Furman Soccer

LilE once again wanted to play soccer "just like Daddy." She really does enjoy it. She is playing with a different local organization this season that teaches Brazilian soccer. And you know how much we like Brazilians! Basically, all they teach the first couple of years is how to dribble. I really enjoyed the first game. 3 v 3. It was called "new ball." Each time the ball went out of bounds, a new ball was thrown in. All the parents were cheering for both teams and the idea was to get every kid to score a goal. I loved that both coaches were helping the kids on both teams. Hmm...that doesn't always happen with team sports, does it? 

Maybe next time I will take a few more pictures instead of cleaning dog poo off my shoes. Can you please clean up after your dog?

Having a Ball

I was definitely pleased with the "sun" cookies I made on the last day of school and wanted to do the same for our sweet soccer teammates. They were just a great group of kids with loving families. We were blessed to meet them and spend the season together and wanted to give them a small token of our appreciation for each of them.

We played around a bit with the extra cookies. JD and I both made one. Can you tell who's is who's?

It was oh, so fun! I think this was LilE's favorite.

End of the Season

LilE had a great time playing Upward Soccer this spring. Of course, she loves doing anything to be just like her daddy! You can see pictures of her first game HERE.

Here is a video of her FIRST game

Here she is with a sweet friend

And a video of her LAST game (shorter than the first).

Good Game LilE!

First Game

After only two practices with a team of 4-6 years olds, we had our first game. It was a hoot! They had no idea what to do. But it was cute to watch them, some are go getters and others are very timid. Looking forward to the progress they will make throughout the season!

A little after game during the game stretching.

We're thinking Upward

Now that LilE is FOUR years old, I want her to get involved in something "organized." We tried a ballet class last summer. Fail. She wouldn't even enter the room. (Didn't help that she didn't recognized anyone in the room.)

This spring we went another route. Soccer. Think about it. Daddy loves soccer. We went to several games over the past couple of years. Why not give it a go? We found a sister church in the area who is doing Upward. And they needed coaches too. Daddy is going from high school boys to kindergartners! Precious!

The kids do have to be "evaluated" before being placed on a team. I was the only mom with my camera. Guess I will get the "good mom of the year" award.

Doesn't she look about adorable with those pink sock and teeny soccer cleats? Oh! I can't wait for practice and games!!

Meet Dottie

We have a new member in our family. Her name is Dottie. She is not a dog or cat (eww). Or even a fish or bird. She is a soccer ball. JD had a gift card to the soccer store and instead of another new shirt or shorts for him, we decided to get some gear for our sweet girl!

Since JD has done some reading up on coaching the last couple of years, he is the experienced one in the house. I asked what we needed to be doing to get her interested in playing. He had read that with the little ones they need to name their ball and make it their friend. The key is fun and it's working already!

She knows the two ways to kick the ball and has pretty good aim! We are super excited that she will be playing this spring! And JD will be coaching again. It will be interesting to hear how this experience is different from the JV guys!

Dottie has definitely become LilE's friend. She pulls her out of the box and treats her like one of her stuffed animals. My favorite soccer moment thus far was when I heard her say, "Dottie, I love you!" while holding and hugging her. Sweet!