After Maya’s party and Nicolai’s soccer game (his team won 2-0 and is headed to the Commissioner’s Cup tournament), we spent the evening at the Star Lane block party.

The birthday girls getting ready for cake.

Maya executes a front flip in pike position.

Maya and Olivia shared a birthday party at the gymnastics academy this afternoon. Maya turns 6 tomorrow.

Nicolai has prepared a restaurant-style menu, which he is reading to Maya. Nicolai has given Maya and I (for her birthday and my father’s day) a present of breakfast in bed.

Nico really enjoyed his dinner.

Nico and I had a boy’s night out this evening. We went to Michael’s for a nice Italian dinner. It is so much fun spending time with one child at a time. We talked about school, soccer, the value of sleep, AIDS, Star Wars, his project on Egypt, his favorite subject at school (science), his friends, and the quality of the marinara sauce (excellent). Kyle had an away soccer match and was taken by Jeanine and Maya.

Maya had her last soccer game of the season today and finished the game with a nice breakaway goal. The Panthers went undefeated and the kids made real improvements throughout the season. I enjoyed coaching immensely, but having now coached my wife and all three kids, I am prepared to hang up my whistle.

Good old bus 24 stops in front of the house to pick up precious cargo….. later in the day Kyle’s soccer team lost it’s first match in 18 games. Kyle had one goal but the team lost 3-2. The temperature dropped dramatically throughout the day and by kick-off it was positively cold (I had to leave the game to go purchase warm clothing – and mosquito repellent). Kyle played with full intensity for 90 minutes and he looked like he could have played another full game. It was a tough loss, but I was very proud of Kyle’s determination and leadership on the field.

Maya summed it all up with a single photograph. Pink-painted toenails offset by a generous coat of dirt and accented by a single white flower. Note to Mother (who is in Albany this evening): Yes, these feet were washed before insertion of child in bed.

And here is the dismount. This child has no fear.

Both boys had soccer practice this evening despite the oppressive heat and humidity. While waiting for them to finish, Maya took to the fence to work on her balance-beam skills.

Kyle needed a head shot for his soccer tryout today. They use this for their player passes. Please note the haircut. Yesterday Kyle went to the local barbershop where he received a terrible haircut (I think the worst I have ever seen). At his request the father was called upon to salvage the job. Half an hour later, Kyle emerged with a much improved version which he even thanked me for (although he did not leave a tip).

Maya secured the birthday balloons. Although she was not permitted to play dodge ball with the big dogs, she did demonstrate a much improved crawl stroke in the pool.