September swing

We are back in the September swing of things - school, work, homework, school events, soccer (lots of soccer), ballet, hip-hop, playdates and birthday parties ... and of course football season!

 

The Steelers are not off to a particularly good start, but that doesn't mean we can't get ourselves and Jasper all dressed up for game days.

Liesl had an afterschool playdate with Campbell that lasted through dinner - they are so sweet together. They played outside, they played dress up, they sang and danced, they made Lego structures, they took down an impressive quantity of food.

We had back-to-school night on Thursday last week -- an opportunity to meet this year's teachers and see the classrooms. I loved Sebastian's portable class - the peace corner, the MC Escher drawings, the funny puns and word play. And we loved Liesl's all-about-me poster. Favorite place: Italy.

This weekend was crazy and different for us. On Friday, Steve flew to NY for his cousin Danny's wedding, so he was gone until Sunday night (we missed him!). Sebastian had a soccer game in Bend, three hours away, so on Saturday morning he hopped in a teammate's car to get there - the game was at 2, there was a party after, and then he was staying the night with his friend Cason and his dad. (As it turned out, he got carsick on the mountain drive, and threw up, and sat out the game... but still had a great time at the after-game pool party and the overnight stay!)

So it was just Liesl and I together -- in the morning, she played in a rec soccer game with the Blunicorns, against a team that included our old friend Vivienne. I really enjoyed catching up with Crystal on the sidelines and letting our golden/labradoodles romp with each other. After the game, it was home for a quick change and bite to eat, and then off with Elena and Nora, and Campbell, on the Max train to the Portland Thorns semifinal soccer game.

They dubbed themselves Fierce, Fire, and Ferocious! So cute. (Elena and I were apparently Fun and Fast, no double entendres intended from the 7-year olds.) The Thorns game was fantastic, really competitive, really hard fought, and the Thorns won 2-1 to get into the championship game.

Back home again, and another quick change, and then Liesl was out the door to a sleepover birthday party at Elia's. It was unicorn-themed; there was a pinata and pass-the-parcel, and cake, and almost certainly too little sleep. But Liesl loved it and had a great time.

 

I proceeded to go out to a wine bar, Dame, with my friend Michela, and enjoyed the wine, food, and conversation immensely. I also enjoyed sleeping in until 8 - unheard-of luxury! the next morning, before I had to go and pick up Liesl in order to make it to her LYS competitive soccer team game. 

We returned home and reconnected with Sebastian, and ate some lunch, and then sweet Liesl did the most sensible thing possible and curled up for a long afternoon nap. Weekends are hard work! Back to the usual schedule this week --