Max scores!

I am so lucky.  Our life is good.  We do fun things, we enjoy each other, and we make memories.  Sure, things aren't perfect.  It's not like I take pictures of the tantrums, the time outs, the messy kitchen, etc.  But when you look at the big picture, we are so blessed.  

I made calendars for a few family members including Peter.  I thought he would think it was cheesy but he has said multiple times that he really likes it when he's at work.  I'm so glad.

Bedtime cuddles (not sure why Emmalyn's eyes look foggy)

I was able to go to Maxwell's school and help with the Easter party.  The party included everyone sitting together with decorative plates, napkins, etc. and some snacks.  I sure enjoy being able to help (and I know my help is appreciated...there is rarely any participation from other parents).

"The Groundhogs"

The whole class.  These kids are cute, great kids.

Reading a book after the "party"

After the party, I let Maxwell come back to work with me.  He had fun drawing on my white board.

On Saturday we had another indoor soccer game.  Unfortunately, only half the team showed up which meant that the few kids that did show were in the game for the WHOLE time without being able to sub out.  

Check out this series of pics!

Maxwell got to do the kickoff after a goal...

The ball made it through the other players and he got out ahead of them to run after the ball...

He headed for the goal...

AND HE SCORED!!!!! (No picture of the exact moment)  WAY TO GO MAXWELL!  YOUR FIRST GOAL!

Soon after the goal, the fatigue set in...

Running with his head down

These kids did a great job!  It's a long game with lots of running when you don't get to take a break.

She enjoys the games

Kindermusik!  Emmalyn's class has a couple other girls in it.

Maxwell went to Emmalyn's class today since he was going to be the only one in his class.

She loves playing the drums

Emmalyn was a MESS after lunch so dad washed her off in the sink

She ended up just sitting IN the sink

Ack - - her leg went down the drain.  (We quickly removed it just to be safe)

Video - She's so bold!  She's got no problem drinkin from the "fire hose".  She keeps going in for more.

Maxwell's first indoor soccer game

Maxwell got to play in his first indoor soccer game for the Tiny Tornados!  We missed their first game because of the cruise...

He was not happy that his shirt was so big that it had to be tucked in

We had asked him what number he wanted to be and he chose "19"  (not sure why - - maybe because his birthday is on the 19th?)

He had to be walked onto the field because he got all shy and nervous despite all our coaching/pep talks beforehand.

The field was separated from the stand by glass.  It meant that the kids couldn't really hear the "fans" in the stands (doesn't mean that stopped some parents from yelling at their kids)

Around the edge of the field were big blowup tubes.  It was great because those kept the ball basically always in play.

Excited to watch Maxwell!

Sorry - - my pics did not turn out well due to the glass.  :(

Maxwell is standing next to his coach rubbing his eyes.  He was crying when the game started because he didn't want to play.

When they finally put him into the game he was still upset.  Here he is just standing on the place where they do the kickoffs even though the game is going on around him.

The coach is trying to talk him into kicking the ball.  She wasn't successful and another kid ended up running up and kicking the ball.

When the coach wasn't successful, the ref tried to talk Maxwell into kicking the ball (I appreciate how kind they were with trying to get Maxwell into the game)

Now the ref is trying to guide Maxwell forward to kick the ball.  He's still not having any of it.

The ref tried to pick Maxwell up and swing his legs so that he would kick the ball.  Max lifted up his legs so that they wouldn't touch the ball.   At this point I about died in the stands.  ugh...were we just wasting our time with this?  Was he ever going to try and play the game?!?!

The whole first half Maxwell just didn't play.  During halftime, Peter took him to the bathroom and after that he came back a totally different kid and was excited to get in and play.

Maxwell finally kicked the ball on a kickoff after the other team scored a point.

Look!!!!  He's running after the ball!!!!

Video - Maxwell playing in his first soccer game.

He's actually going after the ball.  You'll notice how cute the kids are - they all just run after the ball.  When Max runs after the ball he doesn't run into the whole group of kids, instead he prefers to try to get to the ball by running around everyone.

High fives for the other team after the game.

At this age, they don't have a goalie and they don't keep score.

He was happy and pumped after the game.  Hopefully next time he'll get into it much quicker.