Soccer Mom Coming Right Up

^^^ P and Scarlett and of course Lu. ^^^

^^^ Lucy really wanted to be part of the team. ^^^

^^^ The first play of the game..... P takes a good hit to the eye. ^^^

^^^ Daddy makes everything better. ^^^

^^^ Lu decided it was a good idea, to take her shirt off during the game. ^^^

^^^ Sissy was a great water girl. ^^^

^^^ That smile. ^^^

^^^ The highlight to P's morning. ^^^

^^^ Grandpa is the best cheerleader. ^^^

The time finally arrived for P to be on her first soccer team.  I never played soccer growing up, but always loved the sport.  I couldn't wait to sign P up for the game and as an added bonus, P's good friend Scarlett is on her team.  
The funnest part was taking P to the soccer store and letting her pick out her very own soccer ball and shoes.  She of course had to have everything PINK!  She was so sad that she didn't get to wear a pink uniform.  That night she wanted to sleep in her uniform and shoes and couldn't wait to wake up and play.
We didn't really have any expectations.  We just wanted her to get out there and have fun.  P has never been much of a runner or one to show aggression, so we didn't know how things would turn out.  We practiced some passes with her and basically told her to try and get the ball.  As the first whistle was blown, she went straight for the ball and took a mean hit to her left eye.  She immediately ran over to us and was in tears.  I don't think she expected to get hurt out there.  It was so sad, but after a hug and kiss she decided to give it another go.
She stood back and by back, I mean way back.  She wasn't about to make contact with anyone or the ball for that matter.  However, she did get a good workout and had fun running up and down the field.  After a few minutes in, she ran over again and was exhausted.  The poor thing had sweat dripping from her forehead.  She told us she was tired and just wanted to drink her water.  We kept trying to get her back out there but she preferred the side lines.  She eventually got back out and ended up having a great time.
The highlight to her day, was running under the tunnel.  She kept asking us to make another tunnel for her to run under.  She loved having the support of her grandma and grandpa there!  She is so blessed to have so many cheerleaders.
I wasn't sure she was going to want to play again, but she has been asking to put her cleats on ever since and can't wait for her next game!

Penelope's First Day of Preschool

 ^^^ She was soon excited! ^^^

Penelope was beyond ready for her first day of preschool.  Last year, I wasn't ready to let her go, but this year I knew she was ready.  She has always been so eager to learn and knew I had to let her spread her wings.   I didn't think it would be one of those moms, that got teary eyed, but the day of her preschool orientation, I found myself tearing up, as I looked at her little cubby.  As I stared at her name, it surprised me as the flood of emotions hit.  I didn't want her to see or anybody else for that matter, so I pulled myself together.  Taking her to that orientation, made all the difference.
When it came to her first day, she was ready to go and couldn't get out of the door fast enough.  The night before we had made it a memorable evening.  We let her pick her favorite restaurant to have dinner.  There was no hesitation, as she picked Broilers.  Dinner was followed by frozen yogurt (pink with sprinkles) and the highlight, a fathers blessing.  
It was such a tender moment for me as a mom.  I looked over to my sweet P, with her legs dangling off the chair and her father placing his hands on her head.  I became a little choked up, as my childhood promise, to myself came true.  I married Tyson who honors his priesthood and has been able to bless my children's lives, because of that.
P woke up and put on her new outfit.  She was so excited to wear her backpack.  I couldn't wait to get her water bottle and snack all packed for her.  We took her in and she went right to her cubby and placed her snack and backpack inside.  I gave her the biggest squeeze and hug.  Knowing she is in such good hands and that she was excited, made all the difference.  
Lucy and I had to do some retail therapy and found ourselves at Target, while we waited for the time to pass.  I couldn't wait to pick her up and hear all about her day.  She handed me the cutest little handprint with the sweetest poem.  I again got choked up and couldn't wait to hang it on our fridge.  It's going to be hard for me, not to want to save every art project. 
I am so excited for this new adventure in her life.  I love that she loves to learn and know she will go far in this world.

Lucy Two Years Old

Dear Lucy,
I can't believe you are two years old!  Where has the time gone?  It seems I have been saying that since you were born.  You are growing into the most adorable toddler.  I fall more and more in love with you every day.  I am obsessed with your squishy body and the way you wrap your chubby little arms around my neck, when giving me hugs.  You give the absolute best kisses, with the perfectly puckered lips.  Your personality is bursting and we wouldn't have you any other way.
I had written this letter, right before you were about to turn two, but for some reason it got deleted, so I'm playing a little bit of catch up.  Over the past few months your vocabulary has taken off.  You are talking up a storm and we can't get enough of your tiny little voice.  It's seriously the cutest little sound and I secretly hope it never changes.
At two years old your favorite things are, Thomas the Train, Daniel Tiger, feeding yourself yogurt and rice, shoes (flip flops in particular), grapes, picking out your own drink at Target, going on the swings, while at the park, helping mama vacuum, Target, anything Frozen, backpacks, your grocery cart, your cousins, giving GiGi her treats, Diet Coke, going to dance and of course your kitty!  
You want to do anything and everything that your sister is doing.  You are so in love with her, even though you two definitely have your moments.  It was the sweetest thing, when we dropped sissy off to her first day of preschool.  You didn't know what to do without her.  When she arrived home from school, the two of your cuddled for over an hour.  I had never seen you do that before.  It melted my mama heart.  You are so good at sharing with your sister and want to make sure she always gets a snack or treat, when you are getting one for yourself.
Whenever you hear music you dance and wiggle around in your carseat.  I think we have a little dancer on our hands.  I couldn't believe how quickly you caught on to tapping your heels and toes and leaping over objects.  Watching you dance around in your little tutu, is too dang cute!
We were recently in Sacramento, with the intentions of going apple picking, but you had other plans for us.  You ended up having a UTI, which put you in the hospital for three days.  As hard as it was watching you be in pain, I LOVED the quality time that daddy and I got to spend with you.  You refused me to leave your side and I couldn't get enough of it.  We slept together in your hospital bed and watch movies and cuddled for three straight days.  We really bonded a lot and am so grateful you are now feeling healthy and happy.  You showed us how strong and brave you are.
You say the sweetest prayers and sing, I Am a Child of God and I Love to See The Temple.  I love watching you grow, not only physically, but spiritually.  You are the most darling little girl, with the tiniest little curls, that hang off the ends of your hair.  You are the best addition to our family and we feel beyond blessed to get to be your parents.
Happy Birthday baby girl!
Love,
Mama and Papa