Happy 60th Birthday Mom/Grammy!

My Mom means the world to me and she has devoted her life to being the best mom and grandma to my siblings, all of her grandchildren, and myself so I wanted to do something nice for her 60th birthday.  I was able to fly out for a quick trip to surprise her and make her feel as special as she is for her birthday.  I arrived while she was at work which enabled Julie and me to set up a few decorations and set out some gourmet cupcakes that my Dad bought for us.  My goal was to have the weekend be entirely about her and do whatever she choose the entire time.  I think I helped make her 60th a special one.  She mentioned that she had a great birthday before I surprised her, that everyone had done a great job with making it a great one, and that my quick visit just helped make it even more special :)

Julie and Ezra joined us for most of the weekend activities, which added to the fun of everything

Of course we got in a walk with Lexi! 

I love my mommy :) 

My favorite twin Julie and me ;) 

Playgrounds Around Town

The kids and I hit up three different parks this week for tons of playground fun.  The first one posted was from yesterday at the school where his soccer games are held

This afternoon we explored the Onondage Lake Park Wegmans Playground 

Earlier in the week the kids ran around the Mercer Park Playground 

Matthew, Soccer Star Jersey #8, Rocked The First Game Of The Season

I'm a fantastically thrilled soccer mom to my little champ and cheered him on at his first soccer game of his new team (known as "the red team" until the team name is officially decided upon) He almost scored a goal three times, made a ton of assists, kicked the ball away from the other team countless times, and made contact with the ball pretty much every time it was in play.  He ran his little heart out on the field the entire game (when he wasn't on the sidelines cheering on his teammates)

His team getting warmed up before the game (he is the second from the right) 

Let the game begin!  He is the second from the left 

We exchanged a multitude of 'thumbs up' gestures throughout the game :) 

Star player #8 can be seen in the middle (the tallest boy) 

Matthew knows that staying hydrated during the game is essential to staying on top of his awesome soccer skills 

 Meredith cheered on her brother from the sidelines

Matthew kicked the ball (the little boy on his team was kicking it the wrong way) all the way to the other end of the field where he came so close to making a goal-literally it hit the goal post and went to the other side of the net.  

Here he made a spectacular steal from the other team and brought the ball over near the goal 

 He is throwing the ball in from out of bounds (first little kid on the right)

Go Number 8!  Woo-hoo! 

Waiting with one of his teammates to get back into the game 

Although the refs don't keep score, I did in my head just for fun.  His team won 6-2!  Go Red Team! They lined up to give the other team a high-five at the end



Day 2 and 3 Of Kindergarten

Matthew has been enthusiastic for school these past two days, so much so that he is ready, backpack, and all wanting to wait for his bus at least 30 minutes before his bus is scheduled to pick him up.  He also always bounces off the bus with a big smile and tells me he can't wait to go back to school the next day.  Meredith delights in waiting at the bus stop with Matthew and seeing him off to school

He finally opened up some about the going-ons at school (and his teacher is awesome and sends home a note detailing their activities/schedule of that day) I asked him after his first day if he made any new friends and he responded "No mom, we only made paper parrots" LOL 

 To celebrate a fantabulous start to his educational future, we went to Cold Stone for some ice cream thanks to Grammy and Grandpa.  Matthew ordered chocolate ice cream mixed with KitKats with rainbow sprinkles on top because, as Matthew stated,  "that's what I got the last time I got ice cream with Grandpa"  :)