Soccer girl...

This past Wednesday, Kate start her first, of what we hope will be many, soccer season. Two of her friends, "the Sophias", from her dance class are on her team of nine 4 & 5 year old girls. John is so excited to see her following in his footsteps....she'll be #3 just like Daddy's football number. =) She had a great time at practice and insisted that I call her "Soccer girl" the next day. I can't wait for the first game to see them all in their red & black uniforms and matching hair bows! Too cute!

Jumping jacks to warm up...

Each girl received a pink & white ball with Dina the Dinosaur on it...Dina does not like to be touched with hands- Kate will have to work on that one.




During their "scrimmage", Kate & Sophia needed a little security so they ran down the field holding hands. Precious. =)

Beach day...

Brenna and Curt set up their trailer and hosted a little family gathering at Bolsa Chica beach on Monday. We arrived at lunch time and spent a couple of hours playing in the sand (the kids), swimming in the waves (John and the other daddies), and freezing in the wind (me). When we'd finally had it with the cold wind, we changed into warm clothes and settled down by the fire pit. Curt grilled some yummy spiral-cut hotdogs and we toasted marshmellows for s'mores. It was a fun day and we got lots of good pictures! Thanks, Vander Molens! =)

The kids loved the seaweed...
Luke, Brooklyn, Kate, and Elijah (Curt's nephew)

Kate and Luke playing in the sand before dinner.

Cuddling up with Grampa to keep warm.
Anxiously awaiting the bonfire...

Uncle Curt trying to light the fire without singeing his face...

Yummy s'mores!!




Luke thought the fire was a little too warm...but had fun roasting marshmellows with Daddy, Uncle Curt, and Uncle Drew.


Kate trying hard to stay warm...


As you can see, the kids were filthy. Fortunately, we were able to shower them and get into jammies for the ride home because they both fell sound asleep in the car and didn't wake until morning. =)

VBS...

A summer full of fun has made it quite difficult to keep up with blog posts. We have enjoyed many pool days, beach days, birthday celebrations (that's right...the big 3-0 came and went and I survived!) and date nights with friends and family. Last week, Kate attended her first week of Vacation Bible School at our church along with over 50 other kids. She had such a good time! We brought along my cousin, Kayla, to help out with Luke so that I could help with registration and snacks. It was a successful week with 15 kids making the decision to ask Jesus to live in their hearts. =)

VBS verse of the week:

Kate all ready and excited to go!

Craft time was her favorite part.