3.41 Soccer (yes again)

September 29, 2014
By Cyndi


I am happy (very, very happy) to report both kids played soccer this past Saturday!!!  I was actually able to talk briefly with the other parents, snap a few pictures and enjoy the morning!  Hopefully we are able to transition to other activities come winter and next spring faster.

The remainder of the weekend was fairly low key.  We started their monthly class at our new temple for kids ages 3-5.  They did really well and I'm glad they are almost 4 since it is geared toward the older kids. We had dinner with the Isaacs and otherwise just stayed close to home.  I'm such a homebody sometimes (or all the time), but it is good for all of us to get out.  The last picture below is my start of holiday gifts for friends :)  It's cryptic, I know, but I want to make sure it turns out before I post all about it.

3.40 Fall is here!

By Cyndi
September 22, 2014

Well, this weekend was better than the last!  Work is still and will remain extremely busy for the rest of year most likely.  We spent much of the week talking about soccer, what to expect and what we saw the other kids do last week to prepare them for this week.

They seemed excited when they woke up Saturday morning and after a mild meltdown from Tyler on how the jersey fit, we arrived and made it 30 ft from the field before Tyler acted timid.  Zach went right out and started listening to the coaches and playing.  Tyler remained by my side, even when Matt arrived on his break from work.

A little after practice and a snack, Tyler perked right up for team pictures :)  During this upcoming week, we will keep talking with Tyler so hopefully he feels more comfortable and will play next week.

On Sunday, we had a birthday party for a friend from school.  It was at a local fall festival and we had a blast, including Matt (as pictured below!)  We pedaled four-wheelers, rode the hayride and enjoyed lunch & cupcakes.

Watching them have fun reminded me that I best get moving on planning T&Z's birthday party!!

3.39 Soccer mom .....

By Cyndi
September 15, 2014

Soccer mom status is delayed until next weekend.

It was not a good day Saturday morning for the fellas or myself.  For weeks, we have talked about soccer and what to expect during practice.  They were super excited when they woke up and were easy to get dressed.  They happily got out of the car and by the time the short walk to the field ended, everything changed.  They refused to to leave my side and were scared to participate at all.  I helped them to walk out onto the field, stood with all the other kids and nothing would get them to put their ball down and listen to the coach.

Nothing worked and it tore me up.  Matt left work & came to practice and tried to help and still no luck.  After 25 minutes of trying (of a 45 minute practice), I left in tears and brought them home while Matt went back to work.  We'll try again next week and I really hope they aren't so scared and participate this time.

The rest of the weekend was calm and it took me quite a while to recover from the morning and the next few weeks are pretty jammed packed with plans.

Here's the weekend review from my phone:

2nd Dentist appointment where they did great!

Happy kids before soccer ...

 Don't look too hard in the field, they were right at my side ...

 Dinner al fresca ....

3.38 Perfect way to end the summer ... Bethany Beach

By Cyndi
September 8, 2014

Well, summer has officially ended for the Alderson Family!  After a short work week, we headed to the Delaware shore with our friends the Carmeans for a long weekend at Bethany Beach.  We've been talking to the fellas about this trip for months and how we would play in the sand, enjoy the water and do lots of special things.

Matt and I packed the car, which resembled a game of tetris as we had SO MUCH stuff!  Once we arrived, we unpacked into the condo and got everyone changed and walked out to the beach.  We picked a first floor condo, where we could walk to the ocean within 2 minutes.  It was perfect!

We spent an hour or two playing and then headed back for dinner and bed.  I started feeling worse as the cold that started the day before was worsening. 

The next morning everyone was up early (ugh!) and we were setting up camp at the beach by 830a!!  We were also joined by a DC friend and her twins.  Tyler and Zach mostly played in the sand and the little pool we had near our chairs.  Zach did go down to the water's edge with Matt which was great!

Don't you love my wine glass??!!  Ahhhh..... add a few frozen grapes in it and I was enjoying life.  Not pictured:  The box of kleenex I went through along with the Afrin nose spray -- I was almost over dosing to be able to breathe!


We had lunch and then nap time.  After nap, we drove 20 minutes north to Rehoboth for dinner and playtime for the kids. They had a FABULOUS time at Funland.  The rides and games were the perfect size.  The only downfall was it was 90+ degrees outside and hotter near all the rides and we were all dripping in sweat by the end.

We stopped in a candy store for a late night snack where they each picked out a bag of chocolate covered pretzels with sprinkles.  On the ride home, we offered them a few and Tyler only ate one and Zach only took one little bite and said he was done.  I think they were just exhausted!

On Saturday, once again, we were up early and at the beach before 9am.  We lasted until close to 1130, again in 90+ degree heat!  They had a blast between the sand and the swing set. 

After nap, we headed up to the Bethany boardwalk, took a quick family picture and enjoyed ice cream.  The Carmeans finally witnessed T&Z's craziness with food when they refused to eat their ice cream (which was melting quickly) because they didn't get a cone.  So finally we got them a cone, of which they each took one small bite and then said they didn't want it!!

We headed back to the condo for dinner & the adults enjoyed the quiet time after the kids went to bed.

For our first real family vacation, I think it was a WIN!!  Raising kids is tough, twins are very tough as they feed off each other all.the.time.  To see them enjoy all of the new things was a parenting win!  My favorite memory of the trip was asking them what their top two favorite things were:

Tyler
1.  Riding the trucks at Funland
2.  Riding the boats at Funland

Zachary
1.  Standing in the water and the waves
2.  Riding the boats at Funland

Until next time ...... hopefully we will continue to be on the uphill from age 3.5 (half ages are the worst) and ride the vacation train of happiness a little longer!