Ethan played soccer on Saturday. This may not seem like anything spectacular for most but for Ethan this is quite a big milestone. Although he has enjoyed playing soccer the last couple of weeks, he's been too scared to actually play when it comes to scrimmaging or actual games. He'll stand in the middle of the field and cry. As some may have noticed Ethan is a thinker and on top of that he's a perfectionist so he's been feeling like he's not good enough. Of course we encourage him as much as we can but we unfortunately can't just make him play (trust me, we've tried), he's got to make that decision for himself.
On Thursday after practice (having not played in the scrimmage game with his team) Ethan proclaimed that he would play in the 'real game' on Saturday. Chad and I had our doubts but we decided to keep him on the team a little longer and let him have another chance. Saturday came and I could tell Ethan was nervous. Even during soccer pictures he started crying and I wasn't sure he'd actually play. But on the way to the field his coach grabbed his hand and made him run along with the rest of the team. I don't know what he said but somehow, during 2nd quarter Ethan stepped onto the field, the ref blew the whistle, and he kicked the ball. And then he actually ran around with the team and did some really great kicks. It was a 'proud mommy moment' for me as I had to inconspicuously wipe away some tears (luckily I was wearing sunglasses). He did it! He concquered his fear and was actually playing soccer with the rest of the team. I was so amazed and so proud. I could see his confidence level rise throughout the game. He even made a goal, well sort of. He kicked it towards the goal and then a kid from the other team inadvertently kicked it in for him, but we make sure to tell him he's the one that made the goal. On the drive home he said, "Soccer is actually really fun!"
And here's the proof that he actually played:
I'm so proud of you Ethan! Go Dinos!
Yesterday was a very happy day for our family because we can now legally welcome Madeline into our family. Yesterday was her official adoption day! Yay!! Although she has been a part of our family in our hearts for the last year, we now feel relieved that she's here to stay. Courtney and Ray have gone through many rollercoaster rides and "baby mama drama" while hoping and praying they could officially be her parents. She is so adorable and we just LOVE her! Congratulations Courtney and Ray, we couldn't be happier!
We then headed up to the mountains an hour and a half away to find our camping spot for the night. We found an awesome spot right on the lake with our own private beach front. We kept wondering how in the heck we got such a perfect spot on a Saturday afternoon during Labor Day weekend. Apparently we missed the memo stating that we were in the windiest camping spot this side of the rockies. These are some pics from before we actually TRIED to sleep that night. Notice our happy faces (cause they weren't so happy in the morning).
We all (minus Ethan who is our champion sleeper who slept the whole night without waking once) tossed and turned throughout the night as the wind thrashed against our tents. Heather and Ryan had to re-stake their tent as their feet were being lifted off the ground from all the wind. They also took off their rain fly during the night to lower the noise level then had to turn around and put it back on once the rain, thunder, and lightning started up. Meanwhile Chad and I had a huge laugh at around 2:30 after neither of us had slept a wink as Chad called it "the night the wind blew" - which I have to say is not as funny now that I've gotten some sleep but in my sleep deprived state of mind he couldn't have said anything funnier.
So the weather wasn't the best but we still had so much fun with you guys!! Thanks for the memories and the laughs! Next time we promise better weather. 