Soccer!

Deegan and Syeira stayed at our house Friday, Friday night, and Saturday morning. Heidi went to San Francisco with her mother-in-law to see "Wicked" and enjoy a weekend of fun. We had the kids until Josh could be home with them on Saturday and Sunday. Of course, Friday night we played too long and went to bed too late. Saturday morning Deegan had his first soccer game so we took the kids to Vernal to watch the game and meet Josh.Deegan is practicing with Poppa. I don't think Dee knows that Poppa coached soccer at Union High for several years. Deegan was so excited to play!

The coach is giving last minute instructions. Deegan had only had one practice and when the game started, he was frustrated because the other kids were kicking the ball and not letting him have a chance at it. He really did not understand the game, and that, combined with little sleep the night before, provided some emotional moments. When Deegan came to sideline, in tears, Josh and Mike (Poppa) helped explain and then motivate Deegan to go back on the field and try again.

So excited! Deegan scored a goal (for the other team). He was so proud of his accomplishment! Thankfully, no one criticized or made fun of him. Everyone congratulated his fine skills and suggested that next time try to make a goal in the other net.

Even Sy clapped for her big brother!

End of the game cheers and some pretty pleased team members.

After the game, Deegan and Josh spent time kicking the ball around, passing, dribbling, and shooting. Josh is really a good dad and Deegan adores him.

Hiking

One of the favorite nearby places to hike is Papago Park. Roux picks his own route and we follow. First the lake to see the ducks and geese, and then to throw little sticks and rocks into the water. (Do all boys love doing this? I remember my sons doing the same thing!)

Then follow the stream and throw more little rocks and dirt. We have to look closely to see if there is anything interesting in the stream, but not so close as to fall in.

Next we follow the path that Roux chooses. Naturally he has to pick up sticks, play with the bugs, examine every little thing along the way, and tell us all about the wonderful things he has discovered. For me, the fun part was that he always had to hold "Nonna's" hand as we were walking. What a way to boost my self-esteem!

At the top with the hole in the rock behind.

Mom and son looking out over the view.

Roux and I (and Vi) had such a good time playing, snuggling, reading books, walking, and enjoying the grandma and grandson bond. He is such a sweet little boy and I love being able to spend time with him and his mom.

I can't wait until my next visit--maybe in May???

Easter and Arizona

This was my second trip to Arizona since Christmas. One purpose for going is to look at homes. Right now we could purchase a home down there and pay cash for it--no mortgage, a nice newer home, and year round sunshine. We would be closer to Vi and Roux, and my parents will probably end up in Arizona after being away for several years. So many plusses, but then there would be so many lifestyle changes. It is hard to know what to do right now.

The good thing about going--it is a great excuse to spend time with Vi and Roux.

Easter morning with Roux. He wasn't sure about this egg hunting stuff at first, but once he figured it out there was no stopping him! We colored a few eggs the night before and Roux was fascinated with colored eggs. After he went to bed, Vi and I hid the eggs around the apartment for Roux to find Sunday morning.

The icing on the cake, for Roux at least, was finding candy, treats, and even a dollar inside of the eggs. In the easter bags (not baskets) were bubbles, sidewalk chalk, books, and Easter clothes. You can see he was more interested in the eggs and their contents!

After breakfast, we packed a picnic lunch and went to Freestone Park (or something like that).

Vi and Roux walking around the ponds and looking at the ducks. Roux saw the bubbling of the water pump in the pond and insisted it was a whale--so then, we tried to find the whales.

Nonna and Roux on the merry-go-round.

Sidewalk art

Roux loves to draw, and is pretty good for a not quite three-year-old.

We spent a couple of hours at the park with lots of other people enjoying the day as well. As we were leaving, more and more people came. We timed it just right! What a fun and relaxing day.

Nonna and Poppa's house

A few weeks ago Heidi asked if I could watch the kids for her. I don't remember what she had going on. I arranged my week so I could help her out and spend time with the grandkids. Thank goodness the weather was sort of decent--still a little chilly, but bearable.

Deegan caught this little snake all by himself. He was so proud! He carried the snake around with him for quite some time. I seriously was surprised he didn't squish the innards out of the little guy, but when Deegan finally let the little guy loose, it slithered off.

Syeira and Poppa on one of the horses.

Nonna, Syeira, and Deegan on horses. It was still early in the year and the horses hadn't had been ridden over the winter. For this first ride we had to stay in the little round pen so we could "teach the horses some manners."

Poppa and Deegan went up to check on the new calf. Seriously, this calf was about 125 pounds when it was born. That is huge! Deegan named the calf Optimus Prime (transformer dude). Mike added the last name of Rib. Now the official name is Optimus Prime Rib.

Volleyball

Unshakable!!!

Somewhere along the line that became our slogan. We may get shook up a little with volleyball, but as women we are strong and unshakable!!!

City league volleyball came to an end last week. My one night of socializing and activity and now it is over. The ladies on the team are so much fun. When I am around them my mood lifts and I feel somewhat younger. Last week Liz brought the petitions (for a new rec center) for us to sign. When I filled in my age, she looked at me and said, "You really aren't 50, are you?" Yes, I am--but it made me feel good when Liz acted so surprised.

Smokin' hot ladies!

We took third this year--better than last year, but not as well as other years.

Full of excitement! You can tell all of these ladies are younger than I am. Some of them are young enough to be my daughters! Yet, for some reason our diversities strengthen our bond as a team.

Every year I decide I am too old to play, and then Carrie calls and asks if I am going to be on the team. How can I say no to that invitation? One of these days they will quit calling, and I will know it is time to move on. Until then, I will play with all I have.

Thanks ladies, for a fun season!

Phoenix

I spent a wonderful warm week in Phoenix with my daughter, grandson, and parents. After a long cold winter, the sunshine and warmth were very welcome. The best part, of course, was playing with Roux.

Water and little boys always mix well.

We climbed to Hole in the Rock at Papago Park. A sweet young lady took our picture for us.

Vi met some friends at Ikea and Roux and I tagged along. We had fun walking through the store and looking at all the fun things. When Roux found the stuffed elephant, he didn't want to let go. Showing the unconditional grandmotherly love that I have for this grandchild (and the others) I just had to bring the elephant home with us. Not a bad choice--Roux played and played with it. He even took it to bed with him.

One night we went to Organ Stop Pizza with Oma and Opa. As Vi and I drove into the parking lot we knew right away what to expect. The parking lot was filled with cars from out of state, so we were prepared for the restaurant full of mature winter visitors. Roux had fun watching the organist and all the bells and whistles that accompanied the music. Another day Roux and I went to visit a cousin of my mother's. As we drove up and Roux saw the horses, he kept asking if we were going to see Poppa's horses. Since the horses were not Poppa's, Roux didn't do anything but look at them briefly. He did, however, have fun playing in the dirt!

I spent one afternoon shopping for Heidi. She gave me a list of things to get for her kids, and I just had to make myself go and get them. Just kidding! How fun is it to go and spend someone else's money? Of course, some of my own got spent as well. Loved having a fun place to shop with a variety of stores!

So fun and a much needed trip to warm up the old body! I am ready to go back!

Frogs and Princes

Have you heard the saying that you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince? Well, Sy is getting a head start! I found this frog puppet at Cabella's and just had to have it. The tongue even has a place to put a finger in to make the tongue move around. Sy had fun with it, and so did Deegan. Well worth the small investment!