November 27, 2019

Fall Soccer

Much like the new school year, we now have 3 of our 4 kids playing soccer! Yep, that's right. Maclyn started soccer this fall.  It wasn't her finest performance, but it got better as the season went on and wrapped up. Maclyn's skill level is pretty impressive, and I am sure it is from literally growing up on the soccer field and watching her brothers play. But what wasn't impressive was how long Maclyn remained on the soccer field during game play. Whew! That was rough and it was hard to not get super angry with her. By the end of the season, Maclyn decided to take me up on my bribes of painting her fingernails and toenails if she'd stay on the soccer field.
Maclyn's first practice - she did so good and impressed her coach. But that was about it!
First game. She looked precious. She didn't act precious...
She us crazy, I tell you!
I missed the deadline to order the pictures, thus the screenshot of the proofs. But - oh my goodness!


Poor Finn really got the short end of the stick this soccer season. He loves the game and he gave it his all, but he was on a team of kids who were, well, lost. And it really lowered his desire to play. Luckily this is his last year to play rec soccer and he will be playing Dynamo next fall with other boys who care and enjoy the competitive nature of soccer. Unfortunately, I really didn't get many pictures of Finn playing because each and every game was super frustrating to him and to us for him. Luckily, Finn was able to practice with Keagan's team and he really enjoyed that!

Handsome, tired boy after his game while we watched Keagan play
I wouldn't want to play opposite this kid during a soccer game!


Keagan started his second year in Dynamo club soccer and it was a great season for him. His team got a new coach (Coach Kevin) and he meant business! He was awesome for Keagan (and called him Keags) and really believed in him. Coach Kevin played Keagan in nearly every position on the field, including keeper, and I have never been more proud of my child's effort. At the start of the season, Josh and I talked with Keagan about some of our expectations for him: always do your best no matter where Coach plays you, always be respectful and kind, learn from your mistakes and don't stress when you make them. We went over these things as we drove to games/tournaments, and afterwards we would ask Keag what he did well and where he could have done better. This communication made the soccer season so much better for all of us. We saw a huge improvement in Keagan's soccer skills as well as his maturity on the field.

little sisters hanging in the background
Check out the size difference between my kid (one of the tallest on the team) and the opposition's #5! WHOA! (we lost)
7 a.m. sun can still burn. spf 50 Dynamo Dads!!
I got my nails done all fancy for the tournament!
Fun with soccer friends between games
After the first day's games at the tournament, the Graham family took us to a winery they had visited before. This winery is owned by either Brooks or Dunn (country music star) and it was gorgeous!
Just missing a few kids!
Another Saturday, another set of games! But this time, Keagan dressed as keeper this time! 
We love seeing Annie in Dynamo colors - Murray Tournament


Keagan's team were finalists (2nd place) at the Murray Tournament!! They played so hard!
An AWESOME group of boys finishing up the season at the Murray Tournament