Soccer Saturdays

So this summer our Saturdays are going to consist of two soccer games a day as Roan has decided he's old enough to try it again.  We will also have practices on Wednesday and Thursday nights too.  (Groan, to the practices)

Roan has played two games thus far and during the last game he thought he might try being a goalie and he actually faired pretty well.  He let one in but stopped many.  I think he's going to stick to doing that for a while to see if he can hone those skills a little.

At this age group, his games so far are a little more boring than Gage's as it basically consists of a glob of kids chasing a ball.  There is no real skill set or structure to their games, though I will admit it is far better than two years ago when it was just utterly painful to watch Roan's games.

 

 We did find it highly entertaining last week watching a kid lose his shit after two goals got past him (even though he'd saved at least 20) and then his father coddling him.  That doesn't happen too often with the older kids when we watch Gage play.

This Saturday we were watching my cousin Melinda's daughter Claire for the day while they went golfing in honour of my dad.  Clearly Roan's soccer game was exhausting even to watch.  It's tough being the #1 fan.

Summertime Rolls

After reading my sister-in-law's blog, I've found some inspiration from her Lovin' Summer update.  I too am stoked that the nice weather is finally here.  I have found in the past year or so just how much I enjoy sitting out on my back patio until the mosquitos come out and even sometimes after they're out.  I love eating my dinner at my patio table.  I love BBQ and smelling my neighbours BBQ'd dinners as they cook.  I love that it stays light out past nine o'clock.  I love that my yard and garden looks nice. I just love the smell in the air and the sounds of summer.  I love that I have so many more options. 

So, with that in mind, I am also going to write my summer wishlist.  I plan to come back to this list in September, to see how much I actually got done.  Some of these are the same as Anita's.  (Her last two blog updates actually make me think we are basically the same person.) 

1. Take the kids to the beach at least once.
2. Watch as Roan scores his first goal in soccer. 
3. Spend more time with my extended family (on both sides).
4. Have more dinners with friends. (2)
5. Take the boys camping for a few days by a beach.  (Separate from #1).
6. Finish the work we started around the yard.
7. Put up a fence, and increase my patio space.
8. Have friends over often for beer on the patio.
9. Get to an amusement park at least once with the boys.
10. Get to an amusement park at least once with adults.
11. Break out a spontaneous soccer game with the boys and their friends.
12. Be a soccer mom twice each Saturday.
13. Go to BINGO at least once with Lesley.
14. Take in a summer concert.
15. Take the boys to the racetrack (horses, not cars).
16. Take lots of pictures.
17. Play hookie from work for a day.
18. Get my left arm tattoo started/completed.
19. Get a pedicure or two.
20. Spend a morning or afternoon at the spa.
21. See Gage graduate from Grade 8
22. Save money for next years vacations.
23. Go down a waterslide.
24. Get a sunburn (not a bad one, just for some more freckles and that sunkissed look.)
25. Go fishing with my kids.
26. Camping or cottage with friends.
27. Go garagesale-ing with Margaret.
28. Go to the drive-in.
29. Go for bike rides.
30. Go on a road trip.  Even if it is just a day.
31. Go for walks through the neighbourhood in the evenings. 
32. Say hello more often to all of my neighbours.
33. Laugh so hard I cry.  And maybe pee a little.
34. Sit by a fire.
35. Jump on the trampline with Roan.
36. Teach Roan how to do a backflip.
37. Sleep in. 
38. Read an awesome book or two or three. 
39. Drive a go-cart.
40. Hike in the gorge.
41. Go to the Zoo.
42. Go to Merrittville Speedway.
43. Make a kitty tower.
44. Witness Gage take the Gold medal in track.
45. Go to the PRIDE parade.

I think that's it for now.  I may add to this list throughout the summer as things pop into my head.  That's enough goals to get me started anyway.
So here's to a great summer.  It's gotta be better than this past spring.

I'm not real good at sharing...

Have you ever thought about what protects our hearts?  Just a cage of rib bones and other various parts.  And we are just breakable, breakable, breakable girls and boys.

Could it be?  Am I sharing his heart with another girl?



Siamese Snuggle-buddies

I couldn't resist.  How awesome are these cats!!??

Mystery Box = Family Fun Time!

I meant to post a picture of this a while ago, and I guess I had thought I already did.  But looking back through my posts I now see I have made a GRAVE oversight.  Below is the science project that Gage had using Hydrolics and whatever the -olics is that uses air.  Pneu something I think.  Anyway, it was a family affair utilizing some skills of Eric (mainly), mine (mostly just my financial investment) and Gage's. 

Gage decided he wanted to do the Mystery Box from the Call of Duty Video games (Zombie maps) and the hydrolics would be what he used to push the teddy bear up through the top of the box.  If you don't currently play COD then you won't get the symbolism of the teddy bear, but whatever.  It was a BRILLIANT idea and one Eric and I ran with.  We picked up accessories to glue down to help decorate the box that are also symbolic of the video game.  This picture is missing the final piece of the puzzle, the cymbal monkey.  We were still letting the paint dry, so just envision a cymbal monkey in that empty space. 

When we were done I think we were all quite pleased with the end result.  Gage walked away with an 82% on it.  I'm pretty sure it will take up residence on his shelf in his room with his other video game trinkets. 

Shedgar to the Second Degree

So here's an updated photo of our little adequately sized pretty box shed. It's just about finished now.  The shingles are up and all Eric has left to do is one final board of 'siding' on the back of the building.  Then, it's PAINTING time!  I think for now I'll paint it white with black trim and a red door.  Just like my house!  I know, adorable isn't it? 

I'm so proud of Eric.  He designed it, sorted out the materials required to construct it, did up a spread sheet with the costs of the entire project and then built it!  He's so handy, my man.  He's already been approached by a neighbour to build one for them as well.  Good job honey!!