Team Sports!

When the girls were born Daddy was all excited about the possibilities of their following his footsteps into team sports. But the idea seemed quite elusive as the girls chose activities such as yoga, and Book Cooks and horseback riding and climbing. Though thrilled that they were involved in so much, he kept doing his best to share with them his passion for team sports. This season the list was long with activities of all sorts - climbing, and riding, and piano and dance - but it took just a statement from Irini's PE teacher to get her suddenly "on board" with soccer!  It was late in the sign up season. We'd have to wait and see if she could do it. Mommy and daddy confirmed that it was what she wanted to do. Yes, she did. And so, when the news came out that she was "good to go" with the soccer team they were thrilled as can be!

Irini took her first steps onto a soccer field in September and has loved the experience! Playing in a mixed 4th/5th grade team, and often against older competition, she has been happy as can be on the team!  Her teacher, Mrs. Turner, is the perfect first coach. Supportive and loving, focusing on growth and learning. Not much of a competitive feel to the competitions, but that's developmentally appropriate and, anyway, that probably fits better with our little girl's personality. 

We wish you nothing but wonder, beautiful girl!  We love you, in competition, in activities, in academics, in all sorts of learning, in life!  

Mommy the Coach.

Sometimes you just have to say, "why not"?  Early in the year daddy was approached by the athletics office and asked to coach one of the girls' volleyball teams in Middle School. His customary answer is "I'm not sure I can commit to all the practice/game times". So the idea of asking around and getting an assistant coach popped up. And, what does one do when they need an assistant?  Well, they ask their wife, of course!

Much to his surprise, mommy said "why not?" and so a new coaching tandem was born. What a great season for the girls and for the coaches. It was a great way for them to share some time while learning something new, about each other and about their team. In the end no championships were won, no medals were handed over... but the experience was a great one!  Mommy even mentioned that she might consider it for next year too. 

Oh, and our girls loved coming in to play volleyball at the end of practice after their activities. Perhaps this is the start of a master plan to make them super volleyball players... or not. :-)