Irvine Classic Soccer Tournament, June 19th-20th 2010

This past weekend Ashlyn and Amber's Olimpia soccer teams participated in the Irvine Classic Soccer Tournament in Irvine...It was a fantastic weekend of soccer...First, Ashlyn's team took 2nd in their pool of 6 teams with 27pts, 3 points behind the leader.  They won all three of their pool play games, 2-1, 2-0, and 3-0.  They then moved on to play in the Championship Game..they played their hearts out but came up short losing 2-0.  The team played so well all weekend!  Although Ashlyn has been playing with Olimpia for the past 1 1/2 years, since the restructering of the team, this was the first tournament for her new team under Olimpia....Olimpia-Orange.  Her coach has moved her to center defense, playing in a flat four formation..she used to play defense all the time when she was little before moving to MID, but I think she is back to were she is best.  The defense truely dominated this weekend.  We were so proud of our girls...Then Amber...again first tournament for her team as well.  The girls were a little starstruck their first game, but followed it with a hard fought second and third game.  Amber played goalie the 2nd half of all three games..CRAZY! I was unable to see her second game but word is she TORE IT UP as keeper..that girl is fearless.  On top of all of that...before the second game when I was leaving, Amber told me if she played forward she would score a goal...well..to my surprise..she scored a goal as a midfielder!  So proud of her too!  I wish I had more pixs, but my phone died and I left my camera card in the computer..figures!  Thanks for a fun weekend girls!  Love u!

Ashlyn and KJ

The team before the final championship game.

Olimpia-Orange after receiving their 2nd place medals

Ashlyn trying to "muscle" down an attacker.

Amber playing Keeper..concentrating on that ball!

Amber's 9th Birthday

Amber celebrated her 9th birthday this year..for all of the girls it is a "family only" party year. So we went out to dinner and a movie and then back home for presents and cake.  Since Amber was the birthday girl, she got to chose the place to eat and the movie to see.  She chose "On the Border", and The Karate Kid. (fabulous movie) We had a great time as a family.  Ashlyn and Abby helped bake the four layer round cake. Amber and I decorated and frosted.  Of course the highlight of her evening was her Nintendo DS i that she had asked for.  It's actually a pretty cool game system.  We celebrated her birthday early this year since daddy had to work on her birthday and we had soccer practice....so on her birthday we woke her up with breakfast in bed..rather on the floor.  We didn't know she had slept in Abby's room!  Later that week she was treated to getting her nails and toes painted at the Nail Spa..I think she enjoyed her birthday this year!  We love her!

Happy 9th Birthday Amber Lizzy!

Happy Birthday to our little Amber Elizabeth...she official turned '9' at 1:53pm.  She was so excited to tell me and even kept checking on her new watch.  Amber is a joy to have in our family.  She is so her own little person with her own ideas and opinions.  She is a unique child and we are so glad she came to us.  We love you Amber and hope your day is as special as you are!

Summertime Fun..2010

So Amber and Abby were told to "find something to do" instead of the computer or watching TV..so they decided to pull out their American Girl dolls..they then decided to have their girls get married to the cats.. When I discovered they were trying to make dresses out of pillowcases...not really working..I suggested tissue paper..So after a little creativity, we were able to design two wedding dresses.  We used 2 sheets of white tissue paper, 2 staples for the veil, ribbon and rubberbands to hold the flowers on each girl.  It was really fun and they turned out cute...a solution to a rather boring day.

Amber and Abby

Amber's doll Brittany..

Abby's doll Jessica..

LA Galaxy Game VS Houston

Last Saturday night we went and saw the L.A. Galaxy play Houston Dynamo..of course we won 4-1.  It was a fantastic game with great seats!  We invited Brian and his daughter Kayla to come with.  Kayla..KJ plays on the same soccer team with Ashlyn..they are buds.  We are totally looking forward to the next game we will be attending..L.A. Galaxy VS Seattle Sounders...can't wait for that one.  Until then..2010 World cup, here we come!  Go USA!

If only these were the real deal and not statues!

Las Vegas Baby! 2010

After my birthday celebration at home, we took off Sunday and left for Vegas.  We stayed at a great timeshare resort..Tahiti Village Spa and Resort and were there until late Wednesday night.  We had been wanting to try it out a few times and we were glad we finally did.  It was nice with a large pool area and lazy river.  Of course we were in heaven laying out in the sun working on our tans while the kids swam and played.  The highlight however of the trip was The Phantom of the Opera Show...It was fabulous!  We took the kids to go see it on Tuesday night and they loved it.  The special effects, props, singing..everything was wonderful.  They even upgraded our seats when we got there.  I think the kids are still singing the songs from the show..I am going to have to dig out the CD..I love them too!  The last musical they saw there was Mama Mia...I think they are hooked.  Hopefully we can see Lion King next time.  Someday it would be fun to take them to a show on Broadway in New York!