Football and Dancing!

Summer vacation may have begun, but the kids and I have not slowed down!  During our first week off, Russell participated in the Detroit Lions Youth Football Program located at Ford Field.  Sloane attended 3 days of gymnastics camp and participated in her dance recitals.  I was hopping all over metro Detroit attempting to keep up.  What a fun week!!!

Russell was nervous the first day of camp, but never looked back once he was on the field.  The expression on his face when looking down on the field for the first time was priceless.  "Whoa!  Awesome!  I'm going to be down there?"

Every day began and ended with a morality lesson based on the theme, "Today's preparation, determines tomorrow's success."  The head coach was a terrific speaker.

Sloane stayed one day to watch Russell with me.  She had snack at a lounge inside Ford Field.

Russell getting an autograph for Detroit Lion, Devin Taylor.

Successfully completed the Detroit Lions Youth Football Program!  First thing out of his mouth after the last day, "Mom, can you sign me up for next year?!?!"

Recital time!!!

Cute girls waiting during dress rehearsal.

Sloane's favorite part...  Receiving flowers!

School's Out!!!

School ended on June 13th and it did not take us long to begin celebrating!  Our first stop...  Ray's Ice Cream - a Royal Oak tradition!  The following day we celebrated our good friends' (and neighbors) new adventure to Latvia by attending their farewell party.  It is bittersweet to see such special people leaving our close knit street, however what an adventure they will have working and attending school in Europe!  (I'm already planning a trip!)  With the warmer temperatures lately, the kids have put our backyard into fun use with the sprinklers, hoses, slip-n-slide, and more!  We have had several backyard play dates.  More fun is yet to come for Summer 2013!!!

Cookie Dough and Blue Moon - YUM!

Sloane will miss her fellow girl on the street.

Russell is counting on keeping in touch with his buddy through lots of letters abroad.

Slipping...

and sliding!!!

Bathing beauty.

Backyard fun at its best!

Another Great Season of Soccer!

Last week marked the end of the spring soccer season.  Both kids were disappointed that it was over which means we will most likely be signing up for the fall season.  Aron happily coached Russell's team again this season.  He had hoped to coach Sloane as well, but the schedules didn't work out.  Maybe next year.  I always enjoy getting to know the parents of the team members.  We were blessed with two wonderful teams full of positive energy both on and off the field.  

Sloane scored a goal at her last game.  She is quite the competitor!

Go Purplicious!!!

Russell grew so much this season.  He loves his soccer buddies, especially his long-time pal Antonio.

Go Pirates!!!

Field Day Fun!

One of the BEST things about having the kids at my school is the ability to sneak out of class in order to catch a peak of their classes having fun!  On field day, I was sure to spend equal opportunity with both Russell and Sloane while still having a blast with my own class.  We lucked out with beautiful weather full of sunshine.  All the kids had a blast!

Russell's class preparing for the 50 yard dash.

Sloane's class lining up for the 3-legged race.

GO!!!

Team work.

Tug of war...  Boys vs. Girls

Tug of war...  Team One vs. Team Two

Water Relay (holes in the buckets made this game even more challenging)

Ping Pong Challenge (find the numbered balls in the pool)

Attempting to Keep Up!

With the craziness of another school year coming to an end, I am having a difficult time remaining organized.  With that said, let me update you with our June happenings... 

 

Russell has been asking for some time to run a race.  He obviously sees not only his mother running races, but now Aron has a few under his belt as well.  So...  The athlete and competitor in me did not want to let Russell's wish go so I signed him up for our local Oak Apple Kids Run.  Sloane, not wanting to be left out, was also registered to run.  Both kids were awesome!  I could see Russell becoming nervous at the starting line, but he took off and never stopped with Sloane following right behind him.  

Pre-race photo at packet pick-up.

Russell the Runner!

Little Sister won't be left behind!

Trophies for the finishers!

 Another wish Russell has had this spring was to do something in our neighborhood to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  After some discussion, we decided on a lemonade stand.  Sloane assisted with sign making, Russell was on set-up duty, and both were taste testers.  By the end of the afternoon, they had raised nearly $50 in donations! 

Our little salesmen!