Soccer opening weekend

Poor Ethan didn't get a photo because the sun came out and would have melted all electronics. 

Speed

Raea was the only girl in the "real training" group. 

Larissa was small, but mighty on the push-up dash. 

There is something so entertaining about watching someone getting KILLED doing push-ups. I'm still giggling. 

INSERT PHOTO OF ETHAN

Best in camp push-ups. His discipline activities are paying off. 

Also really proud of my little man, Herston. I was nervous he would give up, especially being so young, but he proved us all wrong.  

Annie only looked like she was working out. Ode to the fair maiden. 

Tennis Love

I was lucky to go to an awesome high school. If you wanted to play a sport, you usually could.

I was on the tennis team in high school, probably because I looked so good in those skirts! 

My Dad jokingly says his tombstone will say, "He bought lunch."  Mine will say, "She kept her promises."

For as long as I can remember, Ethan has been asking for tennis and golf lessons.  When I found a good tennis racket at Good Will, I knew it was time to start. 

Memorial Day Weekend

For Memorial Day weekend, we went to San Diego for Raea's first out of state soccer tournament. Her cousin played with her as a special treat. 

It was great to get away, and I even got in the ocean!

Bonus: Annastasia's first time at the beach. 

Page Springs

We returned to the restaurant Grant used to work in as teenager. Great food. Even better views.

I also noticed everyone was patiently coloring, so I leaned into see Grant's drawing...

brainstorming a football play.

FUNdraiser RUN

All of my school kids participated in their school Fun Run and did great.

Ethan ran much more than estimated. I think he has found his sport.

(I had to post the "Fall Guy" picture as this is just Ethan's personality, and it makes me giggle.)

Last games of the season

Bittersweet.

All four kids just finished fall soccer.

We will be taking next sports season off, minus a few exceptions.

Getting in newborn mode.

Another Championship Run

I am so amazed at this girl. They have worked their way up the tournament circuit and because of their record, they have been moved to a higher division.

*~*~*~*

To all my local friends, we will be doing another season of Candlelight Soccer League starting January 23. It's six weeks on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and I promise you won't find a cheaper league to introduce soccer to your children.

Last Game of the Varsity 2012 Season

Rolling Triangle

My kids play hard and laugh loud...

And have a hard time watching 90 minutes of soccer practice.

Tournament Champs

Hard work pays off.

Great job, Raea!

Early morning games

I usually don't like early morning games because of the rush in the morning. And we can never find Ethan's equipment.

To prepare, we got everything ready last night, and of course, we couldn't find Ethan's stuff. We gave up after a long time with a warning he would have to wake up really early to find it.

At 6:55am, I woke him up.

"Remember our promise. Go find your stuff."

At 6:56am, he returned.

"I remembered I put it in a bag altogether, so it would be easy to find."

Second Best

Ethan is on a U8 soccer team which means every other year he is one of the older kids, like this year.

I was giving Ethan a pep talk before practice because I feel sorry for his coach. I actually coached three of these boys for U6; our team name back then was Team Awesome (although Team ADD was more fitting).

"Ethan, you are the best kid out there, I want you to stay focused, listen to the coach, and help those little kids learn how to play."

"I'm the second best and the second tallest."

Yep, the concept was lost.

Junior Sun Devil

For Father's Day, I got Grant the junior sun devil package. Ok, technically he is just the responsible accompanying adult, but Grant gets to take one kid on a date to see multiple ASU sporting event.

Today is the first game. Hanging out with the band, shaking hands with the players, and climbing the scary bleachers, I think my big boys are enjoying their time together.

First Big Game

Grant had no clue that I was planning to go to his first game against their biggest rivals.

But my head hurt. The kids wanted to watch a movie. And I was looking for any excuse not to go.

However, the thought of a ice cream treat was just enough motivation for me to load the car.

At the game, the kids tried to yell to their dad.

"Don't bug Dad; he's in game mode."

"But he was staring right at me."

"Just wait until half time and we will say hi right before he goes into the locker room."

The game was so exciting. Unfortunately, we were the second team to score, but in a cocky move, we went for a two-point conversion on our first touchdown. We were now ahead.

The leader board kept changing. The kids were now old enough to discuss strategy and game rules, but we were still excited for half time.

At half time, the players ran to the locker room. The kids and I assumed our position next to the gate and waited for Grant to pass us. Hollering his name again, he didn't notice.

"Just wait. He's coming."

I don't like to make a scene or identify ourselves especially since a couple years ago there were rude parents saying some awful things about "my coach".

Finally, within a foot of him, he realized it was us. Full of adrenaline, he picked up all four kids in one sweeping motion. He preceded to pull me in and gave me an uncharacteristic kiss at the game.

"I thought it was weird to have so many white people over here."

Even throughout the kids yells, he never recognized us.

Halftime came at 9:00, and I still had a long drive ahead, so we left. Nervous, I waited for the score.

At 2212, I got the text. We had won 48-42.

The next morning he said, "Last night when I saw you, I got a glimpse of what heaven will be like when I am reunited with my family."

Glad I made it to the game after all.

Soccer

I believe in the power of sweating. Kids should sweat. Kids should work hard. Kids should have controlled competition, on the field, not in the house. Kids should win and boost their self esteem. Kids should lose because heartbreak happens. Kids should learn teamwork; to make friends and tolerate the others.

This is why I love soccer.

I also love the subliminal message that is sent that says as much as I love summer, it's time to change seasons.

WARNING: Be prepared for pictures, I've got all four in soccer now.

Coach Herston

Every time Grant goes to the weight room as a football coach, Herston begs to come to "help" coach and lift weights.

He takes his job very seriously.

Simple Summer

We have simplified summer this year, but for me, swim team is not negotiable. I need to have confidence in my children's swimming ability.

This is Larissa's first year, but the easiest first couple days. She is amazing.

Show Stopper

Maybe it is her competitive nature. Maybe it is because she has been playing on teams since she was three. Or maybe it is because of her mother, but this girl is one STELLAR athlete!!!

I was a part of a successful neighborhood league created for me and my neighbors that just recently ended.

I got goosebumps watching this girl play. Amazing.

Usery Hike

This seems to be a common view for me, but I enjoy watching my family in action. I like to lean back and just smile. There is something so peaceful about a morning hike with the family.

Its a convincing time, that yes, everything is ok with my little world.