The things we do for love...

I love my husband.  He is my true partner in this life and I would be lost without him.  He is a wonderful Daddy and our children absolutely adore the ground he walks on.  When we started dating both of us knew that there was something special to what we had together.  We has several common interests, and one major one.  He is a graduate of Florida State University and I graduated from the University of Florida.  It is a bitter rivalry and he is quick to make a jab at the UF fans in all their mullet and jean shorts glory.  However, to make a valid point at the last FSU vs UF gameday we attended, FSU fans were up by 2 on the jean short count...just sayin'. 
I am a college football fan.  I am not the wife who tolerates it being on the TV all day Saturday while bemoaning the loss of her husband for weekends of the fall months.  I am the wife next to him on the couch following not only my team but enjoying the other games that are on that day as well.  I love a good tailgate and being part of the action in the stadium on gameday.  This is where the conflict comes in. I am a part of the Gator Nation.  I earned my right to be there, I am a graduate and I love my alma mater.  My husband is a Seminole, through and through.  He has been attempting to convert me to the dark side since day one of our relationship.  Now seven years into marriage and three children later, I know he is making some progress because for the first time ever this happened:

Yes, I am wearing FSU gear.  I picked out the shirt and willingly wore it.  I think FSU colors look good on me and that my children look adorable in their game day attire.  I have lost the battle on my children rooting for "mommy's team".  I have conceded; their Daddy has influence over them that I can only hope to catch a whiff of one day.  Also, I really like going to the games.  We became season ticket holders in a pool of eight couples last year and I must say that the environment at a college football game just cannot be beat.  I am a fan of the traditions that FSU has including Osceola and Renegade and I definitely root for the team these days.  Life in my house is SO much easier when the Seminoles win!
These are the things we do for love.  We see past our own experiences and into those of our loved ones.  I see and understand my husband's passion, I love our friends who are in the group with us and also passionate alumnae, I can appreciate a good coach and football team and it is way more fun to be cheering together than against each other.

Allison and Jack enjoyed the game day experience as well.  Allison got herself a pair of bright shining pom poms to cheer on the team.  She danced and shook those pom poms imitating the cheerleaders and baton twirlers during the game.  Jack liked seeing the "big football players" and in all the excitement, took a snooze during the first half.  Of course we documented this, because one day when he is on the field we can tease him about this moment. 

I do want something to be very clear.  I am still a Gator fan.  I am one with an open mind and love of sport who will cheer loudly for the Seminoles going forward unless the team they are playing against is in Orange and Blue.  The conversion is only partially complete, I will entertain bribes and pay offs for full conversion to become a Seminole fan.  Yes dear husband, this means diamonds!
                                                               Go Noles and Go Gators! 

Soccer!

This past Saturday started the fall season of soccer games.  Allison is in the U6 division and Jack is in a U4 division.  Allison wasn't too keen on the idea of running, sweating and exercising as much as soccer requires when we first signed her up, but the idea is growing on her since she got a PINK soccer ball.  It is all about the pink things in life.

Jack had to get special permission to play on the U4 team due to the timing of his birthday, but since he turned three before their first game the league allowed him to play!  He has been so excited!  The "Acorn League" as they call it does not practice and plays 4 quarters at 4 minutes apiece each Saturday.  Jack was a little shy starting out, but quickly got the hang of it.  I am excited to see him get more involved as he keeps playing.

Learning to trap the ball

Allison watching Jack's pregame practice

Listening to Coach David

Scoring his first goal!

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately we did not get many pictures of Allison, only video of her game.  Their games happened to be at the same time so we were going back and forth.   It was fun to watch how much Allison has developed in her endurance and skill level.  She was much more in the mix and still very defensive minded.  She would cut off the angle and be in the goal to save the shot! 

Jack had a couple of break-a ways that resulted in two goals for him in his very first soccer game.  He doesn't quite understand that he can kick the ball away from the other team, or that he can change the direction the ball is being kicked.  Once those things start clicking for him, we may have quite the soccer star on our hands. 

First Day of School

Although we are a few weeks into the school year, I finally am getting around to uploading and posting a few first day of school pictures.  Allison was beyond excited for her first day and was anxious to get her day started without her parents hanging around.  She has been scholarly and independent her entire life and I am sure it is continuing in her first year of "big girl school".

Both Jason and I walked her into school and she insisted on walking herself since she "knows the way".  So we trailed her at a safe distance...

She only allowed a couple pictures while she was in the classroom because she wanted to get her sticker and get down to the important business of kindergarten.  We are already cramping her style!


Jack's first day of school didn't go quite as smoothly.  At his orientation he played and was friendly with his teacher, Mrs. Isabel.  However on the first day he had different ideas.  He was cooperative at first, but there were no pictures taken in the classroom since we left him there crying.  He currently adores school and asks to go daily. 

Loving pockets and looking like a big boy!

Three year old preschool class

Walking in with Daddy, that boy does love his backpack!

Picture with Mrs. Chris, the director and one of our favorite people!