Bend it Like ......

Ok, maybe not quite. We have started the first year of soccer, and while getting the rules of the game haven't become quite clear, at least Brendan looks good in the part. Of course, the practices in the 100 plus degree heat haven't helped, (Mommy's water bottle has been of more interest than learning the game). However, while Daddy waits for the golf bug to kick in, this will do.

As you can see we started with our backyard practicing, although the basketball impulse was still strong (those damn Indiana genes). Then came the practices where I could do the cones, but what the heck was this net thing all about?

And lastly came the first game. Whoever decided that 8 A.M. was a good time for a Soccer Game had to be a sadist. All family members were present although less than awake, especially the participating player.

And then came game time. While we ran around after the ball, we had no desire to go kick it with all the other kids kicking at it (thus kind of clueless on the whole goal of soccer, so to say), although our stint at goalie was a perfect shutout (of course, no kicks by the other team helps that stat). However, there was no shame in not mixing it up, did you see the size of those girls says Brendan, when I'm in high school and wanting to date them is one thing, but getting kicked by them on the Soccer Field at this point is a whole other.

So thus ended the first week of Shireen being a Soccer Mom, which of course included a hour and a half stint in the concession area and Brent being a Soccer Dad (is that a voting bloc?). While proud of our only boy, Mom and Dad realize there is much work ahead on the whole concept of Soccer (once again, Dad is really humoring Mom, before the all day golf lessons begin). We especially hope the grandparents and other family members enjoy and we say hello to all of our friends that may be checking this out for the first time.

As a complete side note, congratulations to Amanda Blumenherst this weekend for finishing runner up in U.S Women's Amateur. Bill, her uncle, who was her caddy this weekend was one of my best friends growing up and we still keep in touch especially when I make it back to Ft. Wayne. I have known the family for years and Amanda has led Duke to the Women's Natl. Championship the last two years, was College Player of the Year the last two years, made the Cut at the Women's U.S. Open the last two years and received the Nancy Lopez Award for Top Women's Amateur Golfer in the World this year. Amanda lost by 1 hole in a 36 hole final that was televised on the Golf Channel this weekend. You will be seeing her on the LPGA Tour quite a bit in a couple of years and she is a great person for younger kids to look up to. She is going to stay at Duke for 4 years even though she could be on the Tour now and has amassed straight A's while at Duke. While there are many sordid stories in sports right now, it's nice to see someone have success that is doing it right.

We will be entering a new post in the next couple days of the numerous projects that obsessive, compulsive wife has taken on lately, which will show pictures of the house here in Atlanta for our friends across the country that have not seen it yet. We hope you are all doing well and look forward to hearing from you, don't be shy to post your comments. Later.

Brent