Drew Playing Soccer

Little Striker

Drew has started playing soccer now. At 3, it is pretty young, but he is so excited to be just like his big brother and big sister. There was a big discussion between Ty and Ellie whether Drew should wear Tyler's number (7) or Ellie's number (3). since 3 was the only one available, Ellie won out. When I brought the uniform home, Drew was so excited, he immediately changed into the uniform and went running around the house yelling "Look at me, I am a soccer player". Needless to say, the socks didn't make for good footing on the wood floors. After several spills, he wanted to put his cleats on too. Not a good idea! 

With Buddy Kyra

The first game was last Saturday, April 2nd.  The team had not had chance to practice due to rain.  The other team appeared to have been practicing since last year.  I wanted to check the birth certificate on one kid.  I think he was already shaving.

"Herd Ball"

Regardless, that kids had lots of fun, and enjoyed the snacks.  At 3, what more can you ask for, right?


 

National Aquarium

Took kids to National Aquarium in downtown D.C. It is pretty small, occupying the bottom floor of the Commerce Department. The new attraction is a pair of baby sea turtles. For those of you with kids who have seen Finding Nemo, they turtles pretty much look like Squirt. Very cute.

Drew was actually scared to get too close to most of the exhibits, especially the sharks and octopus. But the sea turtles were different. As you can see, he got right up next to the glass.

Happy Holidays from French Family

Somewhere far north of the Arctic Circle, Santa is checking his list for the2nd time..
Santa: “Hermie! Bring me my list, it is time to check it twice. Hermie! Where is that darn elf? I never should have agreed to let him take that online dentistry course...”

Hermie: (Comes running in with long list) “Here I am Santa. Are you ready to start with the next family? Let’s see, we were in the F's. Next up, the French Family.”

Santa: “Okay, I remember, they live in Kansas, right?”

Hermie: “No, they have moved twice since then. They actually have same address they had 5 years ago. Their house looks a little different now, but has the same coordinates...”

Santa: “That doesn't make sense.... Oh well, just make sure the GPS on the sleigh is updated. Let's start with the oldest child, Tyler. Is he still soccer nut?”

Hermie: “Yes, he loves all things soccer. He is playing travel soccer year round. His parents even let him attend a week long soccer camp at UVA this summer. He is also literally following in his Dad's footsteps, taking up running. Father and son completed their 1^st 5K together. He did quite well, finishing just under 25 minutes. He even won a pumpkin pie in a 1 mile race for his 4^th grade class with a 6:57 mile.”

Santa: “Okay, I’ll give him a “Nice.” Maybe a gift of shoe deodorizer for his cleats and running sneakers. I hear they get quite stinky. How about his sister, Eliana?”

Hermie: “She is into sports too, playing soccer and she took up swimming this year. She loved it, taking to it, well, like a fish to water. She started 1^st grade this year and has taken off with her reading and writing. She is a great big sister to little Drew - you should see them play kung fu with each other. She really enjoys the arts, and went to see both Mary Poppins and Sound of Music this year.”

Santa: “Sounds like sweetheart - how about a gift of tickets to Taylor Swift concert (not sure I can even get those). And the youngest? Little Drew?”

Hermie: “He is a real firecracker. Very sweet, but delights in pushing his parents buttons. He loves being back in their old house where he can pedal around the cul-de-sac, chase the soccer ball, and play with the neighborhood dogs. He is a big help around the house - he loves to cook and rake leaves. He loves to take things apart and is constantly getting bumps and bruises. His parents nicknamed him ‘Destructo.’”

Santa: “He’s only three – I’ll go with “Nice” this year. Maybe a gift of bubble wrap to protect his cute noggin? Now, Mom and Dad?”

Hermie: “The Dad, Dave, is doing well, still finding time to run a few races. He even completed his 1^st marathon this fall. He enjoys playing at photography and updating their family blog. The Mom, Melissa has 3 jobs, still working part time for Booz Allen and full time as a Mom, not to mention general manager & designer of the house renovation.”

Santa: “Hmmm. Hope she uses her new kitchen to make me cookies. I think the best gift would be to unpack a few boxes for them. So who’s next on the list?”

Hermie: “Let’s see....E...F..G.. Ah - Lady Gaga.”

Santa: “Definitely “Naughty” - and don’t get me started on her clothes...”

Leaf Jumping

Posting a few pictures taken a couple of weekends ago. One of the forgot joys of our old house was the amount of leaves to rake each year. This pile is only one part of the front yard, 6 days after picking up all the leaves. At least the kids enjoy it!

Carving Pumpkins

Carving Pumpkins! - This year the kids all helped, especially with removing the yucking pumpkins guts. Ty picked his design out of a template book. It was a little tricking, but it is supposed to be a flaming skull. Ellie's and Drew's match their outfits - a butterfly and very hungry Caterpillar.

Update on renovation project

Sorry for the lag in providing update on the house renovations. Between getting ready for the move, the kids starting school again, and last minute details on the renovation, we have been a tad busy, but in a good way.

A lot has happened since last update. We finally got all the inspections complete (phew), allowing the drywall to go up and flooring to go in. As you can see from the first photo, we have new entryway, the garage is complete, and windows installed. We still need siding, but for now, the contractor is focusing on the inside to get it ready for the move the first week of October.

That brings us to the second photo, which is shot standing in the old kitchen, looking into the new kitchen. The perspective is similar to the first two photos from the July 5th blog update. The new kitchen will be in the area where you see the refrigerator now. There will be island in the middle, with new appliances, counters, custom cabinets, etc. We are really looking forward to the open floor plan.

In between packing, moving and keeping the rental we currently live in ready for showing to prospective tenants, I hope to find time to add a few photos of the second floor later this week.

Ty's 1st Race

Ty' has been asking to run a race with me for quite some time. I toyed with signing him up for mountain bike race, but we haven't had enough time to train for it this year.

Since we moved back to Virginia, he has started running with me on some shorter trail runs. I have to admit, he is in great shape - must be all that soccer he plays.

When I found out my work was sponsoring a 5 K, I signed Ty and I up for it. The Navy Federal 5K benefits the Committee for Helping Others and is run in Vienna, VA. I figured 5K was safe distance to start, and I knew the course fairly well.

On the day of the race, Ty was pretty excited. I talked to him about his expectations, and his goal was to finish in top 10 in his age group. Unfortunately, the youngest age group as 19 and under, so Ty knew he couldn't keep up with 18 and 19 year olds. He ran a great race, setting a comfortable pace, not chasing other kids that started too fast and picking them off later. After seeing the rest of the family new the finish line, Ty managed to finish strong, at just under 25 minutes. He finished 7th in his age group, and more importantly, 3rd fastest time for 10 and under. A great time, given it was his first race and I intentionally paced him a little slow. Needless to say, I was very proud Papa. He is already asking about his next race.

By the way, click on the Title above, or here to see race data captured by my garmin 305. For more information on my garmin, click here .