For the first time ever I went to a high school football game. Though in reality I was just there for the band.
it's Jacob's senior year and I realized that if I was ever going to go to a game I should get off my duff and actually go to one. It was the penultimate regular season game with nothing particularly special about it. My in-laws were in town and we decided it would be fun to go to the game. We would watch the first half of the game, the band's halftime show, and then head on back home.
It was a beautiful night for football, the weather mild with the rain holding off until after halftime and even then it was just a fine mist. I had fun chatting with Larry's mom and not watching the game (It was expected to be a rout and our high school did not disappoint, only one touch down by the visitors). I alsogot a kick out of the warm reception I got from the band members as I walked past. They are a nice bunch of kids and I'm glad my son is one of their number.
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Friday, November 01, 2013
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
Artist of the Week: Soccer Tourney
This week's artist, or rather artists are Max and Rebecca.
I took this picture of them at the county fair. It was far less than ideal weather, what with the periodic downpours', and yet that made it all the better. There were no lines and for once it didn't feel like we were on the surface of the sun. They both had a wonderful time and were even willing to go on the rides together.
This past weekend they also spent some time together. Both of their soccer teams were entered in a tournament over in Williamsburg. We headed over on Saturday and were on the soccer pitch bright and early for their first games. Rebecca's team had another game shortly after and in the short time between their second games , I scooted over to the hotel we were staying at to check in. When we came back after Max's game we relaxed in the hotel. Rebecca hung out with her teammates and Max spent time with his teammate that was staying with us (he's a great kid and is Max's best friend. His mom was stretched mighty thin last weekend and I offered to take him in. At this point in the tourney both teams had one loss and one win. putting Max's team second place in its bracket.
On Sunday Rebecca had two scheduled games (for the girl's team it was round-robin affair) while Max's team had made it to the semi-finals, if the boys' win, then they would play in the finals. Unfortunately it was not to be and they lost. However it was not too shabby for a team that up until Saturday had yet to of played a game together. As for Rebecca's team, they hung in there and played some very tough competition to a tie and lost to the team that completely dominated the game. Both Max and Rebecca conked out in the car during the ride back home. It was an exhausting weekend.
I took this picture of them at the county fair. It was far less than ideal weather, what with the periodic downpours', and yet that made it all the better. There were no lines and for once it didn't feel like we were on the surface of the sun. They both had a wonderful time and were even willing to go on the rides together.
This past weekend they also spent some time together. Both of their soccer teams were entered in a tournament over in Williamsburg. We headed over on Saturday and were on the soccer pitch bright and early for their first games. Rebecca's team had another game shortly after and in the short time between their second games , I scooted over to the hotel we were staying at to check in. When we came back after Max's game we relaxed in the hotel. Rebecca hung out with her teammates and Max spent time with his teammate that was staying with us (he's a great kid and is Max's best friend. His mom was stretched mighty thin last weekend and I offered to take him in. At this point in the tourney both teams had one loss and one win. putting Max's team second place in its bracket.
On Sunday Rebecca had two scheduled games (for the girl's team it was round-robin affair) while Max's team had made it to the semi-finals, if the boys' win, then they would play in the finals. Unfortunately it was not to be and they lost. However it was not too shabby for a team that up until Saturday had yet to of played a game together. As for Rebecca's team, they hung in there and played some very tough competition to a tie and lost to the team that completely dominated the game. Both Max and Rebecca conked out in the car during the ride back home. It was an exhausting weekend.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Rather Vermontish
The weather has been glorious this week, upper 70s and minimal humidity. Just like the summers I know and love in Vermont.
So it has been rather annoying that I have been under the weather this week. I'm much better now, two days in bed did a world of good, but I'm still not hitting all cylinders. Hopefully I'll be able to do the full dog walk tomorrow. The pups have been forced to settle with just a short two block walk the past two days.
As for the rest of the gang, soccer and band having been going full bore, Nate has been doing some fitness training related to lacrosse, and Larry has been enjoying the fact that he is not coaching. After 10 years he has had enough. He wants to be able to go to all the kids games, not just the one he is coaching.
Life does not stop around here, even if you are sick.
So it has been rather annoying that I have been under the weather this week. I'm much better now, two days in bed did a world of good, but I'm still not hitting all cylinders. Hopefully I'll be able to do the full dog walk tomorrow. The pups have been forced to settle with just a short two block walk the past two days.
As for the rest of the gang, soccer and band having been going full bore, Nate has been doing some fitness training related to lacrosse, and Larry has been enjoying the fact that he is not coaching. After 10 years he has had enough. He wants to be able to go to all the kids games, not just the one he is coaching.
Life does not stop around here, even if you are sick.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Project MCP: Sports
The second photo challenge in August was sports, a rather tricky one for me since it is sort of betwixt between for the kids. There has been soccer camp, but I didn't hang around much as a result I have almost no actual game photos. However, we did take some of the kids to the Richmond Fencing Club last weekend.
Max, Nate, and Rebecca had a great time.
They learned a bit about different swords and a little bit about proper stance. In the picture they are all doing a lunge. At this point the exercises are without foils, but that will come in time. All three seem eager to give this another go, so we'll see what happens.
Max, Nate, and Rebecca had a great time.
They learned a bit about different swords and a little bit about proper stance. In the picture they are all doing a lunge. At this point the exercises are without foils, but that will come in time. All three seem eager to give this another go, so we'll see what happens.
Thursday, August 09, 2012
Parenting On The Fly
Today was spent in the car, driving around and waiting. Mostly for Rebecca, but also for Jake, Nate, and the pantry.
At one point I had just dropped off Jake and was driving Rebecca to her indoor soccer game, and being indoor is very important here. As I was tooling along the highway it hit me, Rebecca had left her gear in the van from this mornings soccer camp at the field. She knew she had a game later and thought it made sense to leave it all in the car. I agreed after we fished out her water jug.
So yes Rebecca had her socks, shin-guards, and cleats on which would be fine and dandy for a rousing game of soccer. But...
She was to be playing indoors on artificial turf.
At a facility that had written in Four inch high letters on the doors "NO CLEATS."
Oops, we had forgotten her indoor soccer shoes and it was too late to go back and fetch them. The only other pairs of spare footwear in the car wee my Tevas and Max's rather battered sandals. To save the day we pulled into a shoe store that was conveniently on the way and got Rebecca a new pair of sneakers. She wasn't sure if this was a good idea until I told her that Nate wore his sneakers to his indoor lacrosse games. Molified she wore her new shoes and didn't look back.
Good thing I hadn't yet done the back to school shoe shopping.
At one point I had just dropped off Jake and was driving Rebecca to her indoor soccer game, and being indoor is very important here. As I was tooling along the highway it hit me, Rebecca had left her gear in the van from this mornings soccer camp at the field. She knew she had a game later and thought it made sense to leave it all in the car. I agreed after we fished out her water jug.
So yes Rebecca had her socks, shin-guards, and cleats on which would be fine and dandy for a rousing game of soccer. But...
She was to be playing indoors on artificial turf.
At a facility that had written in Four inch high letters on the doors "NO CLEATS."
Oops, we had forgotten her indoor soccer shoes and it was too late to go back and fetch them. The only other pairs of spare footwear in the car wee my Tevas and Max's rather battered sandals. To save the day we pulled into a shoe store that was conveniently on the way and got Rebecca a new pair of sneakers. She wasn't sure if this was a good idea until I told her that Nate wore his sneakers to his indoor lacrosse games. Molified she wore her new shoes and didn't look back.
Good thing I hadn't yet done the back to school shoe shopping.
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Another Season Starts
Sports are in full swing now so I spend about an hour a day watching my kids do a lot of running around. If I remember I'll have a book and that is the best way to while away an hour or so. For days like today, when my books ends up being left behind, I take pictures, chat with other parents, or call up Meryl.
So really, practice not such a bad thing. The only problem is figuring out when to shoe horn in dinner and homework.
So really, practice not such a bad thing. The only problem is figuring out when to shoe horn in dinner and homework.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Filthy
It's just amazing how filthy Nate can get. He acquired this particular set of dirt "leggings" from playing three lacrosse games last Saturday.
I new he was grubby after spending the day playing in a lacrosse tournament. I just didn't realize how awful it was until he removed his cleats and socks. The stark contrast pf his very pale feet to the decidedly brown legs emphasize exactly how filthy he got.
This is definitely an aspect of living with an athlete I will *not* miss while the kids are on summer vacation.
I new he was grubby after spending the day playing in a lacrosse tournament. I just didn't realize how awful it was until he removed his cleats and socks. The stark contrast pf his very pale feet to the decidedly brown legs emphasize exactly how filthy he got.
This is definitely an aspect of living with an athlete I will *not* miss while the kids are on summer vacation.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Banquet Season
Right now it's not only the end of all our sports, but the school year is drawing to a close as well. And this means it's banquet season.
So far we have had two and, of course, they landed on the same day. Larry got to take the older boys to Jake's robotics banquet and I took the twin's to Rebecca's soccer banquet. Both events were fun and a good time was had for all.
Now this was just the tip of the iceberg. By my calculations we have at least three more in the works. Max's soccer team will be next week, Jake will have another with band and then Nate's lacrosse team. Then there is the potential for Jake to have one more if show choir decides to have one and if he wants to attend.
Whew.
Fortunately each and every one has genuinely nice families involved. The only tricky part part is if the parties are all scheduled at the same time, but I'm not too worried.
So far we have had two and, of course, they landed on the same day. Larry got to take the older boys to Jake's robotics banquet and I took the twin's to Rebecca's soccer banquet. Both events were fun and a good time was had for all.
Now this was just the tip of the iceberg. By my calculations we have at least three more in the works. Max's soccer team will be next week, Jake will have another with band and then Nate's lacrosse team. Then there is the potential for Jake to have one more if show choir decides to have one and if he wants to attend.
Whew.
Fortunately each and every one has genuinely nice families involved. The only tricky part part is if the parties are all scheduled at the same time, but I'm not too worried.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Dedicated Soccer Mom
It's that time of the year again when I get to spends hours upon hours sitting outside while my children practice or play soccer. There is baseball and Marching band as well, but I don't have to stick around for those practice sessions.
This year Rebecca is on strictly girls only team and she is really enjoying being around just girls for change. As for Max he is on a co-ed team which is mostly boys with just a handful of girls (And yes, that girl really is that much bigger than Max). Which means the dynamic duo are on very different game schedules.
Fortunately the games don't overlap by too much and so far it hasn't been complicated. The real bright spot is that the practice schedules mesh beautifully. Rebecca is Monday and Thursday while Max and Nate are Tuesday and Thursday. All of the fields are within walking distance and all of the practices start at 5:30 pm.
Heck, I've even been bringing a neighbor's child, J, on Tuesday and Thursday. His mom had knee surgery and will be out of commission for quite some time. I'm more than happy to help out since I'm going there anyways. I'm a soccer mom and I have room in the van. One more kid is not a problem.
In fact today I was such a dedicated soccer mom I even went to practice for a team my children are not ion. Poor Max has a major muscle pull in his left leg and was unable to attend practice. But Nate still had baseball today and that meant I still had to go to the park. So J still got his ride and ended having me hanging out at his practice instead of Max's.
This year Rebecca is on strictly girls only team and she is really enjoying being around just girls for change. As for Max he is on a co-ed team which is mostly boys with just a handful of girls (And yes, that girl really is that much bigger than Max). Which means the dynamic duo are on very different game schedules.
Fortunately the games don't overlap by too much and so far it hasn't been complicated. The real bright spot is that the practice schedules mesh beautifully. Rebecca is Monday and Thursday while Max and Nate are Tuesday and Thursday. All of the fields are within walking distance and all of the practices start at 5:30 pm.
Heck, I've even been bringing a neighbor's child, J, on Tuesday and Thursday. His mom had knee surgery and will be out of commission for quite some time. I'm more than happy to help out since I'm going there anyways. I'm a soccer mom and I have room in the van. One more kid is not a problem.
In fact today I was such a dedicated soccer mom I even went to practice for a team my children are not ion. Poor Max has a major muscle pull in his left leg and was unable to attend practice. But Nate still had baseball today and that meant I still had to go to the park. So J still got his ride and ended having me hanging out at his practice instead of Max's.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Lacrosse
This past week Nate and Max has started playing actual games. So far all they have done is go to lacrosse practice and maybe do a bit of scrimmaging.
Wednesday was Nate's big first game and his team won it handily 6 to 2. I didn't get to watch because it started at 7 and was about an hour away from home, but Saturday's game for the U9 team was a different story. It was only 18 minutes away and we had no other commitments.
At first the game play was a bit nonexistent. For many of the players, Max included, this was their very first game. However, as they got to play the game you could see them improve. Max at first spent a fair amount of time just standing at his assigned position. He would move when the ball came close, but not very much. Then he got caught up in the game and really started to play. Max, like all his siblings, has no fear and will get right in the thick of things. He is one of the smallest members of the team, but that doesn't stop him.
You can see him in this picture with his eyes on the ball. He has the lone black helmet and is right in the middle. What is really nice about this picture is that you can see coach daddy off to the side. It was a fun game to watch. It ended up being a tie at 5 all, which was nice. Everybody got to go home happy.
Wednesday was Nate's big first game and his team won it handily 6 to 2. I didn't get to watch because it started at 7 and was about an hour away from home, but Saturday's game for the U9 team was a different story. It was only 18 minutes away and we had no other commitments.
At first the game play was a bit nonexistent. For many of the players, Max included, this was their very first game. However, as they got to play the game you could see them improve. Max at first spent a fair amount of time just standing at his assigned position. He would move when the ball came close, but not very much. Then he got caught up in the game and really started to play. Max, like all his siblings, has no fear and will get right in the thick of things. He is one of the smallest members of the team, but that doesn't stop him.
You can see him in this picture with his eyes on the ball. He has the lone black helmet and is right in the middle. What is really nice about this picture is that you can see coach daddy off to the side. It was a fun game to watch. It ended up being a tie at 5 all, which was nice. Everybody got to go home happy.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Gearing Up
Winter is (finally!) drawing to a close. With epic snow falls for the Mid-Atlantic region, I'm so very glad that we don't do much sports wise. No having to schlep to practices or contending what would have been canceled or postponed games.
But that is coming to an end.
Nate and Max have been going to lacrosse practice for a while, but starting this week soccer starts for Jake and Rebecca. Evenings will be a jumble of homework and practice. The schedule is tight, but it looks like it all fits together, even with the various instruments the kids are learning. I am so very, very glad that Max's drum lessons are on Sunday, a relatively quite day.
It is a whole lot of work getting everybody where they need to be, but it is well worth it.
But that is coming to an end.
Nate and Max have been going to lacrosse practice for a while, but starting this week soccer starts for Jake and Rebecca. Evenings will be a jumble of homework and practice. The schedule is tight, but it looks like it all fits together, even with the various instruments the kids are learning. I am so very, very glad that Max's drum lessons are on Sunday, a relatively quite day.
It is a whole lot of work getting everybody where they need to be, but it is well worth it.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Getting a Bit Lax
As in lacrosse.
We have found a new sport for Nate that is well suited to his strengths. Namely his boundless energy and unreal hand eye coordination.
Larry played it back when he was in school and he is very pleased that Nate has taken to it so well. He'll be an assistant coach this spring and I think they'll have a lot of fun. In a surprising developement Rebecca is also interested. She has her own pink (natch) stick. She is a very fierce little player and will be a right terror on the field.
And then there is Meryl.
She was over one day a decided to give it a go. It turns out she has a natural talent for the sport. She now has her own stick and is in the process of finding a group to play with. Practicing with Nate in the backyard is fun, but she wants a bit more than that.
As for me, well I got whacked in the head with the ball and decided it really wasn't my cuppa. I'm better off with sports like soccer or riding. Or maybe something like competitive baking or hair coloring.
We have found a new sport for Nate that is well suited to his strengths. Namely his boundless energy and unreal hand eye coordination.
Larry played it back when he was in school and he is very pleased that Nate has taken to it so well. He'll be an assistant coach this spring and I think they'll have a lot of fun. In a surprising developement Rebecca is also interested. She has her own pink (natch) stick. She is a very fierce little player and will be a right terror on the field.
And then there is Meryl.
She was over one day a decided to give it a go. It turns out she has a natural talent for the sport. She now has her own stick and is in the process of finding a group to play with. Practicing with Nate in the backyard is fun, but she wants a bit more than that.
As for me, well I got whacked in the head with the ball and decided it really wasn't my cuppa. I'm better off with sports like soccer or riding. Or maybe something like competitive baking or hair coloring.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Playing In The Rain
On Saturday we had our usual assortment of sports obligations, football for Nate and soccer for the rest. As an added bonus it was picture day for Max and Rebecca's team.
It was far warmer than last weekend, but still we had the gun metal gray skies overhead. I got Max and Rebecca fed, dressed and at the picture spot roughly on time. Well I was 10 minutes later than the coach requested, but a good 15 minutes before out actual time slot. I didn't knock myself out because I had a gut feeling that the pictures were not going to happen.
And I was right.
Only one other child from our team was there. Over half the team was sick, including the coaches son. We hung around for a bit and one other player showed up, but it wasn't enough. The photographer told our coach that it wasn't worthwhile and that we would reschedule.
We then hung around for a bit for our scheduled game. After about 45 minutes and no real change in the number of players our coach threw in the towel. Five players are needed to be on the field and we only had four.
Jake's team had far better luck. Most of his team mates showed up and they were able to play, even though the heavens opened up with a deluge of rain. I was able to stay nice in dry by having Larry back up to the field. All I had to do was lift up the back hatch and flip over the seat- instant seat bench. Definitely one of the nicer aspects of having a minivan.
Meryl joined me in the back and we had a great time watching the game. Max, Rebecca and Nate entertained themselves by playing in the adjacent field and getting completely soaked.
It was far warmer than last weekend, but still we had the gun metal gray skies overhead. I got Max and Rebecca fed, dressed and at the picture spot roughly on time. Well I was 10 minutes later than the coach requested, but a good 15 minutes before out actual time slot. I didn't knock myself out because I had a gut feeling that the pictures were not going to happen.
And I was right.
Only one other child from our team was there. Over half the team was sick, including the coaches son. We hung around for a bit and one other player showed up, but it wasn't enough. The photographer told our coach that it wasn't worthwhile and that we would reschedule.
We then hung around for a bit for our scheduled game. After about 45 minutes and no real change in the number of players our coach threw in the towel. Five players are needed to be on the field and we only had four.
Jake's team had far better luck. Most of his team mates showed up and they were able to play, even though the heavens opened up with a deluge of rain. I was able to stay nice in dry by having Larry back up to the field. All I had to do was lift up the back hatch and flip over the seat- instant seat bench. Definitely one of the nicer aspects of having a minivan.
Meryl joined me in the back and we had a great time watching the game. Max, Rebecca and Nate entertained themselves by playing in the adjacent field and getting completely soaked.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Season's End
This weekend Nate and Max got to play the last game of their respective seasons.
Max was first up on Saturday. It was a cool dampish morning with overcast skies, perfect weather for soccer. Much preferable to the scorching temperatures from not so long ago. Max's team played well, in fact it was the best they had ever played as a team. They had finally gelled as a team just in time for the last game. It's unfortunate that they would play their best during their last game. They didn't win, but it was a good game to watch and they did tie their opponents.
Nate's team, meanwhile was embroiled in the end of season playoffs. They lost their first game, but it was a double elimination tourney. They could still battle back in the loser's bracket to win the whole shebang, which was exactly happened last year to Nate's team.
After their initial loss, the Angels were able to win their games on Thursday and Saturday. We were back at the field on Sunday for their next game. It was a beautiful evening, a bit on the warm side, but lovely nonetheless.
The team started off strong with four runs in the first inning and pretty much shutting down their opponents. Unfortunately the other team got a good Rally going and in the sixth inning they were able to preserve their hard won lead. It was tough loss for the team. Most of the boys looked a bit sad and disappointed during the post game presentation as did the friends and family on the bleachers near our team's dugout.
However, we are talking about 10 year old boys. After scarfing down some snacks they all seem to bounce right back.
Ah the miracle of junk food and good friends.
Max was first up on Saturday. It was a cool dampish morning with overcast skies, perfect weather for soccer. Much preferable to the scorching temperatures from not so long ago. Max's team played well, in fact it was the best they had ever played as a team. They had finally gelled as a team just in time for the last game. It's unfortunate that they would play their best during their last game. They didn't win, but it was a good game to watch and they did tie their opponents.
Nate's team, meanwhile was embroiled in the end of season playoffs. They lost their first game, but it was a double elimination tourney. They could still battle back in the loser's bracket to win the whole shebang, which was exactly happened last year to Nate's team.
After their initial loss, the Angels were able to win their games on Thursday and Saturday. We were back at the field on Sunday for their next game. It was a beautiful evening, a bit on the warm side, but lovely nonetheless.
The team started off strong with four runs in the first inning and pretty much shutting down their opponents. Unfortunately the other team got a good Rally going and in the sixth inning they were able to preserve their hard won lead. It was tough loss for the team. Most of the boys looked a bit sad and disappointed during the post game presentation as did the friends and family on the bleachers near our team's dugout.
However, we are talking about 10 year old boys. After scarfing down some snacks they all seem to bounce right back.
Ah the miracle of junk food and good friends.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Super Bowl Bound
Saturday Nate's football team played for the Southern Division championship. The team they were up against had also been undefeated in the regular season, this would not be a cake walk.
It was an incredible game.
The teams were evenly matched. Both teams had one blazingly fast player. Our team had a slight edge in defense, but not by much. The teams remained scoreless for most of the game. There were a few almost touchdowns, two called back because a flag was thrown before hand and one in which the kid almost made it after a huge run only to be tackled a few yards short of the goal line.
With two minutes to go our team scored. As the clock wound down we thought we had the win when suddenly, the other team scored. The game was tied and thus forced an overtime.
Our boys were up first and they were able to make a touchdown and get the extra point. Then it was the other teams turn. They came mighty close, but in the end they just couldn't get through our boys.
It was a real nail biter of a game and our team won. So we have one more week of practice and next Saturady is the big game. Then I can toss those awful white practice pants.
It was an incredible game.
The teams were evenly matched. Both teams had one blazingly fast player. Our team had a slight edge in defense, but not by much. The teams remained scoreless for most of the game. There were a few almost touchdowns, two called back because a flag was thrown before hand and one in which the kid almost made it after a huge run only to be tackled a few yards short of the goal line.
With two minutes to go our team scored. As the clock wound down we thought we had the win when suddenly, the other team scored. The game was tied and thus forced an overtime.
Our boys were up first and they were able to make a touchdown and get the extra point. Then it was the other teams turn. They came mighty close, but in the end they just couldn't get through our boys.
It was a real nail biter of a game and our team won. So we have one more week of practice and next Saturady is the big game. Then I can toss those awful white practice pants.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Let the Games Begin
This weekend marked the end of our free time and the start of sports. Mind you the kids have been going to practice for a couple of weeks, but on Saturday they had their first official games of the season.
Max and Rebecca are both playing soccer with our local recreational league. For the first time ever, they are on separate times, which is both good and bad. Bad because their practices are on different days, good because they are not being lumped together. Max's team was first up and did a bang up job at their first game. They completely overwhelmed the other team. Rebecca's team did well in the extreme heat. Both teams were quite ragged by the end and a tie was a rasonable result.
Over on the gridiron, Nate played in his first, non-instructional game. I didn't get to see it, being over in soccer world, but Larry did take a bunch a pictures and told me all about it afterwards. Nate got a lot of playing time. One of the first string kids was sick and Nate got put in his place. He did a great job as tight end and really impressed the coaches.
I found out about the coaches on Monday from our dentist. I had a teeth cleaning and my dentist, who is also one of Nate's coaches, chatted about Nate. I found out that they were all amazed at how quickly Nate was picking up the nuances of the game.
As for Jake, he got to stay home in the 90+ degree weather. He had just made the middle school soccer team on Friday and will be having his first game this week. He was very excited to have made the cut and he looks forward to practices and his first game of the season Thursday.
So I'm not just a soccer mom, I'm a football mom too.
Max and Rebecca are both playing soccer with our local recreational league. For the first time ever, they are on separate times, which is both good and bad. Bad because their practices are on different days, good because they are not being lumped together. Max's team was first up and did a bang up job at their first game. They completely overwhelmed the other team. Rebecca's team did well in the extreme heat. Both teams were quite ragged by the end and a tie was a rasonable result.
Over on the gridiron, Nate played in his first, non-instructional game. I didn't get to see it, being over in soccer world, but Larry did take a bunch a pictures and told me all about it afterwards. Nate got a lot of playing time. One of the first string kids was sick and Nate got put in his place. He did a great job as tight end and really impressed the coaches.
I found out about the coaches on Monday from our dentist. I had a teeth cleaning and my dentist, who is also one of Nate's coaches, chatted about Nate. I found out that they were all amazed at how quickly Nate was picking up the nuances of the game.
As for Jake, he got to stay home in the 90+ degree weather. He had just made the middle school soccer team on Friday and will be having his first game this week. He was very excited to have made the cut and he looks forward to practices and his first game of the season Thursday.
So I'm not just a soccer mom, I'm a football mom too.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Tennis For Everyone
But Not So Much With Biking
So far so good with the tennis lessons. All four seem to be having a good time. In fact Jake is a bit disappointed that he'll be missing eight days of lessons while he attends the Governor's school.
Biking is another story. Jake and Nate are loving the freedom of going back and forth on their own. Max and Rebecca are having a tougher time. Max is a real trooper and manfully works his way up the hill. Rebecca not so much. She has resigned herself to biking to and from the courts, but she still complains a fair amount. I complimented her the other day at dinner at how she has gotten better biking home and she replied "Yes, I don't whine as much now." Which was utterly hilarious and completely true.
So far so good with the tennis lessons. All four seem to be having a good time. In fact Jake is a bit disappointed that he'll be missing eight days of lessons while he attends the Governor's school.
Biking is another story. Jake and Nate are loving the freedom of going back and forth on their own. Max and Rebecca are having a tougher time. Max is a real trooper and manfully works his way up the hill. Rebecca not so much. She has resigned herself to biking to and from the courts, but she still complains a fair amount. I complimented her the other day at dinner at how she has gotten better biking home and she replied "Yes, I don't whine as much now." Which was utterly hilarious and completely true.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Last Game
On Saturday was our last baseball game of the season.
Jake's team, the Braves, had also made it to the championship game. They were up against their main rivals and got to play them Friday night. The Cubs just barely won (one more inning and I think our boys would have pulled it off) and forced a second game.
It was, again, brutally hot out and the game was at noon. Jake's team got to be home and their best pitcher was once again eligible to play (there are strict pitch count rules and he was on mandatory rest after his last outing).
The game was a close one.
We started out with a bang, but the Cubs were no slouches. They surged ahead, but we were almost able to catch them. We lost by just one run. Most of the boys were crushed, but not Jake. He was happy to have made to the championship games. He had a good game, he made a few good plays and a decent hit or two. And for once he had been on a winning team.
The Braves had dominated the regular season and had been undefeated in the playoffs until the the championship games. They had beaten the Cubs in a close match earlier, but in the end they just couldn't quite put them away.
Jake's team, the Braves, had also made it to the championship game. They were up against their main rivals and got to play them Friday night. The Cubs just barely won (one more inning and I think our boys would have pulled it off) and forced a second game.
It was, again, brutally hot out and the game was at noon. Jake's team got to be home and their best pitcher was once again eligible to play (there are strict pitch count rules and he was on mandatory rest after his last outing).
The game was a close one.
We started out with a bang, but the Cubs were no slouches. They surged ahead, but we were almost able to catch them. We lost by just one run. Most of the boys were crushed, but not Jake. He was happy to have made to the championship games. He had a good game, he made a few good plays and a decent hit or two. And for once he had been on a winning team.
The Braves had dominated the regular season and had been undefeated in the playoffs until the the championship games. They had beaten the Cubs in a close match earlier, but in the end they just couldn't quite put them away.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Then There is Baseball
I'm so sick of doing laundry.
Because of the short season and the vast amount of rain outs we are having a lot of back to back game days. Nate is coming off of a four day run, Max and Rebecca are just to starting a four day game streak and Jake will be playing games five out of seven days next week.
This kind of scheduling is grueling on the kids. Most of Nate and Jake's week day games start at 7:30 pm. Which means a very late night. On a school night. I'm lucky that I have a bunch of night owls, but I know some kids are a wreck the next day. Fortunately the t-baller games are only scheduled for 6:00 pm, but that's plenty late.
And, of course, we only have one uniform per player. This results in my doing a load of wash every day for the next two weeks. Little itty bitty loads loads that offend my Yankee soul. I normally do laundry twice a week. Two to three loads each Tuesday and Friday. That has gone out the window. I'm glad I have a washer and dryer, but I'm sick to death with using them. But the shirts, pants and socks need to be washed. I can fake it a bit with the socks and pants. We have a few sets from previous years, but the shirts have to be done. And it all really does need washing. The older boys don't get too stinky, but they certainly get grubby. Especially Nate who spends a fair amount of his time as catcher and often has to roll around home plate to make (and he does make them) the play.
I'm looking forward to tennis and the pool. There is far less washing to be done.
Because of the short season and the vast amount of rain outs we are having a lot of back to back game days. Nate is coming off of a four day run, Max and Rebecca are just to starting a four day game streak and Jake will be playing games five out of seven days next week.
This kind of scheduling is grueling on the kids. Most of Nate and Jake's week day games start at 7:30 pm. Which means a very late night. On a school night. I'm lucky that I have a bunch of night owls, but I know some kids are a wreck the next day. Fortunately the t-baller games are only scheduled for 6:00 pm, but that's plenty late.
And, of course, we only have one uniform per player. This results in my doing a load of wash every day for the next two weeks. Little itty bitty loads loads that offend my Yankee soul. I normally do laundry twice a week. Two to three loads each Tuesday and Friday. That has gone out the window. I'm glad I have a washer and dryer, but I'm sick to death with using them. But the shirts, pants and socks need to be washed. I can fake it a bit with the socks and pants. We have a few sets from previous years, but the shirts have to be done. And it all really does need washing. The older boys don't get too stinky, but they certainly get grubby. Especially Nate who spends a fair amount of his time as catcher and often has to roll around home plate to make (and he does make them) the play.
I'm looking forward to tennis and the pool. There is far less washing to be done.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Partied Out
Soccer ended on Saturday and thus heralded a slew of post soccer season parties. Traditionally (at least around here) the team books a back room at a local restaurant, trophies are passed, a card and/or gift is presented to the coach and the kids get to goof around with their team mates for one more time.
Saturday was our first party. It was for Max and Rebecca's team and was held a little Italian joint. I whipped up a cake and decorated it with the team's name and the players' aliases.
Aliases for 5 to 6 year olds?
When the team was selecting its name Larry settled on "The Animals" and each child would be called by their chosen animal name. So Max became penguin, Rebecca was pony and so on. Anyway it was fun and most of the cake disappeared. I was able to save one slice so that Nate could get the traditional slice of cake for breakfast on his birthday on Sunday.
Sunday was Nate's birthday and that took up the afternoon, thankfully I was able to make dinner and saved us from going out again. It was a good thing too, since Rebecca fell asleep before dinner and didn't wake up until much later. Chasing boys around all afternoon is tiring work don't cha know.
Monday we had Nate's party and another Pizza/place Italian joint. We have been there before and we like the pizza, but this time it wasn't so great. I don't know if it was the acoustics of the room itself or the fact that it was a very rowdy bunch of 8 to 9 year olds, but it was loud. Painfully loud for Larry. The kitchen was overwhelmed and it took forever for our food to come out. It was a late night for us.
Tonight was our last soccer party and we are very ready for it to end. Max was not happy when I told him it was time to leave for the party. He made it very clear that he did not want to go. We were back at the first Italian place and they were not quite ready for us. The group that had the room before us was taking their own sweet time in leaving, but in the end they finally cleared out. It was quieter than the last party, but still loud. Max cheered up immensely when he saw his (and Rebecca's) good friend was there. Aubrey is the younger sibling of one of Jake's teammates and we have known him for quite sometime. He was on Max and Rebecca's first soccer team and they have been friends since. Anyway, it was a fun night and I only had to ride herd on the team a little bit. I have become friends with a few of the mothers and I'll miss them until next season.
But... I'm glad the soccer season is over.
All that is left is a swanky "Flat Stanley" gallery exhibition over at Nate's school on Thursday. At least we'll have a day to recover before this last party.
Saturday was our first party. It was for Max and Rebecca's team and was held a little Italian joint. I whipped up a cake and decorated it with the team's name and the players' aliases.
Aliases for 5 to 6 year olds?
When the team was selecting its name Larry settled on "The Animals" and each child would be called by their chosen animal name. So Max became penguin, Rebecca was pony and so on. Anyway it was fun and most of the cake disappeared. I was able to save one slice so that Nate could get the traditional slice of cake for breakfast on his birthday on Sunday.
Sunday was Nate's birthday and that took up the afternoon, thankfully I was able to make dinner and saved us from going out again. It was a good thing too, since Rebecca fell asleep before dinner and didn't wake up until much later. Chasing boys around all afternoon is tiring work don't cha know.
Monday we had Nate's party and another Pizza/place Italian joint. We have been there before and we like the pizza, but this time it wasn't so great. I don't know if it was the acoustics of the room itself or the fact that it was a very rowdy bunch of 8 to 9 year olds, but it was loud. Painfully loud for Larry. The kitchen was overwhelmed and it took forever for our food to come out. It was a late night for us.
Tonight was our last soccer party and we are very ready for it to end. Max was not happy when I told him it was time to leave for the party. He made it very clear that he did not want to go. We were back at the first Italian place and they were not quite ready for us. The group that had the room before us was taking their own sweet time in leaving, but in the end they finally cleared out. It was quieter than the last party, but still loud. Max cheered up immensely when he saw his (and Rebecca's) good friend was there. Aubrey is the younger sibling of one of Jake's teammates and we have known him for quite sometime. He was on Max and Rebecca's first soccer team and they have been friends since. Anyway, it was a fun night and I only had to ride herd on the team a little bit. I have become friends with a few of the mothers and I'll miss them until next season.
But... I'm glad the soccer season is over.
All that is left is a swanky "Flat Stanley" gallery exhibition over at Nate's school on Thursday. At least we'll have a day to recover before this last party.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)