Collin's first soccer goal - and the rest of his Saturday full of "highs"

On Friday morning, Collin's school had their first performance - just a few weeks into the school year, and they had learned enough songs in their music class for a patriotic performance.  Kindergarten through second grade sang in the first round, and Collin donned his red, white and blue to sing "Yankee Doodle," "My Country Tis of Thee," "Grand Old Flag" and more.

Maya, clutching her raisins which we brought to keep her quiet, proudly watched and waved from the benches.  The cafeteria was packed with kids, parents and siblings.  

Also on Friday, we finally experienced some fall weather, and we took full advantage.  I had to work, but was able to meet Cas for a lunch date on a patio.  After I picked the kids up from school, we grabbed my grandma, went to a park, and then we met Cas again at an outdoor patio, this time with the kids in tow, for dinner.  

Saturday morning Collin had a birthday party, so Maya and I played for 2 hours at his elementary school playground.  While Maya napped, Collin had a soccer game.  He was cheered on by Grammy and Great Grandma "B." 

And Grammy, B, and I witnessed Collin's first goal.  It was remarkable.  He was slightly in shock that no one stole the ball from him, and he made a great kick into the corner of the goal.  His expression afterwards was priceless - a mixture of surprise and wonder with happiness and pride.  Most of the game we were yelling at him to run toward the ball, but his goal was a shining moment on Saturday!

Doing "fast feet" on the field to try and be ready for the ball his teammate was gearing up to kick -  

After the game, the parents from both teams form a tunnel for all the kids to run under, so Grammy and B joined the cheering tunnel -

Proud of Collin -

We celebrated his first goal with a trip to a cupcake bakery.  Then B went to church, and my mom met us back at the elementary playground.  

Glowing sun, crazy hair, on the swing -

In the morning, Maya tweaked a game she played with Cas and me where we pretend we're sleeping and she startles us awake, and then we tickle her.  We found a bench on the playground where we'd take turns sleeping, the other running around the playground and then waking the sleeper.  She'd instruct me before she took a nap, "tunnel, slide, good job, Mommy."  She wanted to play in the afternoon, while my mom took pictures of the action.  Waking me up -

 Surprise -

Talking Collin into the game, what a good sport he is!

Maya's turn, sleeping with a grin on her face -

The lighting was gorgeous for pictures, but my kids were busy snacking or sipping water -

Then Collin starting blowing raspberries, and his copycat sister followed suit -

Collapsing for tickles and giggles -

Silly boy -

And our silly girl - after church with her over-the-top cheese face -

On Saturday night when we were running through "highs and lows" of the day, Collin said it was one of his best days yet - birthday party, Dave and Busters with Cas, soccer, goal, cupcake, Grammy and B going to his game, going to the playground, and then dinner at yet another restaurant patio complete with a popsicle for dessert.