Annika's First 2nd Grade Soccer Game

This Saturday, Annika and some of her classmates donned their black soccer uniforms, tied their cleats, adjusted their shin guards, and took on the 2nd grade soccer team from St. Luke's.

We had an 8:00 game, which actually worked out really well (not in terms of fatigue levels, but in terms of the weather). We didn't see a single drop of rain during the game; the weather held off until we were packing up and driving out of the school's parking lot. Talk about luck!

Our kids really inspired me. They had a great time during the game and rarely were without smiles on their faces. It was incredibly infectious to see how much fun they were having. During halftime, one of the kids said he thought the other team had scored more goals, to which another student said, "We don't keep score in 2nd grade. It is all about having fun and I'm having fun!" (WOW!!)

This was the first time our kids played on a compressed sand field and did that ball ever fly on that surface!! They did a lot of running just to keep up with the ball.

The kids cheered for each other, helped each other, and worked together really well. SO proud of our Panthers for showing what having fun and teamwork are all about.

Conor's 1st Kindergarten Soccer Practice

Last night, Conor had his first soccer practice with his kindergarten team and, to be honest, the boy has probably never been happier!

For an hour, he got to run around and kick a ball with his friends from school. Seriously! What could be better for a 5-year-old boy who loves sports and has more energy than can be measured? By the end of the practice, Conor was pink cheeked, sweaty, and smiling from ear to ear. Truly, he was in his element.

I cannot begin to express how impressed I am with the coaches who ran the practice. They maintained control and really kept the kids engaged. It could have easily turned into a "baptizing cats" situation, but it was anything but that!

This morning, Conor was disappointed to learn that soccer practice wasn't every day and that he'd have to wait until next week for his next practice. I think he is finding how much fun kindergarten can be... it comes with sports! :)

Front Yard Soccer Practice

The kids are both signed up to play soccer this fall with their classmates. Both kids could hardly wait, so decided to have a little at-home practice session today... partially because Conor's new shin guards arrived in the mail today.

They practiced kicking, throwing, and juggling the ball and did a great job! While they worked on their soccer skills, I took the opportunity to brush up on my sports photography before their first soccer games in a few weeks.

Power kick

Bootin' the ball

Aiming for the fences
(Yes, I do know that I'm mixing my sports references)

Juggling the ball

Soccer girl

Juggling the ball... can't be outdone by Sister, you know!

Annika's First Soccer Game

Yes, it is official, we have a soccer player in the family. Annika is on her school's 1st grade soccer team (correctly, one of the 1st grade soccer teams ... it is so popular, they had enough kids for 2 teams!) and she is loving it.

The setup is ideal -- the kids practice one hour per week and then have one game per weekend. They learn the basics of the sport, as well as how to take direction and balance fun with maintaining a work ethic.

Soccer is an ideal outlet for her competitive nature, desire to run, and love of cheering on her peers. She doesn't feel the need to be the star of the team or hog the ball, but sure love kicking the ball down the field and wound up making two goals during their game this weekend!!

The kids played hard, were appropriately aggressive, and cheered on their friends like true good sports!

Run, Annika, run!!

Annika passing the ball

Trapping the ball

Post-goal thumbs up

Post-goal thumbs up with attitude