GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!

We are full swing into soccer season and loving every minute of it.  We've had three Saturdays of games and one week night so far.  Not much else gets done on Saturdays because it's still so hot here, that after sitting on the field all day, we can't seem to find the energy to move afterwards.  Little by little we are figuring this soccer thing out.  We bought a canopy that has become a highly valuable asset on those hot sunny days.  No sunburn this week, hooray!  These pictures are from the second week of games when I borrowed my dad's camera with the telephoto lens.  Both Ben and I had way too much fun with that lens and caught some great shots.  These are but a small few.  Each week the kids show more improvement and it's clear that soccer is our game.  Even though the days are long, each week Ben and I enjoy the soccer experience more and more.  

Shelby is slowly but surely getting more aggressive and trying so hard to get after the ball.  We were so proud of her this week because she dribbled the ball up the field several feet and had some really strong kicks.  

Stryder also has been showing huge strides in his confidence.  He plays in the back field on defense and this last week, not a single ball got past him.  He was running right up to the ball and kicking it out of there.  Stryder's team is good.  Like really good and undefeated so far.  There have been some issues with how aggressive the boys play and that they should allow 'mercy goals', but how do you contradict everything you have taught them about not letting the ball get past you?!  The coach has been so great for Stryder and has such a passion for the game but in a really good way.  He wants the boys to learn and grow in the sport and have fun too, but he doesn't tolerate goofing off and I appreciate that.  I feel like Stryder may have found his niche.

Soren is the cutest little soccer player.  His games are so fun to watch because those kids just have so much fun no matter what is going on.  He has a great coach who we know and a little church friend on the team too.  Check out his tongue in the above picture...that is concentration. 

 

Life is busy but oh so good right now.