Soccer Season Begins

Soccer season has begun in full force now.  Garrett playing for the Maroon 13 in U12 under Coach Josh with Brett and Charles assisting.  Bryce playing for the Stingers in U10 under Coach Paul and Coach Dave.  Griffin playing for the Grizzlies in U8 under Coach Daniel and Coach Nick.

Three boys for three teams.

Coach Dave and Coach Paul get the Stingers ready.

Run through the tunnel after the game.

Bryce on the attack.

Garrett normally the last line of defense, plays a little midfield here.

Driving the cart around crazily during Garrett's game.

Bryce and Jose back on defense.

Bryce's team meets before the game begins to go over strategy.

Griffin in goal--I am ready to shut you down.

I've got my gloves...but where is the goalie jersey?

Bryce 9y1mo

Bryce wrapped up his summer baseball season and finished well.  He transitioned well to soccer where he has enjoyed playing under Coaches Paul and David.  He has thrived in his role as defenseman who works in conjunction with his sweeper well.  He continues to produce some amazing artwork as well including an excellent soccer player and bird collage.

Is this a self-portrait, Bryce?

Proud to be on the Neon Yellow team again!  Go Stingers.

This picture looked like Garrett on first glance--enjoying some great seats at the A's game.

Thank you Mommy for being my tutor this year at CC.

My bird collage...with a cat in the center of course.

Theo, I am using a Jedi mind trick on you...you do want to stay and cuddle with me...

Griffin 7y4mo

Griffin had the wonderful opportunity to practice with the big boys this summer for baseball.  He had a great time learning and putting in his full effort to each practice.  All of that experience made him a little more fearless when it came time to transition to soccer.  This year, he showed up to his first practice with goalie gloves on and solidified his dream of playing goalie (which had been denied the previous year because he was deemed too small).  Griffin began to make it a habit of playing shutdown goalie for the first half and then would follow it up by scoring goals on the offensive side in the second half.  He enjoyed being one of the players who was relied on to be a big contributing factor.

Did you want my autograph?  Oh that is just a half eaten apple you are offering me?

Meditation prayer time after reading the Bible.

Bat boy for the Hustle.

Today I scored 2 goals in my soccer game and that was all in one half, the other half I played goalie.

Sharing a mocha with Mom at Starbucks on a special date.

I want to learn to keep score at a ballgame too.

Drawing Chewbacca.

Do I look like a cute little guy here?

Garrett 11y3mo

Garrett finished up his summer baseball season and started his soccer season all in the same month.  He went from steady first baseman and middle of the order hitter to stalwart left defenseman.  He even scored his first soccer goal of the year when he controlled the ball on the defense after an attempted clearing by the other team, dribbled up into space and took a shot from just over the midfield line that sailed high and into the back of the upper corner of the net.  What a shot!

Playing ball for the Hustle at Rainbow Field in the summer.

I scored a goal in the second game!

Fantasy football draft night for Brett and Garrett (who manages his team "The Force."

Random rain for 10 minutes while it was sunny led to a temporary pause in outdoor school.

Men's Baseball Game

Adding to his baseball month, Brett worked together with Eddie to have the second annual men's baseball game.  We divided up the teams once again and did battle on the field for a six inning ballgame with umpires.  The game had a lot of back and forth, with Brett's team coming from down 5 runs in the top of the sixth to tie it.  Then Brett closed out the 11-11 tie by pitching a scoreless bottom half.  This time everybody got their name on the trophy (usually reserved for the winning team).  We were blessed with a number of returning players, but also a handful of new players with a total of 20 players.

Scott J, Tim J, Steve S, Chris C, Jeremy B, Nate, Scott M, Jake H, Danny, Josh K, Willy, Eddie, Paul, David S
Brett, David W,  Darren, Scott S, Chris R (not pictured Rex)

Former UC Davis teammates of Brett's:  Scott and Steve

Prayer before the game.

Brett up to bat against the flame throwing Chris R.

Brett contributed by catching an inning:  his second inning he has ever caught in his life.

Brett was the only batter to get hit by a pitch in the game (thanks Nate).  You can see the ball impacting his left hip in this picture.

Brett closes out the sixth inning to secure the tie.

Garrett served as the official scorekeeper and was joined intermittently by many of his friends in the booth.

Fortunately there is a nice playground for the kids to play at during the game so the wives can all hang out and talk during the game.

Hustle Baseball Playoffs

Garrett and Bryce wrapped up their summer league baseball season with a playoff tournament.  The teams were seeded how they had finished the regular season.  They made it into the championship game for the end of season tournament and lost a close game to a travel team.  Garrett's highlight from the championship game was lacing a leadoff triple into the right centerfield gap (the longest drive of the game).  Bryce scored the first run of the game for the Hustle.   As a whole they fought well and played hard.  Our boys learned a lot playing some very competitive travel teams and hopefully they will continue to grow in their love, skill level, and knowledge of the sport.

Griffin looks on and waits his turn to play summer ball in a few years.