Soccer Snapshots

We are winding down our soccer season for the year - three more weeks or so . . . but I haven't done a soccer post this year, and thought I'd better get at it!
Kevin's attitude to soccer this year could be described as "passionate". He loves it. Very much. He wouldn't miss it for the world. One time he needed a punishment and had to decide between doing math pages or missing soccer . . .never saw him do math so willingly!!!

Kevin is a good team player, rather competive sometimes, and is constantly practicing and trying out new moves.

Kevins team is doing all right - middle of the pack - lots of ties, a few wins and a few losses.
Kade is now in his third year of soccer and continues to learn and play at his own pace. He has yet to get his first goal or assist this year . . . though I feel that we get a tad closer every game.
He still loves to be goalie (which of course is a great hindrance to my his quest for goals).

His second favorite place to be until recently was on the blanket having snacks. One game in particular nearly drove me crazy b/c it seemed like everytime he had a chance to take the field, he would be too busy munching away at a watermelon, or busy fixing his shoes or shins or whatever else he may find to do. It's not that he doesn't want to play. He just lacked drive -- though like I said it is picking up . . . just in time for the end of the season:)

Kade does enjoy being part of a team though and it is fun to watch him interact.

Like I said, he takes the game very seriously.

As for his team . . . not quite sure of their record, but probably about 1/2 wins, 1/2 losses.

It's hard for Kade to pose for pictures lately. He's gotten a bit crazy.

Kevin also attended a soccer camp put on by Athletes in Action last week. Camp was from 9-3 each day. In my opinion thats a long 7 hours to wear shins, socks, and cleats . . . and it sure smelled like a long day in the van on the way home too when he shed them:( Jeremy also signed up so they got to see lots of eachother, since Jeremy spent a few nights with us too.

One thing I had a hard time comprehending was the thing they wanted to do most when they got home . . . sometimes it was to go for a quick swim, but most often it was . . . PLAY SOCCER!!! Crazy. Kevin even did it when he was all alone. Like I said, he's passionate about the game.

At camp they did drills, soccer olympics, coaches corner, small group Bible studies, and World Cup. Kevin's team - the Madagascar Mars Bars won the world cup for the week. (the last hour of camp it thundered and lightninged, so they moved into the gym for awards/presentations, but the rest of the week was beautiful weather - though I would have found it warm doing what they did:))

Doing the victory lap with the cup . . .

They get their team name added to the cup . . .

Each participant got an award and a Bible at the end of the week.

Here is Kevin with his certificate.

And Jeremy.

The leaders and coaches were fantastic and you could tell that all the kids really loved and respected them. They are definitely good at their jobs and have both leadership and soccer talents and they know how to have a lot of fun.

I think it was a fabulous experience and if it comes back again next year, we'll have to sign up again . . .

The one drawback to the week was how lost Kade and Kylie were without Kevin. I didn't realize just how much Kevin does for me . . . how much he occupies the other two and keeps them from hanging around and being bored. So I am glad to have him back home again - and so are Kade and Kylie.