Soccer, Football and Nonna and Grandpa

My parents came into town for the weekend, like they do most years around my birthday.  We had a packed sports schedule waiting for them!  My parents love going to every possible sporting event my kids have.  It is something I love about them!  They put the same amount of enthusiasm into my kids' sports that they put in when we were kids.  In total, we had seven games and two practices waiting patiently for them!
This weekend was Claire's soccer jamboree.  In years past, both Michael and Claire both played in the jamboree but much to our dismay- Michael's age level decided not to participate.  We were sad for him and them immediately glad that we weren't going to have an even more insane weekend!

My parents flew in on Thursday evening and we were so happy to see them!  The kids were already asleep so the four of us sat in our front room and talked until way too late!  The next day, we were up early to get the kids to school!  My Mom happily rode the morning carpool with me, which I completely loved.  Once the kids were off to school, we went on our usual trip to Walmart.  Yes- that's right.  Every time my Mom comes down here- we take great joy in going to Walmart to buy things we don't need.  I cannot explain it but we love it.  Please don't tell our husbands.  Thanks.

On Friday night, the girls (minus Emily) went to go get pedicures while Damien and my Dad got the kids dressed for my birthday dinner.  We all met at Mio Vicino near Santa Clara University and enjoyed an amazing dinner together.  It is such delicious Italian food.  We all agreed that the winning entree choice went to my Dad who ordered Gorganzola Gnocci which was out of this world!  I will be going back there and getting it again . . . when I am not dieting.

On Saturday after many cups of coffee, we were ready to jump into our hectic schedule when we heard a knock on the door.  It was Gina!  Gina had flown into San Francisco after a two week vacation in Madrid, Spain.  We didn't think she would come down because she was so jet lagged.  But here she was and my parents were thrilled!  We threw her in the car with us and headed to Claire's game. For the  past years two, Claire's team has come in second and third in the jamboree.  They really were focused and wanted to win soooo bad!  After a tough battle, they won their first game!  Then we cruised to another field to watch Michael's team dominate their opponent.  The whole time we were at these games, my Dad was smiling.  I loved it and loved hearing his strategies and suggestions on what skills to work on with my kids.  After that- we returned again to Claire's game where they won their second game!  Woo hoo!  They were so excited!

We went to Mass Saturday night and then woke again on Sunday to more sports!  Claire's team won their first game and advanced to the championship later in the afternoon.  The championship game was thrilling.  Claire was tired and so were her teammates.  You could tell that the busy weekend had taken a toll on them.  After being scored on for the first time in the tournament, Claire's team gathered all their energy and surged ahead to win!  The California Girls won the Tournament!  My parents were beyond happy to see their sweet Clairey accept her trophy and celebrate!  And I just love that they are in the background of the team picture (which was not planned).

On the other side of town, Michael played two flag football games and did great!  It was a busy weekend but one that was completely suited for my parents.  They love their grand kids and love watching them play their little hearts out.  We love having them all to ourselves and making incredible memories.  Thanks Mom and Dad for coming down.  It was an awesome weekend!