Sofia & Joshua Gordon Jeff and Angie's tribute to their children

Sofia has started kindergarten.  She likes it so far although notably different than her Montessori environment.  It is bittersweet for us to see her grow up and take such a big step school wise.  A tear or two was shed dropping her off on the first day.  Her teacher is new but seems really nice and motivated to teach.  Sofia lost two bottom teeth the Friday before school started – the dentist had to help them come out but worth it because tooth fairly paid off big!

Josh remains at Montessori until next summer when we will decide if he’s ready for kindergarten yet.  He will be eligible but would be youngest in his class.  Abuelita Gordon and a new nanny (we are extremely comfortable with) alternate picking Josh and Sofia up at 3PM and bring them back to house.

Soccer season is about to start and both kids are pumped and really into it this season.  Sofia is also doing gymnastics while Josh takes private swim lessons.  We are all adjusting to the new fall schedule and welcome some cooler weather.

Pics below are primarily surround Sofia and 1st day of school, but you can spot Josh is one of them if you look close!

On another note Mommy and Daddy celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary today – YEAH!

We took our annual trip to Pensacola last month.  The kids were so excited to go to the “pink tower” – the condo we stay in is pinkish.  Plenty of time on the beach and in the pool.  Even got a day in at the naval museum.  Tio Jason and Tia Angele were also there.  Josh and Sofia were happy to see them along with Abuelito Gordon and Suzi.  It was a good time and relaxing.  Many pics below….

May seemed to fly by and now Texas summer begins.  Nineties and no looking back until late September.  At least it has been raining this year thus far.  Sofia tried t-ball but has decided to stick with soccer and gymnastics.  She was the only girl on the team which didn’t help.  Josh is into t-ball this year – he loves fielding the ball and running bases.

The entire family looks forward to our annual summer get away at Pensacola beach.  We will be on the beach the last week of June where Josh will officially turn 4.

Sofia and Josh and very photogenic – a trait they get from their mother.  They cost Daddy another pretty penny from the school photographers.  Worth it I guess.

This month was busy and blew by fast.  Summer is fast approaching so trying to enjoy what little Texas spring remains.

April in a nutshell:

1. Disney on Ice

2. Bday party

3. Sofia visits ER again with gash on her chin.  This happened when Mom was out of town – extra fun for Daddy this weekend.  No stitches, just glue – evidently super gluing cuts together is standard medical practice these days.  Sofia is fine.

4. Another bday party

5. Sofia’s end of soccer season party

6. Sofia’s 1st T-ball practice

7. More bday parties – you get the idea

8. Josh end of soccer season party

Spring has come to Texas early this year – highs have been in the mid 80s, lows in upper 60s.  We can only pray summer will be tolerable with rain showers now and again.  Outdoor soccer is in full swing for Josh and Sofia – they both are into it.

Sofia registered for kindergarten this month which starts in August – it is very hard for us to believe.  She and Josh are growing up so fast.

Angie has taken an interest in photography and picture editing so you’ll notice some cool effects below….

Beginning of 2012 has moved quickly.  We pretty much lost track of January and forgot to take pictures.  Josh and Sofia have both finished up indoor soccer and are beginning outdoor.  Sofia has really learned to enjoy soccer over the past year.  Josh will get on the field but thus far more interested in wrestling with his friends (this is a work in progress).

Sofia and Daddy attending our first Daddy/Daughter dance which was really fun.  She had a blast after getting past the initial shyness.  There is a pick below of her in her dress.  Also some cute professional Valentine themed pictures.

Josh and Sofia enjoyed Christmas with the entire family in town.  Lots of new stuff to play with!

These school photographers take incredible pictures of your children.  They are masterful at extracting ridiculous amounts of parent $$$.  We are suckers but at least avoided the all out $150 package.  I have a photo scanner for a reason  🙂

This month we lost part of our family – Flash.  He was loyal, protective, unselfish, and loved us all unconditionally.  He was always there as our security blanket.  We miss him so much.  It has been a week and the hurt is still intense but we find peace in the fact that he is free and no longer suffering.  Flash had been diagnosed with prostate cancer more than a year ago.  He survived much longer than expected and was healthy and happy up until the end.  Flash touched many in his life and will live on in our hearts forever.  The pictures are those of his last days, even feeling terrible and not eating he would still play with his favorite ball.

Josh and Sofia talk about him often and pray that he is happy in heaven as an angel with our other dog, Lola.

We love you Flashbear

October brings much welcome cooler weather to Texas.  We’ve had a couple much needed showers but the drought continues.  The kids are both old enough to really enjoy Halloween this year (I’ll post these pics later).  Below you’ll see Josh in action playing t-ball, fun visit to a petting zoo, and trip to the Dallas Arboretum.

Gordons grill brings you fun fall family photos at an old train yard in Fort Worth.  Kids were far from cooperative but it amazing what good pics can be captured in an instant.

Just returned from our annual vacation to Pensacola.  Outside a small tropical storm and malfunctioning pontoon boat it was a great time.  Josh and Sofia really enjoyed visiting Abuelito and Suzi on the beach.  They got to see the naval flight museum, ride on jetskis, play on beach, and ride on a halfway broken pontoon boat.  Mom and Dad had some much needed R&R.  It is hard to be back at work this week.  Enjoy photos below…

July was hot this year.  It looks like we are headed for a string of record days exceeding 100 degrees.  No let up in site.  We were in Galveston last weekend of the month for Tolapka family reunion – it was fun.  Below are pictures with the latter from Galveston.