M. Sullivan Photography Family, Photos

First Day of School

Sophia and Sebastian had their first day of school last Thursday.   They were both ready for the school year to begin.  We had been at the open house the night before, met with their teachers and dropped off their school supplies.  We thought Sophia might be nervous starting Kindergarten and riding the bus for the first time, but she gave us hugs and hopped on the bus with the rest of the kids.  Mike and I drove down to the school and got there before the bus pulled up.  We wanted to be sure that she arrived safely and also wanted to walk with her to the classroom.  We followed behind her as she led the way.  She found her locker, gave us hugs (again) and she ventured off into the room to meet her classmates and explore.

When I picked the kids up later that afternoon they both told me that their days went well.  Sebastian was a bit concerned about how much homework he would have this year, but has a great teacher and a lot of friends in his classroom.  Sophia also has a wonderful teacher and one little boy from her soccer team is in the same class.  She met some “new friends” and enjoyed playing on the playground on her first day.  The only glitch during the day was when another little girl took Sophia’s lunch box by mistake (what girl wouldn’t want a cute pink lunch box?), leaving Sophia without a lunch.  The helpers in the cafeteria straightened it out right away and she was able to eat before it was time to head back to class.  Overall, a good start to the school year.

Ready To Walk To The Bus Stop
Ready To Walk To The Bus Stop
Walking To The Bus Stop
Walking To The Bus Stop
On The Way To The Bus Stop
On The Way To The Bus Stop
Stopping For A Photo
Stopping For A Photo
Killing Time Until The Bus Arrives
Killing Time Until The Bus Arrives
Posing With Dad
Posing With Dad
Waiting For The Bus
Waiting For The Bus
All Aboard!
All Aboard!
On The Bus
On The Bus
Arriving At School
Arriving At School
Ready For Class
Ready For Class
Hanging Up The Backpack
Hanging Up The Backpack
All Ready For Class To Begin
All Ready For Class To Begin
M. Sullivan Photography Photos, Sports

We Are The Champions

Mike burned a CD for Sebastian that we have been listening to all summer long on our morning car rides to Cindy’s house.  There is a mix of Kids Bop, Crazy Frog and some oldies including a little bit of Queen and Survivor.  One of the kids’ favorites is “We Are The Champions.”  Both Sebastian and Sophia know all the words and sing very loudly along the drive.  I don’t mind.  As long as they are singing, they can’t be fighting.  It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

Speaking of “We Are The Champions”, this is the first time in 14 seasons of volleyball that our team finished in 1st place!  We have finished 2nd or 3rd before, but never 1st.  Even though we were competing in the co-ed rec division, I think we are all still amazed.  This win comes none too soon.  We have four players turning 40 this year (not me) and Mike is already over 40.  It was now or never for us.

Mike P. had  our waitress snap this photo after our victory.

2009 Volleyball Champions
2009 Volleyball Champions
M. Sullivan Photography Photos, Sports

The Final Race

The final “Wednesday Night at the Races” for the year was held on August 26.  The last one is always held at Park Point with a large picnic which includes hot dogs, chips, watermelon and beverages following the races.  I think this is Sebastian & Mike’s favorite part.  We left early in order to prepare for being “bridged”.  There was a good amount of traffic and we did end up being bridged.  The sailboat races also take place each Wednesday during the summer so we had to wait while a few of them went out under the Aerial Lift Bridge.  The crowds were huge at the park, the weather was cool and a bit foggy, but the kids were ready for racing.  Sophia raced before Sebastian in the “Girls 6 & Under” category.  She requested that Mike run with her.  She looked pretty cute in her pink shorts and C9 athletic top.
Go!
Go!
Close To The Finish
Close To The Finish
Almost There, Keep Running
Almost There, Keep Running
The Medal
The Medal

Sebastian said on the way to the races that he wanted to finish in the top five.  We, of course, said “It’s not about winning, it’s about doing your best.”  Little did we know that we would finish in the top three!!

Lots Of Competition
Lots Of Competition
Stretching Before The Race
Stretching Before The Race
On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!
On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!
Final Burst Of Speed
Final Burst Of Speed
3rd Place!!
3rd Place!!
Our Runners
Our Runners

A group photo was taken at the end of the races.  Many kids had left, but there was still a good sized group of proud runners.

Runners
Runners

We finished our picnic and started the drive back through Park Point toward home.  Brake lights in front of us made us aware of the bridge going up – more sailboats.  This time they were returning from their evening out on the lake and back into the bay.  The bridge went back down, cars moved forward, then brake lights again.  This time an ore boat was headed into port. 

Bridged A View From The Car
"Bridged" A View From The Car

Since we knew that it would be at least a 15 or 20 minute wait, Mike and Sebastian jumped out of the car and headed down to the canal to watch the ship come in.  Mike snapped a photo with his phone and sent it to me while Sophia & I waited in the car.

Bridged A View From The Canal
"Bridged" A View From The Canal

It was a great night despite all the waiting for sailboats and ore boats.