May Celebrations

May is such a busy time of the year for us. Anniversaries, Mother's Day, friend birthday parties and the end of the season "everything" (soccer, school, etc) keep us super busy all month.

A few days before our real wedding anniversary (which is May 3), Doug and I had a Saturday date night to celebrate 19 years. Bri took some pics of us before we headed out...

Doug took me to a delicious restaurant called "Cooks & Soldiers"...

The ambiance was super cool and the food was phenomenal. We had all sorts of amazing tapas - including truffle oil grilled cheese and cauliflower steak. Ok - you all know I love to take pics of food, so enjoy looking at some of our dishes...

While we were at the restaurant, it started to storm. It was so bad that the power flickered/went off a couple of times during dinner. To find out, some straight line winds went through there and when we left the restaurant, we actually saw a few big trees knocked down. Scary stuff! 

The only thumbs down about the restaurant for an anniversary was the noise level. It was pretty loud in there. If you are looking for quiet and romantic, you might want to pick a different place. This was definitely more on the trendy side.

Our actual anniversary landed on a Wednesday, so it was a work day and a school day. Doug had beautiful flowers sent to me that day...

And he did great getting me gifts too! A new robe, nightgown and a couple of blouses. He spoiled me!! (I got him a new dress shirt and some cuff links)...

That evening, Doug, Bri and I went to the Gabriel's At The Old Mill for a quiet dinner...

Fried green tomatoes - mmmm...

They have amazing desserts too...

Passover was in April, and we had scheduled plans for a big dinner with my family. Unfortunately, plans had to change at the last minute and we shifted the dinner to the beginning of May instead. It actually worked out perfect because we celebrated a belated Passover and Mother's Day at the same time.

Ready for dinner...

My dad blessing the matzo...

 

The kids got pudding...

Mother's Day rolled around on Sunday, May 8, and Bri and Doug both spoiled me again (I could get used to this!)...

Bri made this at school...

I love when she wrote that I always talk with her and that I never put myself in front of her. Awww - sniff.

I woke up that morning to gifts for the outdoors - tiki torches, plants and solar lights. Nice!!!!

Then Doug and Bri took me to The Capital Grille for brunch...

The food was amazing (Doug and I ordered different things and then shared our plates)...

One of the best creme brulee's I've ever had...

Bri's cookie and ice cream...

Then we went to the Container Store so I could use a gift certificate (it is my happy place - lol!)...

Lastly on May 11, Doug and I celebrated out first date anniversary (25 years).

Again, it was a work day and a school day. Doug also helped fill in coaching for Bri's soccer team that evening.

Doug and I laughed because we spent our 25th first date anniversary with our kid, all of us hot and sweaty from soccer practice and eating at Chili's. Who knew that 25 years later, that is where we would be ~ but it was perfect...

Bri has one week left of school and then she is on summer vacation for two months. For our family, June is filled with birthdays. So, we will be doing a ton of celebrating once again. I'm tired just thinking about it.

Division Champs!

After my last big soccer post, the girls had two more games to win in order to stay in first place in their rec division.

The first team they played was a team that they had beaten before (the Alex Morgans), but the AMs had beaten the Ravens two weeks before. So, it was a possible tough game.

And it was a bit tough. Bri got tangled up with a girl and fell to the ground getting lots of dirt in her eyes and a bit scraped up. She had to take a break for a few minutes. She collected herself and got back out there.

The Golden Eagles played like champs. They won 5-2...

 Bri is quite good at getting the ball out of tough places (she couldn't capitalize on this kick)...

 The girls were so happy they won!

Here is Bri and her friend Maddie...

Bri scored once that game (after her injury) and Ella scored 3 times. What was super exciting was that sweet friend Imerie and her mom (my good friend) Valerie surprised us by coming to the game and they got to see both Ella and Bri score. We were so happy Imerie and Val took time out of their day to come see the game...

Then last Sunday, it was the final game of the regular season. We were at a different field. It was 3PM and quite warm outside. The team we were playing was strong and they had home field advantage - but the girls had to try to win.

I took a team photo before the game (missing one player)...

This team is awesome!!!!

Coach Javier gave a pep talk before the game started...

 The girls were a little off the first half (on both sides actually). I think the heat and time of day had something to do with it. And, the knowledge that this was an important game. Luckily, Ella scored right before half time. I will say, Bri actually looked pretty good the first half - she had like 3 or 4 attempts at goal but they were all blocked.

The girls got a pep talk at half time and the second half, they kicked it into high gear...

The girl behind Bri in the picture below was really good - ball control and speed. Bri kept her eye on her the entire second half and managed to take the ball from her a number of times. I am proud at how aggressive Bri has become. A few years ago, Bri would have been intimidated...

Bri broke out and ran down field several times, weaving in and out of girls (it's really something to watch), but she wasn't able to make a goal on her own. But, she definitely assisted in getting the two other goals the second half...

The score ended up being 3-0. They clinched the division!

YMCA NW Rec U10 Girls National Bracket champs...

Here is the scorecard (one of the teams didn't fill in their score for two of their games {game winners enter the score}, but it doesn't affect our stats)...

 The tournament starts tomorrow. The girls will play two games in the morning against teams they have not played before from different Y's. We have no idea how they play. Depending on how the GE play tomorrow, they either move to the semi-final on Sunday at noon and then possibly on to the final at 2pm or they will play a consolation game at 4:15 on Sunday. Let's hope they make it to the semi-final and final! 

I'm just thrilled the Golden Eagles clinched the division. A tournament win would be icing on the cake, but either way, I could not be more proud.

Go GOLDEN EAGLES!!!!