Soccer Star

Ashlynn was our latest child to try a sport or any sort of extra curricular activity. Now, this may be because she is #3, and mom has run out of steam, or it could be because whenever I asked if she wanted to take a dance or gymnastics class, Ashlynn would quickly reply, "No, I don't like sports, Mom." Well this winter, she started talking about playing soccer. The idea sounded great in theory, but keep in mind Ashlynn is my child who would walk for a couple of minutes, and then climb in the stroller because her legs were so tired. In fact, when she was five, and we were still in NC, we would walk to preschool. After walking part way, she would climb in the double stroller, and I would push Ashy, Peyton and Kennedi (in utero). I had to keep reminding her that when the baby was born, she would lose her spot in the stroller and have to walk all the time. So as Ashy is begging to play soccer, these flashbacks are flickering through my mind.
Well, of course we sign her up for soccer. She is with a team that has been together for atleast two seasons before this one, and her first practice consists of kicking the ball to the other teammates as you take turns shouting out their names. Saturday comes around, and before the game, Benson (who is not a soccer player) takes her in the back yard and teaches her things like, in soccer we don't touch the ball, and kick it towards the net which is called a goal. You, know, very advanced skills like that. We race off to the game, getting ready for a game full of funny memories. Well, to our utter astonishment, Ashlynn takes off and leads her team to victory by scoring the most goals. Benson and I, in shock, wonder if it is beginners' luck, but this luck stays with her the entire season.
It was fun to watch her focus on the ball and come out of a pile of girls kicking at the ball, with the ball in foot. Their team came out of the season undefeated; they did have one game that ended in a tie 2 to 2, but guess who scored both goals? It was fun to my little soccer star, but it still makes me laugh, as the other day we were walking home from kindergarten and she says, "Mom, can I please ride in the stroller, my legs are soo tired." I guess some things don't change.

Ashlynn, crashed one Saturday afternoon, after a game.

My Big Three Year Old!

Ok., I know that no one can believe their kids grow up as fast as they do, but man, does time fly! My little man, just turned three, and although his name is now being taken over by the girls, he is completely boy. Benson and I say that we could not afford another Peyton. If a day goes by that he has not broken something, we count our blessings! He writes on everything (thank goodness for magic eraser, or I might have craigs' listed him=), has broken parts to the dishwasher multiple times, has broken the silver ware drawer, several parts of my clock, well, you get the picture.
Peyton does have a studious side as well. He has a long attention span and loves to sit and read books. He and Kennedi are two little partners in crime - when ever they disappear together, I know that I will find trouble. He calls Kennedi "babe" and whenever she is napping very long, he will ask me, "Where's babe, mom?" and go in and wake up his little side kick.
That kid keeps me busy! He is Mr. Independent, and is always climbing up some cupboard or freezer shelf to get a glass of water or a bowl of ice cream. He also considers himself a master chef. Today, he decided to warm up a Hot Wheels car in the microwave. Luckily, I caught it in the first few seconds, unlike the shrivelled up dorito bag wrapper I discovered in the microwave a few months ago.
Before Peyton came a long, I used to wear cute, tall shoes. I have long since traded them in for running shoes. Peyton's favorite thing is to be chased. In the store, he will ropel down from the cart, yell, "run!" and take off! He thinks it's the funniest thing in the world. I've taken up running again just to keep up with him=).
Just in case you're wondering if I even like my boy, I have to say that one of my favorite things in the world is to snuggle and read stories with him. His BIG cheeks, dimples, never ending smile and gorgeous blue eyes melt my heart any time I want to get mad at him. And, I love his little comments that sound wise beyond his years. The other day he was on fast forward mode, and I asked him, "Peyton, when are you ever going to grow out of this crazy, busy stage?" To which he replied, "Nobody knows, Mom."

Peyton, singing "Happy Birthday" to himself.