over a year ago but the only one near me had a wait list.  So in January, I got off the waitlist and got to join the group. Towards the end of the year the leaders were trying to find new leaders to step up because one needed a break and the other was moving to Scotland for a year.  I, being totally new to this MOPS group, thought I wasn't quite qualified but no one was volunteering.  So I eventually told the coordinators I'd be willing to do it but I knew I may not be the ideal candidate since I was so new.  Well only one other person volunteered and both of us were hoping to be co-coordinators, not have the whole job to ourselves, so I met Anna and we started planning this year of MOPS.  Well today is the first meeting!  Look at this note from my sweet husband:

I had to leave the first MOPS meeting early- as I will need to every meeting- to pick Liam up from the bus.  While I was waiting, I spotted this little guy.

My mom once was bitten?  snapped?  I don't know what by a snapping turtle so I was very careful to keep my hands away from its mouth and moved him out of the road.

 
I had to take this picture because Malia has a new habit of putting socks on her hands like mittens...

The other first today was Malia's first soccer "practice."  This is mainly going to be Zachary's job to take her to soccer but for her first day, I wanted to watch.  Liam did not.  We walked around and found a playground...

 Zachary has pictures of Malia on her first soccer day but I don't... this is all I have- her taking her shoes off on the field.   Let's hope there are more to come!

September 16 = USNA Soccer Day

I love this.  Since we got a handicap sticker, I've been thinking of printing this and handing it to anyone who comments that we shouldn't use a handicap sticker.  I don't use it very often, just when I'm by myself with both kids and Liam's having a rough day.  Well that doesn't really eliminate very many days but I tend to stay at home on those days anyway.  But just a thought.

So Grandma and Pops came in last night and we were all so excited to walk Liam to the bus this morning.  Since I now knew where the spot was, this should be easy peasy, right?!  

We were told the bus would be there around 8:10 but to get there 10 minutes before and wait up to 10 minutes after.  So we got there at 8.  All of us.  At 8:17 I called the bus company just to make sure they weren't coming as I assumed they weren't.  She said, "Oh they've already been by and they couldn't wait."  

Me: "But we've been at the bus stop since ten minutes before the estimated arrival time as we were instructed to do."

Bus Lady: "Let's see.  They came by at 7:55... were you out there?"

Me: "No.  Ten minutes before the ETA was 8:00 so we got out here at 8:00."

Bus Lady: "Oh.  Well.  Hmm.  Oh I see!  There's been an adjustment to the bus schedule.  His new estimated ETA for your bus stop is 7:55."

Me: "Awesome, thanks so much."  [Hangs up] Remember even though this is crazy and the third time in a row I've had to deal with this bus not doing what it's supposed to do, I have no idea what anyone involved is going through and so I should just be nice.   "Alright gang, we're driving Liam to school."

So we all packed into the Sienna and took Liam to school.  But then we went to Breakfast Shoppe so it was all worth it.

Here's Liam getting off the bus.  That's right, ladies and gentlemen [I'm 95% sure there are no gentlemen reading this but, ya know, let's be inclusive], the bus came when it was supposed to.  Hallelujah!

Later, we all went to a USNA soccer game.  A couple of girls from Zachary's company are playing- one is their star player.

September 13 = Soccer Shots Day

We had a really busy day today!  First we took Liam to the bus stop and then we went to the MOPS Registration Playdate.  Malia wanted to dress for the occasion:

Other moms (not this one because it takes all I have to get us fed, dressed, and out the door) brought extra riding toys so the kids with moms like me could have something to play with.  Malia took advantage:

Later, it was time for Malia's first soccer shots... I don't even know what to call it... practice?  gathering?  I don't know.

Here's a video of Malia participating fully in the... gathering.  I'm going with gathering.

And hugs for her friend, Evie:

Liam was not a fan of watching from the sidelines so he and Zachary found some other trouble to get into:

Coach Casey did her job:

June 26 = Escalator Day

June 26th was also our 4th wedding anniversary but you aren't here to read about us- Liam is the star of the show!  We went to target- what else could a girl ask for on her anniversary.  This is an interesting Target with a parking deck- you have to go up a floor to get to the store... they have stairs and an elevator but clearly, the escalator is the most exciting method.

June 26th was also USA vs. Germany day.  We had gone to Target to find some USA gear to wear in support of our team.  We ended up at Old Navy but you always have to start at Target!  Anyway, several guys from Zachary's LEAD Program cohort met at an English pub to watch the game so we met them there.  It was standing room only... there were so many people there so Liam and I found a spot in front of a pool table and set up shop.  We brought books, toys and snacks.  Here's one of Liam's new shirts- he also got a Boston Red Sox shirt and another patriotic shirt.

It is so very fortunate for me that I am not a germaphobe.  Zachary and I decided early on it was okay and even maybe good for Liam to be exposed to a few germs... this may be taking it a little far but what do you do?