Her turn

A few months back we signed Sara up for soccer. She was interested in playing but was still a bit hesitant about people watching her. I guess we've just been hoping she would outgrow it before the season started. As the day of her first practice approached we talked about it a little but not too much. I didn't want to chance over doing it.

The day arrived. Iain took her shopping for cleats, a ball and shin guards. She came home covered in pink. Shocking I know! :-) All three were from a matching set, black and pink with hearts. There was a little twinkle in her eye that wasn't there when she left to go shopping. Iain and I were hopeful. We knew how much fun she would have if she just allowed herself to play.

Fast forward a few hours. I know I'm biased but damn, she's cute!

Yes, she picked out the outfit to match the ball!

This chin pose is her new favorite

Off to practice and...she loved it! She absolutely loved it. I'm not sure who was more thrilled about the whole experience, Sara or us! We sat in our chairs, watching our baby play on a team. The boys were there cheering her on too. She listened to her coach, ran, kicked the ball and even scored a goal. Not only was it a huge turning point for Sara but it felt like a turning point for our family. As all four of us sat and watched her, I couldn't help but think about the dynamic of the situation. For four and half years, Sara has slept through, played at, eaten at and watched her brother's games. For the first time.EVER.her brother's were watching her. Iain and I kept looking at each other and smiling. There was something almost comforting about the turn around.

Go Peanut Go!

The Blond One turns 8!

Happy (Belated) 8th Birthday Seany!
It's shocking to us that you are already 8 years old! You are an amazing kid!

The Rest - Part Two

Every time Sara saw this sign, which was right in front of our campsite, she reminded us that no horses were allowed! Too funny! In her defense, it does kind of look like a horse! Do people often bring Great Danes camping?

Good Morning Sunshine!

This is the best picture ever! It sums up our drive home.

1 ipod+3 kids in a small space =

The Rest - Part 1

Iain's foot injury was definitely a major part of our recent trip. It wasn't everything though. We still had camp fires, walks, sand crab hunting, and many other good times. Here are some pictures of the fun...

BIG cheesy grins with BIG pieces of seaweed

Crawling around looking for sand crabs

I love this one! Being a sport, walking around with a stick since we didn't have crutches yet, wearing his "cool" glasses. Then Sara doing her Signature twirling in the background!

More to come...

One Step

One step makes a difference. Just ask Iain T. One step that he wasn't expecting turned looking for starfish into an ER.

We were on the beach in Carpinteria searching out starfish (Aren't they called Seastars now??). We didn't even make it the tide pools. Iain T was climbing on the rocks, which all three kids do all the time. The next thing I know, he emerged from the rocks, with a panic stricken look on his face and blood pouring into the sand. I called for Iain who immediately went into action. He laid him on the sand, quickly took his shirt off and tied it tightly around his foot to stop the bleeding. The other dad with us ran for help. I stood and panicked, not so helpful I know! We elevated his foot, kept pressure on the cut and waited for a lifeguard to arrive.

This is while we are waiting. The Camp Host (lady at right) was calling someone but looking back I'm not sure who she needed to call at that moment!

Lifeguard taping up his foot

He was scared, I was scared. It was bloody!

Skip ahead 30 minutes and we were on the way to the ER. We were able to get it stitched up and get back to the campsite within 2 hours.

This is the next morning. We were holding a mirror trying to show him the stitches. He was very excited to see they are blue! :-)

He's doing well now. He's mastered the crutches and is doing well with his restrictions. The stitches are scheduled to come out on the 10th.