End of Soccer

Tonight was Isla's last night of soccer for this summer. I like to joke and say it was our last night of organized chaos for the next 11 months. She did really well with her first experience of organized sports. It's hard to explain to a 3 year old to go after and take the ball when up until now, all we've ever been preaching to her was to "share" and "take turns". Anyhow I was able to get a few action photos so I thought I'd include them. Of course I forgot my camera for the last night, but 2 of my friends took a team picture and when I get it, I'll post that one as well.

4th of July 2010

We all headed to Lake Osakis for our annual 4th of July get-together. We are so fortunate that we are all able to be there at the same time and spend some quality time with each other. It was so much fun to see the young ones playing and it makes me even more excited for years to come when they can start playing together. We had excellent weather for being at the lake. On Saturday the best place to be was in the water. It was hot and humid but the lake felt great. Isla had so much fun this year! It was also a lot of fun watching Noah run around and talk about everything he sees. Even though we can't understand all of his words, his is only 18 months, it's still fun to listen to him. I think next summer he and Isla are going to have a blast together. Ashely had a 3 year old shadow this year and whenever she was out of Isla's sight, Isla would immediately ask "where's Ashely?" She is such a good cousin to Isla, always playing with her and letting her tag along on whatever she is doing. Clearly in the first picture posted, Isla is DONE with taking pictures. That was taken just as we were packing up to leave and she was quite tired. I can't believe summer is already half over. More than half for me actually, I go back to work on August 23rd, so I better make the most of the next few weeks. We've got lots of things planned so hopefully I can keep up with pictures and posts, we all know how good I am at remembering my camera.

Sprinkler Fun

Isla had her first experience running through the sprinkler last week. It was so hot and humid but I hadn't filled up her pool with water so we just moved the sprinkler and she had a great time running through it. Here's a few pictures I managed to capture.

A Week of Firsts

This has been a big week for the Pender girls. Isla had her first dentist appointment on Monday and she did so well. It does help to know the dentist, thanks Dr. Ryan. Anyhow, I was wondering how she would do and she did great. We got there a little early so she could watch Mason having his teeth cleaned and see what it was all about and when it was her turn she jumped up into the chair and sat really still while Dr. Ryan checked her teeth. Looks like she's doing a good job brushing and now we can also start having her floss her teeth. We'll use the floss picks instead of trying to have her wrap floss around her fingers. Can you just imagine how insane that would be?? Of course I forgot my camera so I don't have any pictures of this event. Why do I always forget that thing?? I should just start putting it in my purse and carrying it with me wherever we go. Another first for Isla is she can now buckle herself into her car seat. How GREAT is that?? It's wonderful. She can get into the car all by herself, and get buckled while I get Greta into her seat. Thankfully, she can't get out yet. She isn't quite strong enough to push the release button on the straps. And speaking of car seats, it was a first for Greta this week too. She graduated from her carrier into a "big girl seat" as Isla likes to call it. Yep, we've moved into the convertible car seat for Greta. She still has to face backwards because she isn't a year yet, but her new seat gives her a lot more room. It will be really nice when she's 1 and can face forward, but for now, she doesn't seem to mind facing backwards. Maybe I'll get a picture of Greta in her new seat and post that so I've got something to show everyone. And lastly, the biggest first for Greta is that she is now crawling. She will be into everything soon. I will be kept plenty busy watching her. I don't remember Isla being as fast or as inquisitive, but Greta certainly is all about it! Summer is flying by, I'm really enjoying my time home with the girls and an looking forward to the rest of what summer has in store for us.

Soccer

Isla had her first night of soccer tonight. It went exactly how I expected it to go. She wanted to do a lot of watching and not a whole lot of playing. By the end she was running up and down the field, but not very excited about getting in the mix to kick the ball. She did say she had fun and wants to go back so I'd say it was a positive experience. The picture is of Chase Zimney, Isla, and Nick Buboltz. They are all within 2 months of each other and all play on the same soccer team, which is so nice. Good thing we have a soccer net at home so we can practice. Hopefully there will be more action photos as the month goes and Isla gets a little more brave. Stay tuned!!!

Great Start to Summer

We have a great field in Detroit Lakes that is filled with white daisies every year in the late spring/early summer. We were able to get a few pictures the other night of the girls. And thanks to Afton for being around so she could take a picture of all of us. Only a few more days of work left for me and then it will be summer vacation for me and the girls.....looking forward to it!!!

Busy Spring

It's been a busy spring here and the girls are just loving being able to be outside. Greta is 8 months now and Isla is almost 3 1/2. Isla loves being the "big sister" and I can honestly say she does help in her own way. Greta is very entertained by her and always has a big smile for her big sister. I'm hoping to get more pictures this summer and be able to post more pictures. Right now, I've got about 2.5 weeks left with students and then I work one more week and then it's summer vacation! This year has went so fast and I am really looking forward to being home with the girls this summer.