Falling Back

Today we are thankful for fast feet, legs that move, lungs that breathe, and pounding hearts up and down the soccer fields.  Why's that?

We enjoyed the last of our fall soccer Saturdays yesterday and *boy* was this season fun.  The boys really and truly delight in playing soccer these days--so much so, the parents (and grandparents) catch the bug and look forward to our Saturday morning line-up just as much.

Heading into the season, I was fearful how things were going to pan out.  It was J's first season playing, adding a third game to the Saturday morning schedule.  GG was also co-coaching T's team, which complicated drivers and fans and the support crew.  Thanks to the never-ending support of our beloved Mimi/Papa duo, though, we survived and in fact, thrived!  The hardest triple occurred yesterday, where M's game was at 11 and the two others' at 11:30.  We all started at the first game and Papa stayed with M.  Mimi, J, and MG then went off to J's game and Daddy and T went to T's game.  That left me and baby G to make the rounds at ALL of the games.  Lucky us!  My goal was to capture shots of all the boys playing and I'm happy to say, I accomplished my mission (while giving some high-fives, hugs, and 'atta boys along the way!)  So fun!

Here's our little "lefty" taking the ball up with his buddy, Owen.
His left is so dominant in sports, but he writes right-handed!  Pretty crazy!

Taking the ball down on the left--always his preference...

Our little speedy man.  I really hope soccer continues to stay fun--he loves it!

Baby G and I had to pull ourselves away to get over to J's game.  I haven't had the chance to see him play in a few weeks due to conflicts and he has really improved!  It is evidence of the many family room soccer games between he and his older brothers.  His ball handling and aggression were both really fantastic.

J, getting ready to score!  He had three for the day.

It was really fun to see J's hustle--a big improvement over the course of the season.

Here he sprinted back and managed to kick the ball away from his team's goal--'atta boy!

Baby G and I once again had to pull ourselves away and headed to T's game.  He and Daddy had such a good group of kids with whom to work this season...

It was fun to see T hustling around the field.
His team was really adaptable and all the kids played well at any position.  

Go T go!  He added a goal to the team's tally.

Afterward, the boys enjoyed tackling the coaches.

And had a nice cupcake celebration... 

complete with trophies--such a treasured end to a great season!

Thank you, Lord, for these special times.

God bless,