Tough Choices

This fall, Ethan has joined a club soccer team.  This means that he has soccer games pretty much every Saturday and Sunday, often a 30-45 minute car ride away.  I signed him up, mostly because he really wanted to play, and also because they have professional coaches who really "teach" the boys how to play, unlike the volunteer parents who "coach" the local league, mostly just by telling kids when to play and when to sit out.


Anyhow, is is admittedly a lot for a 7-year old, and Jason is constantly annoyed the the level of commitment expected.

Last weekend, we found out that there would be a tournament this weekend in Sebastopol, with at least two games on Saturday.  Well, Ethan's team won a game on Saturday, which meant he also advanced to games on Sunday.  The only problem: we had family plans on Sunday...the morning was "family fun day" at his school, in the afternoon we were to go swimming with some friends, and the Cortez family was coming for dinner.  We were all prepared to skip out on the games on Sunday until an email came from the coach reminding all of the players about their commitment to the team, and how he really needed everyone to come so they would have adequate subs for players to get a break (it has been super hot here).   Hmmmm.

So we told Ethan he had to forgo most of our family plans, join a carpool with another boy, and hit the field.

Was it the right thing to do?  I am torn.  After all, he is just 7, and we have limited family time as it is.  But, he did WANT to do this.  And his team was counting on him.  He was a bit sad about skipping out on the other plans, but perhaps next year, he will remember this when he has to decide between club soccer and our local soccer league.

Alaina Joins in on a Bike Ride

This afternoon, we had some downtime, and Ethan asked to go on a bike ride.  It sounded like a good idea, so we got ready to leave.  That's when Alaina announced that she wanted to ride her bike, not ride on the back of Daddy's.

No, the has been riding a tricycle for over a year, but only has recently transitioned to a hand-me-down two-wheeler with training wheels.  We weren't sure if she would really be ready, but wanted to encourage her enthusiasm, so we decided to go to on a short one, with mom and dad walking.

We were really impressed at how well Alaina did--she rode almost 2 miles--and it was a lot hotter outside than we realized.  By the end she was pretty spent--and we were pretty proud!

New School Year

Well, the past two weeks have marked the beginning of the new school year for both Ethan and Alaina.

Both kids were excited to have new backpacks and lunch boxes for school.  Ethan chose a Nike backpack AND lunch box--if he had his druthers everything now would be "Nike" or "Under Armor".  Alaina has a heart-patterned backpack and a Frozen lunchbox.

First, Ethan began 2nd grade.  His teacher has just moved here from Chicago, so we feel like old friends already!  So far, I think second grade is going pretty well.  Here is a pic from the first day:

Next, Alaina began her new preschool class, the "cow" room.  Before she started I asked if she was a little bit scared, ans she responded, "No, mom, I am a LOT scared."  But, she seemed to adjust well this week, and there have not been any tears.  Victory!

It is good to be back in the school routine!