The 6th Challenge

Here is how it works (if you don't already know): Go the the 6th folder in your pictures and go the the 6th photo in that file. Post it on your page and write something about it. Challenge all of your friends to do the same (this I don't know how to do).

So, here is my photo. It is a picture of Dominic and Isabella doing the dishes. Isabella is quite the clown! They were sweet to want to help clean up, weren't they?

The Purple Panthers (or is it Pandas?)

Who? You may be asking yourself, are the "Purple Panthers" (or maybe Pandas), anyway? Well, that is the name of the best girls' soccer team in the world! (I may be exaggerating a little). My daughter, Elena, is number 11! She just finished up her 2nd practice this afternoon and she was great! After her first practice, Elena was a little upset because she didn't really know as much as the other girls. She told me she didn't want to go today. She cried. She told me she didn't want to play soccer. She didn't know anyone on the team. She is the youngest player. I asked her to give it another chance, and she did. Did I do the right thing? I don't want to push too hard, but then again, I don't want her to think it's alright to give up! Well, after today's practice, I am so proud of her! She was great! They even played a small practice game and Elena kicked the ball 3 or 4 times! After the game, she came running off the field with cheeks all flushed and told me she got to play for a long time! And as a forward at that! (requires a fast runner). Her first game is next Saturday! I can't wait!

Isabella wants to be just like her big sister!

Elena, just before her first practice! Notice her pink shorts and the pink stripes on her shoes!

Earrings!

Elena has been asking me for about a year now to have her ears pierced. I have been putting it off, thinking she would soon lose interest. She did not. I vaguely remember when, at 14, I had mine pierced. It hurt like the dickens! I wore the starter set for the allotted 6 weeks until, finally, I could change them! Gold hoops! I thought I was so glamorous! Until I lost one of the hoops at school....by the time I got home, the hole had closed. I never wore earrings again.............until....................last Saturday! I took Elena to get her ears pierced, and to show her what it would be like, I had mine done, too! It didn't hurt very much-the device they use now is much more sophisticated than when I was young! Phew! Elena didn't cry one bit! So, one week and counting....where are those gold hoops?...

Meeting Grace

I haven't seen my niece since she was a few weeks old! She has grown so much! What a cutie!

All of us together for the first time in almost a year!

Elena with her cousin!

I think she looks like me, don't you?

Cookout at Uncle Greg's and Aunt Gloria's

Last weekend, we went to my brother's house for tons of fun and food and don't forget the sausage!!!

Aren't they cute?

Here is my brother, Greg, with his prized Texas sausages! He and his wife, Gloria, were kind enough to host a huge cookout for all of us!

Beauty and the Beast

I took the girls to the off-broadway production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at the local High School!

Elena with the star of the show, Emma, who had a dual role of the stove and a townslady. Emma took the starstruck Elena backstage after the play to see all of the costumes and props. She loved it! Thanks, Emma!

Sitting with our friends, Kristi and her husband, whose daughter, Emma, was in the play. Isabella's face speaks volumes here, as does Elena's. Elena was very excited about the play and Isabella was....well, Isabella. : )

What the New Year Brings

Much fun! We rang in the new year by sleeping right through it, but that's o.k! Isabella celebrated her 3rd birthday on Feb. 7 and we all had a great Valentine's Day! Vacation plans to Tybee Island are underway! Tax return has paid off many annoying bills and Mommy got a new (used) car! Elena has been doing great in school and attends regular kids' workout classes and yoga at the YMCA. She starts soccer in the spring! Isabella has discovered her talent for drawing and frequently scribbles pictures of Sponge Bob where ever she can! Rocky has calmed down quite a bit thanks to the bi-weekly run through the neighborhood with mommy!