Hockey..San Diego..Disneyland..Labor Day 2016

So as most of you know Nicky has been super lucky enough to get on a the all new Valencia High Hockey team. When I say lucky I mean lucky! He has been trying his hardest to push himself which he has and which he needs to continue. This is his first time playing in a full contact league, which he is definitely learning by just going out there and doing it. Best way to learn is to be thrown in there right? LOL Did I mention it's The Los Angeles Kings High School Hockey League? I know I know its all about playing hockey but connected with the Kings could he or I ask for more?! We are all so excited!  Go Vikings! Nicky #97 (His parents graduating year) gotta love it!
     

So over this Labor Day weekend. The team played on a tournament down in San Diego. We have never played together as a team and a few of our kids have never played full contact. I have to say I think everyone did great! These kids are ready for this in there hearts and they want it. Great group of kids, and I really saw them getting better and playing more and more as a team just over weekend. There were some really scary hits taking for a couple of our team members. But updates are looking good and they will hopefully be playing again really soon! Nicky came back with a couple bruised ribs and some huge bruises one from a skate to his side and the other a puck to his stomach. He thinks its super cool. We are now officially purchasing rib and stomach protection :P I am very proud of Nicky and everyone on the team and I honestly cannot wait to watch this season and watch the progress of it! I keep telling him the theme song will be "Started From the Bottom Now We're Here" He either didn't get it or he didn't like my dance move that went with it. Either way I thought it was funny. They played against some teams to really give them a taste all around on whats to come in the league I think.

One thing I learned about this weekend is "Hockey Mom Stomach" No joke about that its everything you think it is. I needed Starburst for every game. Which I recommend for nervousness. You got your mouth and your hands working to eat those darn things!

The one thing I am so upset with myself is I didn't take pics! Call it nerves call it talking too much to the other parents I don't know. But as you know I love taking pics!! Bummer! Thank god some of the other parents did so I can screen shot those and save them. Thanks Suey! I did get a couple  but not enough. Note to self: Take more pics woman!

Coach looking a little worried? or confident? You tell me...

I did get this lovely vid of a little check on Nick (look in the back)..

All the action slowed down for a sec to snag this pic...

We stayed a bit a ways from the Ice Rink which worked because we were super close to Old Town. Literally a block away. I loved being close to somewhere to walk and hang out, and I loved that it was just our team in the hotel. Boys had full access to the pool spa everything it was awesome!

What was not awesome for me was Nicky's freedom. I let him go places and do things here at home but he really had some added freedom! Especially when I was in Old Town and next thing you know your child is outside of a window waving at you when he should be in his damn hotel room. That took a bit to get used to, but overall it worked out really good. And I think it was good for the team to just have fun and be together. I think he needed that bit of freedom and team bonding/goofing off I don't really know. But I survived, and he's still on the team so all is good. 

The team Managers and all the parents are great! I am so excited about that! It was so nice to get to hang with them and at the games our team I feel had the best support from the stands! I am very thankful to have such a good team like this to start with for myself and Nicky.

You all know Mondo, and when we go anywhere he turns everything into a vacation. We had some free time and we got to go to Liberty Station and eat at such a fun 50's Restaurant named Corvette Diner. The kids got Balloon animals. 

A Hockey Stick and puck for Caleb..

Bow and Arrows for Jacob and Brody....

 We also finally finally finally got to go to Stone Brewery's gardens! It was amazing! I cannot wait to go back there.

                                       Thank you tournament for being in San Diego!

I was able  to roam Old town a few times which I just love! From dinner, drinks and chats  at night with the parents at Cafe Coyote. To just heading to get homemade tortillas. It was nice that I got to spend some alone time with just Caleb and Brody. We never really do that. Mondo and Jacob went with the team to the beach so the littls and I headed to Old Town to explore and Caleb said " Mom I like this just us" It was easier that's for sure!

Brody and Caleb ate Churros, made candles, and learned a bit of history. 

Cant forget the down time of games with dad at the Hotel..

On our way home we had to make a stop at Disneyland. Come on now. It was the last day for 60th celebration and we got to meet up with my sister and the boys!

Great end to a great weekend. What a mix of things going on too. But that's how the Ramirez family rolls. Multitasking all adventures in life. LOL

The Tournament Championship game was Monday and although we did not play in it but we played hard this past weekend. I think this season is going to be full of learning, a bunch of fun, and a bunch of kick ass kids playing hockey! First game is Sept. 17th in Burbank! We can use a lot  of support so if you wanna catch a game local or help us out with our fundraising or just give Nicky or the boys a high five or great wishes on the game let me know!

                                                               

GO VIKINGS!!