Friday afternoon was sunny and warm, and after school we were all outside enjoying the weather. Lem had asked me to buy him a real coconut, and I decided then was a good time to crack it open. Kellie, Black, Cameron, and Earl were all over, so it was fun times for all.

We started by drilling holes into the eyes and emptying out the water. Almost everyone tried it ... it was too sweet for Lem and Earl, Cameron didn't try it, but Gwyn and Blake liked it. It was very sweet, and the little husk-floaties in it certainly added to the chewiness.

Then I got out the hammer and cracked it open. Eveyone tried the meat, but I think Gwyn and Blake liked it the most. Then the kids proceeded to throw the husk pieces around the yard while I worked at getting all the meat off.

But even if they didn't actually eat a lot of it, I figure it is the experience of hammering open an actual coconut that is the real treat. Next time, we'll do it on a tropical beach somewhere.

Lem had another awards ceremony on Friday for the end of the third quarter. Gwyn and I attended, to see Lem receive his third quarter straight A award. He has had straight As all year. He also won another award this time, for showing integrity in the classroom. His teacher said she can always count on him to make "smart choices."

What's funny is the school mascot is a pirate, so Lem's award is for "Pirate Integrity." I'm not exactly sure how honest and moral pirates usually are ...

Spring Soccer '14

The spring soccer season started this week. This is Lem's fourth time playing and Gwyn's first. We will be spending some long evenings at the field with back-to-back practices this year.

They've had one night of practice so far, and it was quickly cancelled due to lightning. Lem at least got to start his practice. he knows two kids on his time -- a boy from kindergarten and a girl from his basketball team. I am happy about that -- I think he will enjoy it more just by having some friends on the team.

Gwyn was all ready to play but her practice was cancelled before it ever got started. She was so excited to wear her new pink running shorts and new pink soccer socks. Cameron from across the street is on her team as well, so she has a friend, too.

I had brought a picnic dinner for the kids, so after Lem's practice was cancelled, we headed to the car to wait for the official call for Gwyn's practice. They sat in the back of the car and ate their dinners, and they had a blast doing it. I have to admit, having a true "soccer mom" SUV definitely has its advantages. When it started to rain, I just had them crawl over the seats into their carseats and headed home.

To celebrate our attempt at the first practice, and the fact that they'd been so good about it (putting on shin guards, socks, and cleats is a special torture for me), we went through the drive thru at Sonic for some celebratory milkshakes.

"Mom. If you want to win, listen to me."