JPII Soccer - April

JPII soccer is in full swing and both girls are playing varsity.  There are so many kids playing soccer this year that they are actually playing on different varsity teams, divided by graduation year.  Both girls are enjoying spending time with their friends and getting some Saturday morning exercise.

Choate

Like her sister, Emily is interested in broadening her horizons and challenging herself in school.  Unlike her sister, however, she is a homebody and has rarely stayed overnight anywhere.  That's all going to change this summer, as Emily was accepted as a boarding student for a two week program math and science program at Choate Rosemary Hall.  She has been interested in attending Choate since Elizabeth went through a similar program two years ago, but she was definitely not interested in writing. As math and science are her strong suit, she applied for the Invention & Design Lab, and in late March, learned that she was accepted, and with a partial scholarship.  I thought that she might back out when it became a bit more real that she was going to leave us for two weeks, but she is really excited about the prospect.  As much as I want to keep her home forever, we know that this is going to be a fabulous experience for her!

PDA Spring Kickoff

This past weekend, Emily and I traveled to New Jersey with the CFC Sound 05s for the PDA Spring Kickoff.  Emily (who is an 06) was asked to play up with the 05s for the tournament because a few girls were hurt and a few were on vacation.  To be honest, we were worried about playing time and not even sure if we should go.  The 05s play 11 v 11 on a much larger field and she's only played two outside games with them all season.  As it turned out, she ended up starting every game and as the tournament went on, she became more and more comfortable and really played well.  According to the parents, the play and chemistry on the team has been off for a while and this weekend was the best soccer they've seen them play.  The girls tied one and beat two very strong NPL teams from New York and New Jersey to secure a spot in the finals, including a game that no one thought they had a chance of winning.  The final game ended 1-1 (against the same NPL team they'd tied the day before) and the tournament rules sent the girls right to PKs.  Their goalie came up big, saving two of the first four shots; CFC girls made three of the first four shots and it was all over.  The weather should have played a huge part, but it didn't.  With only two subs, they battled 90 degree heat on Saturday and "feels like" of 30 on Sunday, with 14 mph winds.  As they closed in on their win on Sunday morning, you could feel their excitement and intensity.  It was a such a fun weekend and so great to see them play so well.

Road trip with my favorite soccer player. 

Afternoon in the pool with the team. 

Waiting for the PKs to begin. 

Rushing to the goalie after PKs, Emily leading the charge.

The awesome trophy.

March Odds and Ends

Some March odds and ends...

With the reptile...

Lots of snow this March.  Fun for the girls, not so much for us. 

Nothing says spring like outdoor soccer in below freezing temps.

End of an Era

On Saturday, the 06 Magic girls played their last indoor soccer game together.  Although many of them will still be together for their final spring season, for some girls, it was their last game in a Magic uniform.  Although it's too soon to start getting nostalgic (I'm sure I'll be blubbering about this come June), it's been quite a ride with these girls.

Magic 06 Girls 

The original six started as GVSA in the 2013-2014 winter. 

Emily's corner kick - I was so hoping that this was going to result in a goal for Magic.

Easter

We spent most of Easter Sunday in New Hampshire with our family.  We picked up my dad and took him to brunch with Lee's extended family, which was a nice way to spend the day.

Easter baskets. 

Beau wanted to ride with my dad on the way to the Lake. 

Clare enjoying a cupcake. 

Beau and Hobie wondering why they have to stay outside. 

Favorite book series. 

She's a Gemini. 

Hobie - I can't get over the cuteness.

Flute Choir

For as long as Elizabeth has been a participating in All State, she has wanted to be part of the Flute Choir.  Only the top flutes at auditions are chosen for the Flute Choir and she squeezed in this year, barely making the cut off. She did not love the song choice, but she did love the chance to rehearse with the flutes and work with the conductor, who is an excellent flute player herself.