Football? Hockey? What do I do?

Just an update (no pictures for this one). But this weekend was tryouts for the local hockey travel team. I knew Brandon wasn't going to be able to play on this team for several reasons, the first being that it costs $2,400 just to join, not including at least $200 for uniform as well as the travel costs, but also because he's playing freshman football this year and the schedules of these two teams conflict.

Well, I was getting a lot of pressure from the coaches (even one who came to a game to scout three other players, but noticed Brandon) to let him play on the team, so I let him try out and much to my chagrin, he actually made the team (why am I surprised - considering all the attention he was getting?)

Well, he's resigned to the fact that he needs to play on the football team (because mom says so - hey, it'll be good for him socially, which will be a huge part of high school), but . . . when football is over, if there's still a spot on the team, the coach is going to let him play (pro-rated of course). And another friend on the team said they signed one player short - as if to say they held a spot for him. But at least for now, he's just happy to be able to say he made the team - and I'm okay with him blaming me for him not actually signing on.

So with football, hockey, golf and now surfing, I really need to win the lotto!!

Surf Lessons

Today, Brandon and Brian had their first surf lessons in Seal Beach. They loved it! The weather was overcast and there were not a lot of waves, but I thought that it made for perfect conditions to learn in. Brandon's hooked and has already decided he wants to buy a surf board.

And they both got up several times. My zoom doesn't go too far so I wasn't able to get great pictures, but here are a few to share:

Brian's in the red/black wet suit and Brandon's in the blue/black:

The smiles on their faces made getting up at 6:30 am completely worth it.

Brian and Mom at Disneyland

Brandon's 8th grade class trip was at Disneyland, so I took the opportunity to have some "Brian" time. We had such a good time and, surprisingly, we never waited over 20 minutes for a single ride, which was shocking because there were so many 8th graders there! Since we were running from ride to ride, including the canoes, I forgot to take pictures, so only have a few to share. And I have no pix of Brandon - never saw him, and he wouldn't tell me where he was the few times we were in contact with each other. Of course he didn't want his mommy showing up and embarrasing him in front of his friends :o)

On Autopia. He isn't have a good time at all!

On the big ship. He's wearing two hats. I had to buy him one because I forgot to bring sunscreen - okay, I could have bought sunscreen - okay, I did buy sunscreen, but I couldn't resist buying the Star Wars hat for him, too. And then they were handing out free ears, so he's wearing those on top of the Star Wars hat. I just love it when they're still young and don't care how silly something looks, as long as it's fun!

Anaheim Hockey Tournament

It took four tournaments, but the Valencia Storm finally won a championship over Memorial Day Weekend.

Brandon holding his trophy. (This kid needs a haircut!)

Tell me these kids aren't happy!
The Team Photo
Brandon's in white - this kid tried to check him against the boards, but take a look at this series of pictures and tell me who went down. Yes, I am the perfect hockey mom because I love the hits! I can't wait for football!

Brandon graduates!

Through a lot of hard work and perseverence, Brandon actually survived junior high and graduated today. And he made us very proud when he was awarded a Presidential award for outstanding academic excellence. It even has George W's stamp on it.

Here he is towering over his teacher as he receives his diploma

Please tell me what it is with boys and their long hair?!

And if the day couldn't get any better for him, he and his father went to his first 3-par course. After 9 holes, he walked away with an impressive 40 (for his first time out), only 3 strokes over his father.

This is his first shot on the second hole, only 5 feet away from a hole-in-one! Watch out Tiger, I think Brandon's going to be your competition!

Brian's Third Grade Play

Last Friday, the third graders put on a play for the kindergartners and parents. It was cute - the whole story of the Santa Clarita Valley. Here are some pictures of Brian and his buddies.