Daybreak at Del Mar

We finally made it to Daybreak at Del Mar the very last racing day of the season on Labor Day weekend.  It's always a lot of fun and the girls love to watch the horses.  It's nice to hear their heavy breathing as they sprint across the track and ask questions.  Here are a few photos. 

Who's 'Scream'-in for Disneyland?!

We went to Disneyland last Sunday and got there early.  The park opened at 8 AM and we were parked and inside by the castle at 7:58 AM.  It was a wonderful day and I guess everyone was getting ready for school because not that crowded.  We spent the first 5 hours on the Disney side and the next 4.5 on the CA Adventure side.  The biggest highlights were the girls rode roller coasters!!!  Bella was the first brave one going with Daddy on Thunder Mountain.  Morgan not wanting to be out done then agreed to go on it after lunch, which meant I had to too!  Jeff took a video - he was delighted!  Then Morgan went on the Goofy's Flying roller coaster (Bella isn't tall enough yet), and at the very end she went on Scream with Jeff (which is a very fast roller coaster with a few down hill drops and a 360 loop!) and enjoyed it!!  My favorite was "It's a Small World!"  Here are some photos.   

 

 

 

 

1st Day 1st Grade

Over the weekend we went back to school clothes shopping.  The first time ever we actually had the girls model and try on the clothes before buying them, and letting them pick it out.  It was a fun event for all 4 of us, and it reminded me how much fun I used to have shopping with my Mom.  Going in with the idea of buying only 2 shirts and 2 pants, but leaving with many more I said - "when you are so cute and everything looks so great on you, you just end up with more!" which is what my Mom used to say.  :-)  The girls behaved well when we said no to some outfits and yes to the others.  Jeff got into it too. 

The day before school started we checked the teacher postings at school and Morgan was very happy to know that she already had friends in class.  Jeff took her to school on her first day; here are some pictures from that.  Morgan was most excited to find out that she has her own desk!

Swimmer of the Meet

Morgan had 5 great races in her 2nd swim meet placing 1st in her age group in each one!!!  She even got to swim up with the 7-8 year olds, and boys, and still fared in the top 3 spots.  During the meet her coaches told me, "Morgan is on FIRE!"  They were so impressed with her maturity in following directions, staying focused, and most importantly loving it!  After the meet, Coach Mo told me Morgan was definitely the "Swimmer of the Meet!" 

Morgan finishing 1st in freestyle

Backstroke is still one of her best

 

Instead of 'Toe-Touches" for reaching the top of a peak - we are now using it as a sign of victory for any accomplishment!

 

her fly is getting there...

wet hug!!!

 

nice high elbow and side breathing

 

 

Bella's First Soccer Practice

Though probably unnecessary, Bella has been super excited about her new soccer gear - shin guards (which she likes to call 'rash guards' - probably only a SoCal kid would know the terms rash guard!), super long thigh high socks, and cleats!  She's been playing dress up and running around the house.  Wish she had shown that much enthusiasm playing, but she did pretty well.  It's a big class at the YMCA, probably 10-12 kids and Bella is the only girl.  Funny she is too young to notice and the boys don't either. 

 

And here are a few cute pictures at the Activity Pool in their new matching swimsuits.

 

 

 

Morgan's 1st Swim Meet

August 3rd was Morgan's first swim meet and she did beautifully!  I was really impressed that during warm-up she did all 6 diving starts off the block; however during races when she saw her other 6-year-old friends do a standing start she did the same.  Fortunately it was a 'fun meet' without any disqualifications because though she did fabulously with her stroke we have to work on a few details (like no standing before touching the wall to finish, no rolling to tummy on backstroke to touch wall!).  :-)  She got her new swim jacket with embroidered name right before the start and was proud to be part of the team. 

Overall she placed 1st in backstroke, 2nd in breast and fly, and 3rd in free (they had some 7-8 years old swim with them for free and IM), and 3rd in the individual medley (4 strokes, one of each!). 

Awesome job Morgan!