Fall already and soccer is in full swing....

Geez where does the time go....I feel like a zombie sometimes in full robotic mode, wake up, shower, dressed, go to work, homework, soccer practice, dinner, bed, REPEAT with the only change at the week end insert soccer instead of work and that is my life....EXCITING RIGHT.....

And then you wonder why I have no time to blog.  I promised myself Sunday mornings will be my time to reflect the week and note the adventures of the Bowden clan but Sundays also seem to be my day to have a lie in so this is obviously not working for me so here I am trying to remember a month of activities but as I stated above my robotic life seems pretty easy to reflect.

Since Bambeano's birthday he has started soccer at his new club and I was quite apprehensive how this would all turn out but seeing how frustrated he was at his other club I knew we had to do something, yes I know he was a great goal scorer 29 in 13 games, but was he really learning the skill he displays on his DS and Wii when playing FIFA soccer I told myself NO.

So off we went to Boo Boo's club soccer complex for Bambeano's first game.  Unfortunately Bombshell was on rotation at work this week end so it was up a great friend and past assistance coach of Bombshell to step in the shoes of head coach.  I recognized the team from past Saturdays when Boo Boo had her games at Overcash Soccer Complex so it was apparent this team had been together some time.  Here we were with 4 kids from Bambeano's old club and several new ones, including 2 that had played pre-challenge previously.

Well the game went so so.  The other team scored quick on us but we held our own and the score ended 4-1.  They kids played hard and Bambeano surprised me on how much he hustled and he hustled.  I thought he might be disappointed he didn't score so I was eager to find out his feedback about his new club.  The verdict HE LOVES IT!!!!!!  Phew

Next week he was very excited and pumped for his game, it appeared all the kids were.  On a cold morning with parents in the shade the cool weather certainly woke me up and the wet dew on the grass, FALL IS COMING....

Bombshell was back as head coach and the kids were off.  One quick goal and we were up 1-0.  Then the goals kept coming....Bambeano got on the score sheet with a goal in each half.  With the score running high Bombshell told the kids to start passing no more goals.....the kids had other ideas...I'm guessing after the previous week's loss they just wanted a win.   Many goals later the score was 16-1 with 7 or the 9 kids scoring.  I felt so bad for the other team and I know Bombshell was mortified and felt just as bad for the other coaches.  After apologizing to the other coaches they were understanding knowing kids at this age just want to score.  How can 2 games against 2 teams be so different.

Onto yesterday and the team was a little group of South Americans.  Y'know these kids will be good.  Even one of kids comments was "we are going to get smoked"  Coach reassured the kids that they would do good and they should go out play hard and have fun.

Bambeano had his best game ever, this kid amazes me with how much his skill has developed by just merely moving clubs.  His determination in both defense and offense is unbelievable.  Another two goals and his tally his up to 4 with another win 7-3.

Boo Boo has had equally improved with her games.  Her extra practices for goalkeeping have definitely made an impression on her and her goal kicks are impeccable.  While she may not have been happy staying in her age group and being a U11 again she has warmed to the idea and has some great team mates.  She seems to be so much more confident and happier playing against girls her own age and less intimidated now there are no longer 6ft girls a year older.

Last week we had double duty of soccer, Bambeano Saturday and Boo Boo and Bombshell on Sunday, all 3 Bowdens came away with wins with the men scoring and Boo Boo having some great saves.  Her last coach told Boo Boo that for ever goal she saves it is like scoring for her team.  That comment resonates with Boo Boo every game and her gutsy attitude shows through.

More birthday celebrations this week with Bombshell's birthday, seemed to turn into a week long celebrations with his birthday last Sunday and then some celebrations Friday with some great friends.  We love a our favorite family.

Boo Boo had a pass on soccer this week end but not by choice.  Thunder and lightening were not our favorite friends yesterday after about 10 minutes of play the game was suspended for 30 minutes but while sitting in the car the rain came and game was canceled......now we had the rest of the evening to ourselves and did nothing but chill.

Fall is upon us now and the weather is changing life is about to get busy with some visitors, Grandma and Grandad, then Halloween before we know it Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here....

Here's to breathing and taking in all the excitement and adventures..........

A 7th year old birthday and 1st day of school.....Summer really over???

What a busy week we have had at the Bowden household.  Bambeano turned 7 and the 1st day of the new school year..... We now have a 5th grader and 1st grader, How did this happen...time flies.

Bambeano's birthday was a busy day of activities... first up a trip to NASCAR Speedpark.  Upon arriving we went to get our tickets only to be told the first 50 people were in free courtesy of 95.1 Kiss FM.  The radio station was on hand giving out some free giveaways.  What a result...... Bambeano was excited but I think Bombshell had his little kid come out in him as we had to go straight to the older race cars, poor Bambeano his birthday and he doesn't get to ride 1st.

Next up was a family race and Bambeano came up with the goods and came in 1st followed by the 2nd race in which Boo Boo came in 1st.   I captured his race on my phone........Jack's win

After the heat we went in for some laser tag and Bombshell won then we finished off with some mini golf.....Mummy wins mini golf...

After golf we decided to take a trip to UNCC (University of North Carolina Charlotte for my British friends and family) to check out the Women's soccer game.  When we arrived we sat with one of Lauren's soccer team mate.  While I went to the concessions to get Bambeano something to eat I came back to hear that Boo Boo and her team mate were going to be the half time show, scoring on Norm, the UNCC mascot.

It was a hot, hot day and the UNCC 49ers lost but it was good to watch a high paced game and I think Boo Boo enjoyed getting on the field.  Here is her video, I know a bit like ants on the field but I didn't have my camera only my phone, Lauren's Half time show.

After the game we went back to the Speedpark for more fun and finished the day of at Dave & Busters, I know a sucker, but Bombshell felt Bambeano's day should be special, and don't forget the Speedpark was courtesy of KISS FM.   Off we went round to Dave & Busters and the tickets were flying from the games.  Bambeano even got into a game of basketball with some teenagers.  After raking in the tickets it was now time to cash them in for their gifts.  Boo Boo decided to add her tickets to Bambeano so he could get an even better prize.  A new back door basketball hoop for his bedroom was his choice and with many points still remaining the two of them worked together and came away with a cuddly monkey.  Now for dinner....Bambeano's choice of course...Now we were at the mall with so many choices to choose from and he chooses Three Monkeys, a local pub near home, wondering what the attraction is, my bet is the golf game or Casey's goody candy jar for after dinner.

CHEERS!!!!

An early night was on the cards after a busy day for Bambeano's birthday and of course the first day of school on Monday....

Kids were up fairly easy but they have had something to do with the fact that I decided to go in a little later and see them off on the bus for their 1st day of school and of course the 1st day is not without pictures.....

have a great day at school Boo Boo and Bambeano look how you have grown in a year

2011-2012 1st day of School

2012-2013 1st day of school a year later.....