Laura's Soccer Career Takes Flight

Feeling fierce before her first practice.

This fall, we decided to bite the bullet and add Laura to the family rotation of activities. The fates took mercy on me by assigning her to a team that practices at the same time and place as Danny's team, which led to a dance of joyous victory on my part.

Although she was verbally not overly enthused going into it, she jumped right in at practice. There was only one practice before the War Eagles' first game, so we weren't too sure what to expect on game day. Turns out she got into it, big time, and never wanted to be on the sidelines! After spending the first few minutes a bit unclear on which direction she should kick the ball, she wound up scoring her team's first goal!

The scoring shot...with Danny standing behind the goal, cheering her on.

Danny was on hand to cheer for her and award her a hug after her goal:

Laura definitely did not shy away from the ball, and if anything will need to be taught the art of passing and sharing with your teammates. But based on this first game, I think the timing was right for her to join the sporting life!

First Day of School 2015: Laura

Last, but not least, and nearly an entire month after Danny, Laura began her final year of preschool! She was perfectly content to go, but not nearly as excited as I was. Fortunately, it was a great day for both of us!

More Caves! (Or, Our Trip to Rock City)

The long weekend meant a great opportunity for a family outing, as did the nice weather, so on Monday we loaded up in the van and headed to Rock City. Situated just on the border of Georgia and Tennessee, Rock City sits high atop a mountain and features spectacular views (theoretically of seven states) as well as some incredible rock formations.

These included many cave-like passages that we all particularly enjoyed watching Tim squeeze through and/or duck under:

"Fat Man's Squeeze"

We ate lunch in the cafe overlooking the place where, during the Civil War, they first discovered you can see seven different states. We remain skeptical, but it was quite scenic nonetheless. After lunch we continued our amblings, including this overlook near a waterfall that height-averse Danny chose to go nowhere near - but Clare was all over it.

I think we all appreciated the opportunity to get away, get some fresh air, and just spend time together. What better way to spend a holiday?

Clare's First X-Country Meet

After several weeks of practice, the Marist Middle School Cross-Country team competed in its first meet - and did quite well! Clare looked strong, and more importantly felt great after the race. There is something very exhilarating about a race - a feeling you just don't get from a regular run.

Her entire family was supportive and proud, and Laura decided her calling is to be a cheerleader. She LOVED shouting, "Go Marist!"

I think we are all happy to be part of this community!

First Day of School 2015: Clare

Dressed in her winter uniform for orientation and school pictures.

With MUCH anticipation, excitement and a wee bit of trepidation, Clare began her Marist career this week. Between gatherings with peer leaders, buddies, cross-country practice, and various parent functions, we had plenty of preparation. Clare was more than ready to get the ball rolling, and so far (three days in) is besotted with it all (well, not every cross-country practice)!

She and Abby have also resumed their Swim Atlanta practices, which means more giggling in the Testani kitchen, albeit in different uniforms.

In fact, the two of them were so enamored of their first day (and clearly had lots of time on their hands) that they developed a second secret handshake. Here's hoping that the next six years include many more of these happy highs!

First Day of School 2015: Danny

Much to his chagrin, Danny was the first of our household to go back to school. This being the year of three kids, three schools, he was also the only one to go back to school. Life ain't fair...but he smiled like the shiny new Third Grader he is anyway:

As I picked him up from my first carpool run of the year, we noticed a larger-than-life photo of him prominently located above the parking lot and green space:

Upon viewing this, he declared, "I'm famous!" Hopefully this unexpected sight will be among many things that exceed his expectations this year.

2015 San Diego Summer: Fun Favorites

There are a LOT of traditions we have come to love (and dare I say expect?) for our trips to California, and I am pretty sure we covered them all this year!

Grampy rented a boat again, this time down on Mission Bay, where the sea lions were plentiful if not interested in our salmon offerings:

This was followed by a Mexican lunch in Old Town (and margaritas!), plus the obligatory visit to Cousins Candy:

The kids took a horseback riding lesson, this year including Laura for the first time:

Perhaps most of all, are the traditions that take place within Grammy & Grampy's house and yard, from games and dance parties to al fresco dinners, s'mores and performances:

It gets harder to say goodbye every year...which simply means we had such a wonderful time. Boy, do we have big plans for next year! Until then, we will bask in our memories.