October Part 1

October was a little crazy between soccer and the election. Here are the Pict's and stories that I wanted to post, but didn't have the time.

Soccer:

Hailey and Riley both did soccer this year. They both had a lot of fun, and want to do it again next year.

Hailey was on the Bumblebees. She wasn't the most enthusiastic player out there. For the majority of the games she would stand in the middle of the field and watch the other girls go after the ball. At one point the ball was kicked to her. She stood there and looked down at it. The other girls ran up and kicked it around her. She didn't even turn around to watch the ball, she just stood there staring off into space. She did make three goals over the season, unfortunately they were all for the other team. In her defense she was easily one of the smallest girls out there. She didn't like getting pushed around and knocked down. Also in her first practice she got knocked down and another girl fell on her. She hurt her neck so bad that she couldn't move it. We made weekly visits to the chiropractor for almost the entire season. She did perk up during the last two games because her Dad and Uncle Steven told her that they would both pay her 5 dollars if she made a goal for her team. Steven also told her that he would stick around a little longer. She tried a lot harder after that. So I guess the moral of her soccer story is hold out until the money is right, then go for it. She says she wants to play again next year. Her Dad and I will have to think about it.

Riley was on the Swordfish and had a pretty exciting season. This was the first year that Riley was old enough to keep score and have playoffs. It got quite competitive and was a lot of fun. The Swordfish went 9-2 for the season putting them in a great place for the playoffs. They ended up in fourth after a couple last minute heart breakers. It was a lot of fun to watch. Riley has a natural talent for soccer. The coach often pointed him out in practice as someone to follow. He would never give up. If someone took the ball from him he was right on it, and they rarely got far. I think he is also made of springs. Whenever he fell down he was back up again before anyone else had time to take two steps. He was also one of the boys they liked to play at goalie. He felt horrible when a few goals got through him, but he made some amazing saves. Where some of the boys would stop the ball, Riley would go all out and dive for it. There was no fear of sacrificing the body from him. He was on one of the only teams that actually played as a team. They passed to each other, communicated, and worked together. It seamed to me that the other teams had one or two stars that they relied upon to do all the work. The swordfish worked as one. They had some great coaches too. I was very impressed with the coaches and the amount of time they donated to the boys. It was a great team and a great year. Riley got awarded the go getter and one of the goalie awards from his coach. The coach also said that Riley was a big part of the teams success, that he was a good leader and example to the other boys. It was fun to see my son exhibit some of the qualities I hoped he would develop. I hope he continues to be a go getter and give his all for what ever he wants to succeed in. Big thanks to Coach Rick for all the great pictures.

I never go tired of seeing this happen. It was almost funny. Sorry other kid!! : }