For her birthday Maya requested Swedish pancakes for dinner. The whipped cream could only support a single candle which Maya quickly extinguished.

Maya’s smile tells the whole story. When we got in the car to return home, Maya’s first question was “when is my next lesson”.

In other action today, Nicolai finished his soccer season at the Commissioner’s Cup Soccer Tournament with one win and one loss. My team won a decisive 5-0 victory (I had one assist) to advance to the Division Finals. Regrettably, my team will likely forfeit that match because several team members will be traveling to Germany to watch the World Cup. If the game can be rescheduled, we will have a shot at a perfect undefeated season.

Here, Maya guides Hartley over some poles. The horse would prefer to walk around them so this takes careful steering.

It is quite possible that life as I know it has come to an end. Today, in celebration of her birthday tomorrow, Maya had her first horse riding lesson. She is pictured here on Hartley sporting new riding pants and a helmet she received from her brother. Maya was fearless and did not stop smiling for the entire lesson which included grooming, riding, feeding and washing the horse. 

I think it is safe to say that Nicolai enjoyed himself thoroughly as did his brother.

Nicolai requested an AirSoft theme for his birthday party (held early before his friends scatter for the summer). We agreed on rules of engagement with respect to photo journalists which spared me from being targeted. I am happy to report that the guns soon gave way to an old fashioned game of capture the flag. Later they watched the new Pink Panther movie on the big screen.

Good sport that he is, Kyle allowed Maya to groom his hair. As I type this, he is wearing this new hairdo outdoors while practicing soccer drills.

Proud mother and slightly bored sister look on from the audience.

Nicolai performed with the school band in a concert this evening. Try as I might this were the best shots I could get.

World Cup fever is translating into hours of additional practice in the back yard while Jeanine looks on happily from her swing.

Nicolai honing his skills.

Jeanine has captured some kind of “scary” bug. The children observe cautiously.

Maya played a little piano for me this morning. When I got home from work we played pitch and catch. This child is equally comfortable with an arpeggio or a backhand grounder.

Jeanine has been working out with free weights achieving visible results. When she strikes this pose we all run for cover and immediately complete our assigned chores.