Sports?!?!

We have started sports for both the kids, low key, at the Y. 

Evi is trying volleyball and really really likes it.  She goes after the ball, and she's one of the few that does because most the other girls tend to act like their feet are stuck in mud and don't try to get it.  But Evi does!  She's not afraid of the ball (unlike her mother, she doesn't bury her head when a ball is coming at her!!).  She even said she felt bad for running to get the ball, that she's stealing it from the other girls.  I am totally surprised that she's that into it.  But that was my goal.  I want her to not be afraid of sports, like me.

Evi serving

kickin' it in

Eli has started soccer, with Scott as the coach.  He LOVES practice, but hates the games!  Granted he's really only played one game (against a group of super star 4 year olds who scored constantly!).  It seems Eli's team is full of the least aggressive kids in the whole program.  They just don't have the heart to take the ball from someone else.
And Eli is going through a stage right now where he gets very frustrated when he can't do something.  And playing in a game where he couldn't really get the ball and score frustrated him.  So he mostly pouted and sat out.  But he still loved going to the next practice.  And he's just like his mother, he giggles the entire time he plays.

The dance recital is only one month away.  I asked Eli if he wanted to take dance next year, and his response, without missing a beat, an emphatic "NO!".  It was rather funny.  But all I wanted was one recital, and I'm getting it, so I guess I'll be happy with that.  Evidently he wants to go back to gymnastics.  But how do I do that without disappointing Evi since I would rather she didn't go back?  It's just too intense and expensive for her.

wearing one of Aunt Tuti's childhood dresses

We have started allowances.  This will be the first month.  We'll see how it goes.  My mom believes we have the rest of our lives to have to do chores as adults, which I agree.  But I want my kids to be a part of making the house function. I'm trying to find a good balance. So we're giving small chores a try.  Basically they both have to care for their cats.  Eli is in charge of checking their food and water daily. And Evi takes care of the food on the other end...the litter boxes daily!  Evi also wipes down the bathroom countertops and removes bathroom trash cans once a week.  Eli will earn $2 a week, and Evi $4.  She is very excited about having an income.  But it's funny how picky she is when it comes to spending her own money.