Socter Ball!

Despite the fact that some people think soccer is a communist sport, we love it. We love the organized sport aspect of it, the socialization, the lessons about team work and sportsmanship, and the sheer physical activity it requires. Dave and I both feel like soccer is a good foundational sport for any of the other sports the kids might want to play later, so we intend for both of them to play until they aren't interested anymore or decide to try something else instead. (We feel the same way about gymnastics. That's why Ella does both and Luke will, too, as soon as he's old enough for soccer.)

Grandma has been taking pictures at the games this year, so I thought I would share a few. She got some really good ones!

I tried to catch this first picture all spring, but Grandma finally got it.

She's pretty good at kicking.

I'm really proud of how hard she works in practice. My expectation in everything she does is that she work hard. 

She is much more comfortable during the games this season.


Taking a breather.

Dave decided to help with the coaching this time and he's loving it. Ella really likes having him as a coach, too.

Water break.

In addition to soccer, he has taught the kids to chew straws while they wait for their turns to play. I looked over at them last weekend and he and four kids were lined up with coffee straws hanging out of their mouths.

Coach Dave

Saturday mornings are a family affair. Grandma and Pop the Pop and Grandmother and Papa are there.

Pop the Pop and Luke

 Even Aunt Becca, Uncle Nate, and Jake come to watch.

Jake can't wait until he can play.

Sometimes we steal borrow other kids' balls to play catch during the breaks.

Luke loves socter.

 And sometimes we just relax and watch the game.

He's still my baby.