A Week of Sizzling Soccer

Why SIZZLING you might ask? Only because the HOTTEST week of the summer was the week we signed up for British Soccer Camp. No worries though. We concentrated on drinking plenty of water and taking breaks in the shade erected by a fellow soccer parent named Honor. (She provided three easy-up shelters, one for each field)

I must say, I was a bit skeptical at first about a two hour soccer camp for the young ones. It took Piper a little while on the first day to get involved. She was a bit shy and hesitant. I had to get out on the field with her to encourage her to play some of the games, but I didn't mind that. I was not into yelling and threatening her to get out there, and especially not when it was so hot. Her coach was very patient with her reluctance and welcomed her whenever she returned to the group. I was also impressed by the amount of silly games her coach knew to get the kids practicing skills they didn't realize they were acquiring. Here is Piper playing the game "Austin Powers". Imagine her yelling "Groovy Baby, Yeah!" and then dashing off to avoid being hit by Dr. Evil's lasers. (I might add that this game was also very popular with the older kids as well. Now Charlotte and Finn want to see the movie!)





Piper has become Dr. Evil and is now firing lasers...






Piper's coach was pretty smitten with her...





For the older kids, skill building happened the first two hours followed by scrimmage games the last hour. At the beginning of the week, the kids were divided into four person teams named after a country. All week, the teams would earn points for winning games, showing a good attitude and sportsmanship.





On the last day of camp, teams brought home-made flags of their country, painted their faces and competed for THE WORLD CUP. Here, Charlotte's team, Guam, plays against Finn's team, Germany. (Charlotte is in the bright green tank center and Finn is in the white t-shirt second to the right.)





Finn's team won THE WORLD CUP! Here, they raise the CUP in victory...





Finn and his coach...





Charlotte and her coach...





It was a good week despite the heat. The kids were tired, but ready for more the next day. They all want to do it again next year. One week off, and our regular soccer season starts up. We're rarin' to go!

Location:Ashland, Wisconsin

Sailing Graduation

This post is really overdue, but I thought I would bring this series to an end. It was a crazy week shuttling the three kids into Washburn every day. There were three overnights involved, but the kids had a heck of a good time. Of course, the last day ended with no wind. Here they are on the water, sails up, waiting to catch a gust...


That's Charlotte, second to the right with the multi colored sail. Here are three friends who had a great time sailing together...

Wicked Windy: Day Three of Beginning Sailing

Today's lesson was about Jibe and Tack. It was pretty gusty so they only used five boats. They donned their wetsuits and fleece for extra warmth. People on shore were taking bets on how many kids would tip over. In the end, nobody went in.








There she is!!!


Casper and Charlotte sail together...

Tying Knots: Day Two of Beginning Sailing

Today the class focused on learning to tie some essential knots. One that we use both in rock climbing and sailing is the Bowline, not to be confused with "bowling" which Piper likes to call it.





After knot tying, the kids got out on the water.


Charlotte is disassembling her boat.


At home, she worked at tying that Bowline over and over and over again.





Yeah! Practice makes perfect.

Beginner Opti Sailing Class

Charlotte is taking her first sailing class, Beginner Opti with North Coast Community Sailing. It is such a superb deal, only $45.00 for a week of classes.

Today, Lake Superior offered up a wonderful gift on the first day; crystal clear water, and lovely breezes. The kids started out learning the parts of the sailboat, doing a swim test and then completing a capsize drill where they had to tip the boat, right it, re-enter and bail it. Here, the kids are finishing up class by emptying and storing the boats on shore.











More pictures later.

A Corny 4th of July Weekend

For a slice of "Small Town American 4th of July" fun, I have posted pictures of our beach celebration that happens every year. Regardless of when the 4th actually ends up being, fireworks in Cornucopia are always on a Saturday. For those of you wondering where the heck Cornucopia is, we are located on the Northern most point of Wisconsin on Lake Superior. It is a slice of heaven here, with great beaches and really fun friends. The Fourth of July is one of my favorite celebrations here. It reminds me of a Norman Rockwell painting.

Our group starts out with a Potluck Dinner before the fireworks.












Hide and seek in the tall beach grass...


Flying lessons...








People begin plotting out their spot on the beach and building fires...


The sun begins to set but that doesn't stop the kids from digging in the sand.














And that is a Corny 4th of July.

Location:Cornucopia, WI