soccer wizard

We signed Miller up for Upward Soccer this fall. His last experience on the soccer field was nearly two years ago playing for the Cherokee Y.  Soccer is great for him in that he loves to run. Coach Todd built in lots of lap running into our Tuesday night practices which whipped our crazy boy into shape. There was even a system in place exchanging laps around the field for goofing off sillies at practice. Miller learned pretty quickly that playing on the Wizard team was serious business.

Miller seemed to get more excited this season about a team sport. I love the program in that it's parent friendly with healthy competition. I mean, ah hem, he's only s-i-x! I will say that out of all the sports we've attempted in his short little life, this by far was his personal best season. First grade is clicking with our boy. He's maturing in some wonderful ways with his listening skills and self control. Now, his attention span still could use a tune up. And, that's what still trips him up on the field. 

Miller really seemed to get the hang of goalie this season and felt confident with his skills in the net.

His teammates were first and second grade boys--so I was thrilled at his progress playing with a mostly older crew. It will work out in his favor next year being one of the older players.

Three of our neighborhood friends ended up in the same league, but on different teams. A little friendly competition is always fun:) As the season wore on, we did witness some complaining from our boy on the last few Saturday mornings. I think the novelty of the sport lost its awe, but  he always perked up around game time.

Eliza Kate loved soccer season too! There were three other little sisters to chase and run around with. She loves being part of the cheering section for Miller. At practice, you would find EK shouting "Go Miller" from the sidelines with each lap around the goal. Maybe, we have a future cheerleader in our family?

What I remember most about some of our defeats was Miller's attitude after the game.  He's just as happy go lucky with losing. I'm wondering when his competitive drive in academics will carry over into sports. For now, I'm loving that he's just learning the love of the game.

baytown wharf

We headed to Baytowne Wharf on this night. Sandestin is fabulous on a hurricane threatened weekend. It kept the crowds away from our all time favorite night scenes. We dined by the bay over looking the water while the men watched the TN/GA game. I think they strategically chose a restaurant with TV's overhead for a reason.  My mom witnessed the intense sports fanatic take over Landon for the first time. It was a close game-- a good game!

Eliza Kate tuned out the football madness and colored her heart out before dinner. She's really into her sticker and coloring books these days.

 Just one more picture--there's always just one more picture in store. This section of Baytown Wharf resembles a New Orleans look. We witnessed a beautiful wedding on the grounds when we were walking in. The violin quartet added to the charm:)

We were surprised by a generous gift of "E" clothes from a friend with an "E" girl of her own. Such a treasure to carry on the fabulous legacy of an E girl:) {swoon} ;)

Sunset on the bay..

Who says you can't wear white shorts after Labor Day? The rules relax when you're at the beach, right? 

Miller talked himself into the Euro Bungee and then tried to back out while waiting in line. Something about an older girl complaining in her harness got to him. We held him to the commitment & talked him through a pinch of anxiety. And, in the end his smile showed that he made a great decision to go ahead and take the plunge.

Woo hoo! The teenage attendant kept double bouncing him to reach new thrill seeking heights. To this day, the Bungee attraction was his favorite beach memory. He's into adventure, this "all boy" of mine. We'll end it on that--his favorite memory. Closing up shop on the beach posts, but  I'm looking forward to our next journey to the sand. I can already feel the sugary sand in between my toes.

sand & surf

 We were so surprised that the monsoons held off so we could enjoy sunny days. I've learned to not put too much weight in beach weather forecasts. They only end up making you worry that you're going to be stuck inside at the beach with restless kids. We soaked up the rays while we could not knowing if it would be the last glimpse of sunshine we would drink up on our trip.

Eliza Kate in all her adorable three year old ways had us all entertained. On her initiative, she selected a VIP to jump waves with her. Every adult was invited to participate in taking turns with the jumping princess. She really was  such a doll taking grandparent hands down to the waves. These kiddos were living up every ounce of attention from adoring grands.

Contestant number two for a wave adventure was Poppy.

 Miller had his gear in tow ready to anticipate anything that the Karen sized waves had to offer. 

Our crew huddled under the umbrellas.

 Who can resist this view? A sandy bottomed cutie in her vintage suit with a half -bottomed wedge.  I'm getting old fashioned Coppertone images of a little dog chasing her in this suit. So deliciously darling if I say so myself:)

beach pictures

We quickly coordinated a beach picture on vacation. It really was too early in the day to get anything spectacular--but we did capture some fun memories to reflect on. Our family is patient to put up with all our picture snapping:) The guys usually dread this part of the trip. Once, it was over we were off to dinner:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

our beach days

Miller befriended some fellow Cobb county kids while on break. Their mommas were teachers and relaxing in their chairs. Good for them!  Isn't it a beautiful thing when the only thing on your agenda is to play? Kids need these unstructured blocks of time in their days. Thankful Miller took every opportunity to just be a boy and dig in the sand. It's no secret that he's our extrovert. I would have never done this at his age. But, he truly craves the interaction. He should have been born to the Dugger family--that boy of mine. God wired him this way for BIG plans.

 

 

 

We were blessed to rent a friend's condo again on this trip.  I really like the toddler area set up with the little kid's waterfall on the property. Eliza Kate is just on the verge of growing out of this area, but she still navigated here on breaks from the big pool. 

This little fishy showed us her swimming strokes on day 1, but freaked herself out a little. I'm hoping she remembers how to swim over the winter. I see a quick refresher coming on in the spring. One of the perks to travelling with grandparents is that Landon and I enjoyed daily beach walks while the littles napped in our condo.
 

Pompano Joes

One of the perks to the relaxed beach life is a break from cooking. Yes, please-- We were able to eat at some of our favorites on this trip. Kid friendly dining is the name of the game in this season of life. Thankful these dinners out have gotten easier as our kids are growing up. Let's just say I still haven't fully recovered from eating out with Miller as a toddler.  Our only standard at the beach is that the menu includes seafood entrees. For heaven sakes--we're at the beach;)

One of the reasons we love Pompano Joes is the open window dining overlooking the water. A great view! And, they do a pretty good job on their Coconut shrimp.

It won't be very long now before Miller protests to matching his sister, so we're gonna live it up while we can.  Oh beach, we love you!

fall break {how we love you!}

Destin, Florida--if I had to pick a favorite beach, I think I'd bestow upon you the honor. It's been a two year hiatus from your white sandy shores. I must admit--we hope it's not two years until we grace your beauty again. Fall break plans were in the works this summer with the anticipation of an October beach trip. Miller and Eliza Kate's fall breaks coordinated and we couldn't have put together a better time of year to visit the beach. Temps in the 80's is how I like it.

Karen--the famed hurricane was the only looming threat hanging out in the gulf. Fall beach trips are ideal, but you always have to stand guard against hurricane season. We prayed for awesome weather, and God was good make sure Karen behaved herself out in the distant waters.

These two could have been sitting in a classroom mid afternoon--nah. They'll build sandcastles at the beach anyday over school:) There's something calming for teachers and students to have mini brain breaks throughout the year. It does wonders for the soul.

Miller reconnected with his favorite beach hobby. Karen gave us rough waters which are not typical for the gulf.

Another huge blessing was to have both sets of grandparents in attendance.

Our kids felt so neglected having to share all of the doting, grandparent attention---

From the waves to the pool and back again, our first day in Destin was nothing short of wonderful.