Growing Up Grace: October 2013

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Summer Tournament Season

Starting in mid July, the girls had soccer tournaments every single weekend (except one weekend). We were a crazy soccer family. The girls played 3-5 games each, every weekend until after Labor Day. A little background- both girls play for the same club "Beach Futbol Club" and they both have the same coach. Ryan plays for the U10 team. Charlie plays up a year on the U9 team. What is great about this scenario with the same club and coach, is that both girls played in all of the same tournaments. The down side of the that deal... each tournament we had between 6-10 games between Saturday and Sunday (if they did well in the tournament, they played more games). Is this good or bad???... well, they got either first or second place in almost EVERY one of those tournaments. So proud of them both... but made for very long, hot weekends on the soccer field.

Here are a few of the highlights...

Ryan's team ("the bigs") celebrating after a win in San Diego

Charlie's team at the medal ceremony at the Albion Cup in San Diego. Her team took 1st place! Charlie is second seat toward the middle

The champions. (Char is right behind the trophy)

Another pic of the champions! First official tournament for this team and they bring home the gold! (Ryan's team is YET to bring home a gold! Talk about one jealous big sister)

Charlie and Coach Rich

Charlie and her best friend Angel

Ryan's team took second place. Happy but a little disappointed. Last year they took second in the same tourney.

The best part was getting to meet Baby Jack and hang out with big sister Annie! Jeff, Julie, and the kids came out to support the girls at the tournament. So cool!

Pyramid Cup Long Beach - another first place for Charlie's team

(and Ryan's team got another second place!)

Ryan's team got yet another second place at the tough United Cup Tourney

Waiting in between games at the Blue's Cup. Neither team placed in this tournament but were both very excited to be invited. Blue's Cup is invitation only and only the most prestigious teams get invited. Go Grace Girls!

Charlie is loving being a super star soccer player just like her sister!

Just look at that smile!

Aloha from Hawaii

Our family FINALLY took a real vacation for more than a few days! We are so happy that daddy was able to take some time off of work! We went to Oahu with our friends, the Panzicas, and stayed in Ko'Olina. We were so happy with our accommodations. My pictures (unfortunately) aren't the best quality because I took them with my phone during the vacation. My regular camera broke earlier this year (hence the lack of blog updates!)

Early in the morning at the airport!

Our friend, Olivia, hurried ahead of us off the plane and made this sign to surprise us. So funny.

In the car on the way to the hotel. Already feels like a long day and the vacation hasn't even started!

First cocktail of the trip! Many more of those to come!

The girls are finding the "special places" all around the resort!

Little Charlie on the beach! What a cutie, huh?

Our friends, The Turks, sent us this beautiful arrangement to our room at the hotel. This picture doesn't do it justice.

One of many nights out to dinner. What beauties!

All the kiddos together...

Olivia Panzica (9), Ryan Grace (9), Charlie Grace (7), Ben Panzica (4), and Charlie Panzica (4)

Checking out the Disney Alani Hotel. It was right next door to our hotel.

Definitely cool to see but I wouldn't have chosen there over our hotel!

Organized games and activities at the resort were so much fun for the kids.

Oops, more cocktails.

The kids started their own "hot stone" massage business at the pool.

The grown ups were happy to be their first customers.

Matching outfits for dinner.

Ben's job during the trip was to open the door for everyone. He carried the key everywhere and ran up ahead to open the door every single time. See, chivalry is not dead!