Soccer 2013

(Emma is pictures on the front row, left side, #16)

 My life has pretty much evolved around soccer since April and although it has made things complicated (and expensive), it has been such a blessing for Emma.  Last Spring she wrapped up playing for the independent team she has participated on since she was 6 yrs old.  She has had the same coach that entire time and she was now at a place where it was time to see if she had what it takes to play with the "big girls" in high school.

  Keep in mind that throughout all the previous years we had never had her play on a club team because of the expense and we knew that although it was a disadvantage, it was necessary.  We just could not afford it.  Thankfully, she has had coaches along the way that have taken her under their wings and made her stretch and grow. 

 She tried out for the high school team in August and came home every night (it was a three day process) stressed, scared and really not sure if she was going to make it.  In the end, she was the only girl to make the team who had not played on a club team.  I have told Emma many times what a testament to her talent that she would make it this far considering the number of girls that tried out (over 100) and her background when compared to the others that made the team.  I am so proud of her.  She worked her fanny off all summer and it definitely paid off.  Here are some pictures from the past few months:

(below: Emma and Lauren with Kyle Beckerman who plays for RSL) 

 Emma and a teammate with Nate, one of the guest coaches at the high school summer camp

 My favorite picture of Emma with Aryl, her coach since she very first began playing

 The independent team she played on (Shockwave) with Aryl and West

 The freshman girls who made the team 

Jaylee

 Grandchild #2 arrived last July and I am just now finding time to include her on my blog.  Sad.  She is perfect, adorable and beautiful in every way.  Poor thing must get tired of being passed around at family functions, but she is a trooper.  Christopher and Sam are great parents and you can tell that their world has shifted and she is now the center of it.  As it should be :)  I think she looks like Sam with Christopher's chubby cheeks that he had when he was a baby.  Every time I see her I think she just gets cuter and cuter.  Not sure how that is possible, but it is true.    Here are a few photos of the little princess:  

Jaylee a few days old...

 The day Jaylee was blessed

 Last night at the soccer game.  She loved watching all the action and was snug as a bug and kept me warm.  Because I definitely was not.