And here comes fall!

The kids have enjoyed going to get apples at a local apple stand.  Today Matt took Anna and Mason, who were very excited to see some fall decorations!  

Soccer Soccer Soccer!

Today the kids started a youth soccer program.  Nothing fancy but learning the basic skill and with time they will do some scrimmage games. 

They were very excited that they got cleats and shin guards.  We didn't have to get them cleats but they are so excited to have them!  It is nice to see them get so excited by it, and we have been counting down for a long time!  

 The boys age group was up first.  There are a LOT of kids (about 24) but it was surprisingly organized craziness.  They went over a few rules first.

 (The "group")

 Then they practiced dribbling to some of the flags.  Olivier didn't listen to the rules too well.  Rule #1 - No hands!

Then Anna's group was up.  It is a much smaller group (about 12) and it is for a bit longer.  They did some of the similar things but played a couple rounds of Ghostbusters (basically running around either avoiding getting touched by a soccer ball or trying to touch others with the soccer ball you are dribbling).  

Anna was more focused (although she did tire a bit).  They all got to score a "goal" at the end of practice which was nice because what did doesn't want to score?  :-)  The boys also got to but we didn't get it on video.  

Sheriff's Day at the Ranch

Today we went to an amazing local event, Sheriff's Day!  All the law enforcement agencies from the county (and boy are there a lot!) were set up for the kids to see what they do and they got lots of swag.  We thought it would be a short event and we ended up spending three hours, and probably could have spent more time!  

Many of the departments had vehicles there, including the probation department which let the kids sit on the back seat, where the bad guys/gals go.  They all wanted to sit in there but oddly didn't want to stay too long!  

They had a great time sitting on the motorcycle from the City of Arroyo Grande.  Olivier was thrilled and I think he really felt like he was driving.

 Anna was more about just checking it out because it looks like fun.

They also got to sit on the Cal Star air ambulance helicopter.  Love this great smile from Mason.

And now Mason doesn't say he wants to be a farmer when he grows up, now he wants to be a police man who lives on a farm.  :-)

Had fun hiking "our" hill this morning :-)

Fun morning at the park

This morning we went to the park with the merry go round.  It is interesting how the kis name every park and then we have to try and figure out which one they are talking about!  :-)

It was a very warm morning and the kids had very pink cheeks! 

 And for the play area, they have black rubber chips.  It makes for some very, very dirty feet.  Check out Mason's feet!

 And Anna's!  Yikes!  Needless to say they all got baths when they got home.  And although I didn't get a photo of Olivier's feet, his were the worst!

 Very hot Olivier who enjoyed having cold water put on his head.

Olivier flying down the slide.

Mason wasn't far behind!  :-)

1st Grade - watch out - here comes Anna!

Today Anna starts the 1st Grade.  Wasn't it just two days ago that she started kindergarten?  And wasn't it last week that we were taking her home from the hospital?  Our sweet baby girly is growing up right before our very eyes!  

Much like last year, Anna continues to love reading and this year she wants to become a writer when she grows up.  She is going to write about horses when she grows up, and when she turns 50 she want to start riding them.  

Anna in her classroom!

 And waiting for school to start, being silly with a classmate.  (and squinting in the sun)

Olivier's video

The boys played with digital cameras tonight and Olivier was taking videos of himself (he was making a horrible screeching sound at one point, I will spare you that).  I did manage to get a clip of him watching the video he took of himself.  Love the laugh and our silly boy!