Soccer

The kids played soccer this fall! Soccer has consumed 9 of our Saturdays. James and Isabelle are not on the same team, so we had lots of back and forth to the field. It’s not too far though! The games were played at Highland Park in South Jordan. It’s a gorgeous spot. Something I like about the league is that practices are right before the game, instead of an additional day during the week. The first 15 minutes of the game are technically “practice” and then there are four, 8 minute quarters. Pretty low key which is necessary for these youngsters.

Isabelle’s opinion of soccer varied each week. Sometimes getting Isabelle to go to soccer was a battle and other times she went happily. The first game Izzy was devastated because the other team “kept taking the ball” from her. Initially, Izzy was a bit shy and hesitant around the coach, Alex, but she warmed up to him. He gave his all to coaching the 2-4 year olds with weekly email reminders and sometimes texts too. Alex was extremely encouraging and enthusiastic. He held Izzy’s hand trying to guide her. We all yelled at Izzy constantly trying to help her run to the ball. Isabelle is a quick runner, but doesn’t quite understand where to run and was often on the opposite side of the field. 

Isabelle’s soccer games were like comedy shows. We laughed endlessly. Wearing shin guards was probably Izzy’s least favorite part about soccer. Isabelle’s pink socks got many compliments and so did she. What a cutie. Who knows if she will want to play soccer again. I’m rooting for it because James and Isabelle could be on the same team next year (4-6 year olds). There was only one other girl on her team and that girl despised soccer and quit coming. Izzy didn’t seem to mind being surrounded by boys.

Go Koalas!

Coach Alex, Isabelle, Lennox, Jack, Robbie, Mckay (Missing Maya)

James has “played” soccer before. Play is a loose term. James was far more interested in the playground and his gang of friends than the ball or the goal. In his defense, he was so little last time. This year, James understands the game. James scored multiple times. He scored at least 4 times if you include the goal he scored in the wrong net. Oops. Much to my chagrin, James scored one of his goals while I wasn’t there. We did have to talk to James about spitting at the opposing team at one point. We also had to explain that the other team isn’t trying to be “mean” to him. They’re just trying to get the ball too, it’s nothing personal.

Grannie was able to come to one of James’ games which was special. James can be a bit clumsy while running and falls sometimes, but he is quick. James is an excellent cheerleader and encouraging teammate. He got into it! James informed me that he would like to play soccer again. I was shocked and thrilled. You got it, buddy. James requested that he has the same coaches next year. There were 3 people who helped coach his team—a cute grandma and her adult kids Jenifer and Eric. They did a great job! Obviously, speculating about what snack would be consumed after the game happened weekly. Adrianna and Elijah Bradshaw were on the team too. I liked chatting and screaming with Valerie on the sidelines.

Go Pandas!

Coaches Grandma and Eric, Elijah, Adrianna, Liam, James, And Ruby (missing Sameya)

Although it will be nice to have our Saturday mornings back, I think I could get used to being a soccer mom! I’m a soccer fan and played many years. The kids have a final makeup game on Saturday, October 29. They get to wear their Halloween costumes and will get some swag (they’re crossing their fingers for a medal). As if this age of soccer isn’t already complicated enough. Hello chaos. It’s going to be a hoot adding costumes and accessories.

Pictures on My Camera Roll

Here's a jumble of recent pictures I have on my phone:

Silver Lake Big Cottonwood Canyon

Friday, October 7

• Absolutely stunning.
• My kids said it was their favorite hike to date.
• We saw 3 deer and many chipmunks.
• The Bradshaws accompanied us.
• Izzy cried most of the way home. It was a 55min drive. Still worth it.

Preschool Adventures

“Monster Face”

• Both our kids love school! I’ve been able to help out in James’ classroom a couple of times and will get to again for his Halloween Party. I also get to assist with Isabelle’s Halloween Party. Loving this stage.
• Isabelle’s preschool does the cutest things. Her favorite part is dance class. She has ballet and tap shoes. When her tap shoes arrived, she insisted on keeping them on full-time and named them her “inside shoes.”
• Itching to get James’ school pictures back!

Andrew's First Pedicure

Friday, October 7

• Andrew was pretty skeptical walking in. The smell was a big turn-off.
• Andrew's feet are even more ticklish than mine. Yikes. We giggled lots.
• Andrew ended up really enjoying the experience. We both read in peace while seated in massage chairs. The employee pulled out the "cheese grater" (official term) and wax to refine Andrew's feet.

Lyle Lyle Crocodile

Tuesday, October 11

• We finished off a large popcorn during the previews.
• The kids asked for a popcorn refill one minute after the movie began. They inherited my love of popcorn. Extra butter, please. At least this time it didn't stain my pants.
• James started dancing and clapping during the movie because he was so captivated.
• James declared this is his new favorite movie. Isabelle was scared briefly, but still liked it. The music is great. I even thought the movie was cute and we plan to rent it, so Daddy can see it too.

Bike Ride to Cafe Rio and Rolling Hill

Wednesday, October 12

• Our house is one mile from tons of shopping and restaurants. It’s my favorite.
• We rode our bikes to Cafe Rio! James is a skilled biker and can easily ride at adult speeds. Izzy was very upset because we told her she could not ride her bike. She rode in the bike trailer and was adamant that I (not Andrew) pull her.
• French fries cheered Isabelle right up. The rest of us chowed on Cafe Rio outside, so we could keep an eye on our bikes.
• On our way home, we stopped at “Rolling Hill.” James has been asking to go there a lot. We made his wildest dreams come true and let him roll his heart out. Honestly, he seemed more interested in climbing the rocks. It’s the little things.

Pumpkin Patch

• Look at that view of the temple! 
• I didn’t expect it to feel like summer during this adventure. The sun was beating down. This was our first pumpkin patch this season and won’t be our last. The kids picked some large pumpkins with friends.
• We take advantage of James getting out of school early on Fridays.

Lion King

Friday, October 15

• We purchased tickets for this show back in March. I vividly remember that day. October seemed so far away, but it finally happened!
• Our friends McCall and Trevor Hendricks came along. Love them!
• We ate at Blue Iguana. Of course, I ate huge amounts and was stuffed right before the show. We all are Mexican food fans.
• I was blown away by the costumes. The animals were amazing and the actors utilized every space they could. The characters were on the balconies at one point and came up the aisles. Our seats were phenomenal.
• "Oh I just can’t wait to be king” keeps popping into my mind. That's fine by me.
• Isabelle was jealous she didn’t get to come along. The kids were lucky to have our nephew Alex and his wife Alexa babysit them.

My photo storage is running low. Next up, I’ll clear out some pictures from soccer season!