The Beards: What a Weekend!!!!

Sorry it has taken a couple of days to update the games from this weekend but we have been in the mid to upper 80's since last Friday so there has been a lot of time outside enjoying the warm weather. Both kids had soccer games on Saturday and then Maddux had baseball practice in the afternoon. Both games were shutouts with Maddux winning 7 - 0 and Brooklyn losing 8 - 0. One good note, Brooklyn has a new soccer coach and I have already seen a huge difference. The last game they spent a lot of time around the other teams goal and even though they didn't score any goals they spent a lot of time down on that end of the field. They usually all stay right around their own goal and don't get to the other end. Her new coach is very vocal and has them focused on offense and not just trying to keep the ball out of their own net. Brooklyn played her friends team, who is probably the best team in the league, and they had times when they looked like they belonged on the field and knew what they were doing. I look forward to watching them grow as the season moves on. Maddux's team kept on rolling and played a good game. One of these times I am going to have to videotape one of his games so you can see his chase-down speed. He is so good and running the other players down from behind and taking the ball away before they can get close enough to score. The other coach commenting on it to me during the game after about the 5th or 6th time that he did it. Every single time he caught up to the other player and took the ball away. His coach calls him " rocket boots" because of his speed. Anyways, we couldn't have asked for better weather for the weekend and enjoyed the time we got to spend outside. We hope that this weather is here to stay. Here are some pictures highlighting the kids games.

Brooklyn running down the field with her teammate. A week ago they would have just kicked the ball away.

Brooklyn on a break away to the goal. She had a couple good plays were she got out in front of everyone but just couldn't quite finish. As the season goes on and she gets use to keeping the ball I think she will get the hang of it.

She loves to play defense and kick the ball away from the other team. This is probably her best position on the field and allows her to stand around and talk during the game.

Payton just hanging out watching the game.

Here she is again kicking the ball away just as the offensive player is coming in to get the ball.

Brooklyn working on her passing skills and kicking the ball to herself as she goes down the field.

Maddux didn't have any subs for his game so in between quarters he made sure to sit down and get a quick rest. All that running around in 85 degree weather can wear a little boy out.

Here he is catching up to the other player and kicking the ball away before they can get to the goal.

You got to love that form. It is kind of funny because he will catch up to the other player then turn the ball around and wind up for a big kick down the field.

Here he is scoring his first goal of the game. A fast break where no one caught him and he went uncontested to the goal.

Maddux also has no regard for his own teammates. The only thing I can say is good thing this was a girl.

This was the funniest part of the game. He was standing just in front of half field doing a throw in. He has a pretty good throw in compared to the other kids and actually threw the ball into the goal. Well later in the game the coach had him do another throw in and instead of throwing the ball to his teammates on one end of the field he decided to throw the ball towards the goal, where no one was, and try to score that way again. I guess he figured it was easier to score by throwing it in rather than kicking it.

These are some pictures of Nolan from the other night. He rarely goes to bed without some type of fight or commotion. We have to put him in bed a couple of times before he gets tired and stays in. Jennie has to lock the door when she is putting Payton done so he doesn't keep her up. Well the other night I was in the backroom watching the CAV's game and Nolan got up and wanted to see Jennie. Well after a couple minutes of not getting anywhere he decided to wait it out. I headed to bed about 10:30 and this is what I found laying in front of the door. Nolan had brought his blanket and Wiggle towel out and decided to fall asleep in front of the door. I must say that it was quite funny.