some great pics of Jeff's recent games

Look at him with the Long Pole!

Happy birthday daddy!

We celebrated Phil's 34th birthday yesterday.  We got him a set of pushup bars and new tennis shoes (badly needed).  We went to the Kani House (Japanese) for dinner and then came home for some ice cream cake.  I have to say, it was all a surprise and I think he was happy. (he even thanked me again today!)

What an awesome birthday celebration!

We celebrated Phil's 14th birthday on Saturday night.  It was the best birthday party EVER!  You're not going to believe this but I only took 1...yes 1....picture the entire night (at the bottom).  We have it all on video but obviously that does us no good here, huh?

We had it at an indoor soccer/lacrosse venue and invited both U-15 teams (ended up with 26 boys).  Since the party was from 8pm-10pm we only served platters - veggie/meat & cheese/fruit.  Of course we ordered a fantastic cake (lacrosse themed, go figure-but no picture!).  They even built the goals!

Anyway...we had arranged a special surprise guest as Phil's gift from us.  His name is Liam Banks and some of his bio is listed below:

He attended Ward Melville High School where Banks was an All-American Attackman.  During Banks' senior year he tallied an unbelievable mark of 172 points in a single season. Banks continued his pursuit of lacrosse excellence at Syracuse University where he was named a 2X All-American and a member of the 2000 National Championship Team. In addition, Banks was named MVP of the 2000 National Championship Tournament where he scored six goals against Princeton and ensured Syracuse's victory.  The attackman opens his sixth MLL season in 2009 with the Chicago Machine. He began his career with the New Jersey Pride in 2005 and totaled 34 points in each of his first two seasons. He split the 2007 season between the Pride and the San Francisco Dragons, setting career highs with 26 goals and 37 points, and played a second season with the Dragons in 2008. 

He was awesome with the boys.  Played 7v7 for almost 40 minutes then one on one with Phil while the boys watched.  He showed Phil how to do crazy shots (between the legs, behind the back, behind the goal, etc).  We also did fastest shot and he gave out prizes.  Liam gave Phil a new lax head, USA Team shorts (which he put on as soon as he received), and 2 autographed pictures.  He also gave Jeff a new pair of Warrior shorts (he's the Warrior/Brine rep in our area).

It was such a special night.  Mom said I'll never be able to top that party and you know what, I don't want to.  It was perfect.