Hunt Valley Tree Lighting with Katelyn

It was a last minute plan but we are thinking that it is going to be a tradition.  The boys were very happy to catch up with Katelyn.  We decided to meet at California Pizza Kitchen prior to the tree lighting.  Luckily, all of the kids ate and Katie totally impressed us with her fork skills. She was amazing.

After dinner, we walked down to get read for a spot to see the tree lighting and see Santa. They had a lighted area and cookies and cocoa available. Connor had relayed to Michael during dinner how cute that Katelyn was.  We ALL agree.

After cookies and cocoa were consumed, Santa arrived on a sleigh pulled by a firetruck.

After Santa passed by, our focus turned to the tree lighting. Apparently, the tree didn't want to cooperate. Luckily, they figured it out quickly and it was beautiful.

We headed up to Barnes and Noble with John, Jen and Katie.  Katie's parents were concerned that she wasn't going to be a fan of Santa but that it was worth a try.  Jackson found a book to read and moved up when asked but was immersed while Connor and Katelyn got their shop on.  They found books and Star Wars figures.

Katie's parents offered to let the boys go first in hopes that Katelyn would change her mind.  Jackson and Connor walked up and they asked for Legos and anything Star Wars.

When it was Katie's turn, things didn't go very well. She was sobbing and shrieking at the same time and it was very sad.  They had  her sit with him but I wasn't in a good spot to get a picture. Fortunately, she recovered quickly and was happy again after she was not on his lap.

It was a great night and we are ready for a fun holiday season.

End of Soccer and Pizza Party

The Hammers were up against a formidable appointment in the semi-final, Bayern Munich.  There was one player, Luca, on their team that was basically unstoppable on offense and capable of getting back and defending the Hammer's offense.  Because he was so good on offense,  some of the strikers had to play back and the offense never really got in sync.  We are so proud of the Hammers for making it to the semi-finals.

Several of our friends suggested Coach Jason.  He was a great source of information for the boys and they learned so much.  Besides game time, the boys always looked forward to practice.  He kept them busy and active with drills that were fun and taught them new skills.

Connor progressed every game and what once started as a humongous field became more manageable.  Jackson struggled with some kicks to his body and face that left him a little cautious. At times, he was a fierce to be reckon with dribbling down the sideline.  Other times, Jackson exhibited his typical not really paying attention.  He and Coach Jason definitely did some unspoken bonding. Both boys need to be a little more aggressive if they want to get the ball in the goal.  They had several opportunities but never came away with a goal.  Next year, they will be ready.  We have to remember that they made the cut off by 3 days...

Coach Jason invited the entire team out to Pepe's for pizza and the boys were super excited to spend some more time with their soccer pals.  We are happy to catch up with some of boys at Indoor Soccer at Friends, which starts up soon.

Jamie and Connor. Jamie had a rough soccer season.  He started off in the goal and was pulled in favor of Nolan.  Jamie seemed to struggle getting in the offense after spending some time in the goal. He was willing to help the team whenever and wherever.

Matt, who missed most of the season with a broken arm, and Chase

Nolan, our defenseman turned Goalie.  You could tell that Nolan wanted to get in the offense but after he showed  how good he could control the goal, Jason needed him back there.

A happy smiling Henry who always welcomed our boys.  He was a defensive stopper that always accepted his role in the back and could clear the ball to the other side and help start the offensive attack.   Missing is Will, who refused a picture, but was probably the fastest runner on the team and joined Henry in the defense.  Just like Henry, Will cleared almost anything that passed midfield on his side. Will occasionally got in on the offense with some serious dribble attacks.

Jackson was ALL about the newspaper.  We may need to consider getting a subscription to the Baltimore Sun.  He wasn't ready to leave despite all his teammates leaving...

Revenge

The Hammaers first game of the playoffs was a rematch against Manchester City.  Apparently, Manchester City didn't take the loss very well and in lieu of describing the game as a rematch, they were calling it Revenge.

The Hammers arrived and were ready to go.

Connor with a throw in looking out and seeing Graham and Brooks from his school.

And, another. Doing a great job working the ball down the field.

Jackson always positioned himself next to Coach Jason.  We are not sure if he ever said anything to him but he was always there letting him know he was ready to get back in the game.  Jackson was hit several times in the head during the season so he became a little tentative on the field.  

After getting hit in the head by a throw in, Connor took a break.

It was very rare that both of the boys were on the sidelines as they would usually sub for each other or Chase but I appreciate this picture of both of them together.  

Manchester City fought hard but the Hammers got a goal late in the second half from around mid-field from Will that secured the victory.  He had snuck up from his position on defense and coach Jason was yelling for him to not kick but little did he know that the goal keeper couldn't catch up with it.

The Hammers are on to the next game.

One of the Manchester City players that we knew was crying and so upset over the loss and couldn't participate in the pizza party that the team had planned.  We felt so bad for him but are thankful that our boys can appreciate the fun in the game and leave it in on the field.  To be honest, the boys were excited about the victory but more importantly the camaraderie and the new friends that they had met.