Saturday was the last day of the Spring soccer season. I am relieved to have it over with. All of the kids did a great job and improved their skills. It was a challenge getting three of them to all of their different games. Cooper moved up to a full size field this year which meant the majority of his games were played out on Wilmington Island, about a half an hour away. There were times when it was impossible to be at all of the games. Thankfully Cooper's coach lives by and is the father of one of his good friends. Their family is always willing to take Cooper to practices or games when I can't make it. Hailey's friend (an our neighbor) Rachel was on Hailey's team and their family helped us out a lot too. It's such a blessing to have great friends and neighbors. I don't know how we would have made it this far through the deployment if we didn't have their support.
Hailey worked really hard this season. She was in the U10 league and her team was called the "Dolphins" (the kids pick their team names). She had a new coach that really pushed the kids and expected a lot out of them. If they were late to practice, they had to run extra laps. He was hard enough on them that they excelled, but was never mean. The team worked a lot on learning their positions and it made a huge difference in their games. She was able to play nearly all positions, offense, defense and goalie. I think she had a great time and will be eager to play with the same bunch of kids again in the fall.
At the end of their game, each child received a soccer trophy and the parents had a little celebration waiting for them. One Mom brought a bunch of drinks and a grandmother of one of the girls brought an awesome cake with dolphins on it. I asked her where she bought it and was shocked to find out that she made it! Where do people get all of this talent and patience??? I presented the coach (on behalf of the team and families) with a soccer ball signed by all of the players as well as a gift card to a nice steak house. He definetly deserves a nice night out after all the time he put into helping our kids. All of the "Dolpins" deserve a big pat on the back, especially Hailey........way to go sweet girl!!! You played awesome!
Sadie was ready to play again after the winter break. Back in the fall, her coach named her "rocket foot", and for good reason. She has a very competitive spirit and goes after the ball. She's not always the best at sharing the ball with her teammates, but we're working on that one. She played on the U6 team and was one of the oldest players. Age really makes a big difference with kids that small. Kids like Sadie have a good understanding of the way the game is played, but many other kids cry and have to be cohersed into playing. It's so much fun to watch them learn and grow.
There were only 4 kids on Sadie's team this year. She had one returning teamate and another little boy we knew from church. It was nice to have small teams in the beginning, because it gave the kids a better chance to work on their skills. Once games started, they played 3 vs. 3, but often had to combine teams if kids didn't show. Towards the end, they started playing the bigger kids against each other so that the little ones would have a chance. Sadie usually made several goals each game. I think we may have a little soccer superstar on our hands here! Watch out world....here comes Sadie!
Cooper also had a fantastic season this year. They lost some of their players as many kids his age are beginning to play on their school teams. The majority of his team has been playing together, with the same coach since they were in kindergarten. It's been a huge plus for Cooper to be on this team. He has been playing with them ever since we moved to Savannah and he picked up soccer again. Like I said before, Cooper moved up a league and up to a regulation size field. I think it was a bit intimidating for him at first, but the he played really well. They had silver jerseys this go around and thus called themselves the "Silver Bullets". They lost a few games, but they played hard and always did their best! The sports director arranged for them to play games with a few select teams (where you have to try out and make the cut) and that really challenged them. Cooper typically plays defense and does a great job. He continues to build his confidence and improve each season.
I will have to post pictures of him in a few weeks. His coach always has a big party for them where he gives out their trophies and pictures. I'm hoping that he can stick with this team for another few years. Many of these boys are his friends from 5th grade and most of them attend a charter school. This is one of the only opportunities Cooper gets to see them. On the way home from his game he told me they were his "posse". I guess he's growing up on me! They started off with a few near misses, but in the end, they won their game by several goals. It was a great way to end their season. Way to go Cooper - we're so proud of you!
On Saturday, it was wreched hot!!! I took our big beach umbrella, but by the time we got to Cooper's game it only helped a little bit. We started the day with Sadie's game at 9:00 AM and didn't end the day until Cooper's game got over around 3:30 PM. The poor kids were so drained from the heat. I'm not sure how hot it was, but today I check weather.com and it said it was 93 degrees, but it felt like 104. The humidity was only at 66%. I can't wait until we have 95% everyday....NOT! Oh, I shouldn't complain. Joe reminds me every time I do. They are pushing 120 degrees over there already and when they fly it just feel like a hot blow dryer in your face. Hang in there honey.....you'll be home soon!
The girls sweaty and wiped out of energy
Brady was so hot he wouldn't drink anything. I poured a melted Icee in his bottle and he loved it!!! The poor kid HAD to have some fluid intake. Ssssshhhhhh...don't tell the dentist!
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