More Christmas Performances

The boys also got to perform during their school's Christmas Performance.  They did great!

The fifth graders are required to do beginning band and Charlie chose the clarinet.  

We were pleasantly surprised at how well the kids have learned their instruments in three short months.

Christmas Piano Recital

 The boys worked so hard to be ready for the Christmas recital.    Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

 What a wonderful and relaxing Christmas this year. 

This was the first year we cut our own tree down - a tradition we definitely want to keep.

Christmas Eve

Christmas morning was full of squeals - what a fun age.  

The boys were especially stoked with their new soccer uniforms of one of their favorite players.

Indoor Futsal

Winter Futsal has begun!  This year, Lukas also got to play on a team.  Paul is a trooper for coaching both teams!

Despite the team being down a player, the kids had tons of hustle!

Charlie's team had many of his prior futsal teammates, and a few new ones!

Thanksgiving in California

We were so grateful for our health and ability to drive down to California to spend the holiday with my parents.  As an added bonus, Paul's parents were also in California and were able to join us too.  That doesn't happen very often!

The biggest (and cutest) Turkey I ever did see!

The ladies in the kitchen!

We also got to celebrate Papa Moo's birthday with cousins.

Lacrosse Champs

The weekend before Thanksgiving, Charlie's Lacrosse team ended up on top at the Valhalla tournament in Portland.  After losing both games on day 1, they showed up to win on day 2 - and won all 3 games to earn the championship.  Great job Mad LAX!

 

Here is a short video -

(Charlie is #7 in black jersey with ball)

Class Accountant

 Lukas got to collect and count the classroom pizza money for Pizza Friday.  What a cute Accountant!

Halloween Piano Recital

This year we are getting back into a more normal routine with in-person recitals.  The Halloween recital is one of my favorites.

Lukas played two songs:

Charlie performed one song - do you recognize the movie it's from?

Little Red Hen - School Performance

 The first and second grade class put on a performance of the Little Red Hen at school.  What a cute show!  

Lukas was one of the Little Red Hens (spot him in his blue mask)

If you want to see a longer version of the full performance, here is the link the school sent out: https://youtu.be/g9wSLpMQGsI

Secret Scrimmage

At the end of the club season there was a secret scrimmage where the coach arranged to have the kids play the adults.  It was a hoot!

Paul showing off his soccer skills.

Going head to head with the team captain.

By the end of the game all of the kids were on the field at the same time!

Charlie giving the adults some of his moves.

Soccer

Both boys had a  great season this year! A busy few months but it's so worth it to see them improve as the season goes on.  Here are a few highlights:

Lukas

Charlie (club team)

Soccer Saturdays

As much as sports can be weekend killers (as Paul puts it), we love watching our kids play sports they are passionate about.  And this weekend gave us gorgeous fall days to be on the sidelines.  We are so proud of all of their hard work at practice and during games.

Lukas took a turn as a goal keeper - a job he takes very serious.

Lukas playing Forward.

Charlie directing players on the field (#17) in a close match up with a Portland team.  

Hood River got a close win - phew it was a nail biter!

Then, Charlie was invited to play with the next older team, as they needed a few extra players.  He's in the center with his arms extended.  He was able to get a goal in to tie up the game and helping his team avoid defeat with a 3-3 score.

Picture Day

The one day a year I can get them to put gel in their hair! 

Homemade Grind

 Charlie was upset that I wouldn't let him grind on our back deck, so he decided to build his own with left over materials we had.  A little assistance from Far Far and he was off and grinding.

Soccer Saturdays

 Soccer Saturdays have officially begun.  It's been so awesome to play soccer again!  

First Day of School 2021

Well, I know I have been absent for a while, but I'm back!  Hopefully on a regular basis again.  The summer was a whirlwind with Lacrosse tournaments, Soccer tournaments, kids on their annual California adventures with Grandparents, a new job for me, a new (to us) getaway in Mosier, a kitchen remodel, and so much more!   

But...we are happy to report kids are back in school again.  Thank you Horizon for the opportunity to be in person again this year.  Here are the first day of school pics:

Masks (check), Temperature Checks (done)...school's back in session!!

And, despite how Charlie appears, he is excited to be back.  The eyeroll was for me snapping a pic from the window during drop off.

Lacrosse Videos

 

Charlie is Blue jersey #7.  He gets the pass and scores.

Lukas is Blue jersey #12.  He wins the face off, and then assists the goal for his team.

More Lacrosse

 Here are some more pics of the Lacrosse season.

Charlie is not intimidated by larger competitors (Charlie is second from left)

Lukas is ready for the pass

Lukas Face Off

Lukas in the crease (middle Blue jersey #12)

Lukas' team with Coach Paul (aka Dad)

Charlie team huddle (Blue #7).  Can you spot the same straw hat as Lukas' coach?  

Yep, you got it.  Paul is also coaching Charlie's team.

Lacrosse Season

We are halfway through the lacrosse season and it's been SO much fun!  Both boys are obsessed.  We are grateful for the opportunity to play this year.

I'll post some of the season highlights in the coming days.  

Worker Man

 This is how Lukas helps spread bark chips around the lawn border.  His crew is on the job!

Piano

 The boys have been hard at work with their latest piano songs.  This was the first recital in over a year that was held in person.  YAY!  

Here are the videos of their pieces.

Lukas - 

Charlie -

Bravo!

Great Outdoors

 We are excited for hiking season to begin.  We started the season off with one of our favorite hikes in Mosier.

Literacy Week

 The boys had a fun week at school with themed days throughout the week to celebrate Literacy.

Crazy Hair Day 

Wacky Wednesday

Hat Day

The week was capped off with a Character Parade around the neighborhood next to the school.  

The students dressed up like a character in a book, and brought the book with them on the parade.

Lukas was Commander Fox, a clone from Star Wars.

Charlie was a character from the book "Lacrosse Attack"