Soccer!

Soccer season is in full swing this year. Rachel and Samantha are both playing and that means we have practice four nights a week. We spend plenty of time at the soccer fields. Thankfully, though, it's a fun place to hang out. About six other families from our ward are there, too, at various times and on various teams, so we have lots of outdoor playtime with friends. It's the kind of place where the whole family can go to play. The little kids play while the adults talk and walk the 'track'.

This past Saturday was opening day for games. Rachel's team is the "Dirt Daubers" and they lost by two. Rachel played wing most of the time and was pretty worn out by the end. This was her first real soccer game and she did really well. She said she was surprised at how much of the game is just running!

Samantha's team is the same as last season (with two new players added) - the Mean Green Soccer Queens. Samantha also played wing this time - no more goalie for her - and she played the whole game. Her game also ended in a loss - 0-2.

As if that weren't enough, Rachel is now 11, and therefore old enough to officiate little kid soccer games. She keeps time for the 5/6 year olds. She had her first game to keep time for this past Saturday and was kind of stressed about it. But, hey, the kids are only 5 or 6, and the parents and coaches just want the kids to play and learn the game. Rachel was just happy that she finished her first one, now she feels a little more confident. She gets a whistle and for each game she is paid $5 plus a free drink at the concession stand. With her first $5 she bought the family popcorn and Skittles! Way to go, Rachel.