Random Summer

In the late summer or early fall of 2019, a new family moved into the house on the other side of the Chrisman's. We knew they had kids but we didn't get a chance to really get to know them well. One thing led to another in the Covid summer of 2020, and before too long Reese was becoming good friends with Esther, Avery, Isla, and Evelyn Adams. They are a sweet bunch of kids who love to play and be outdoors. This was exactly what Reese needed to get her through a unique summer filled with no camps. It was only fitting when the Gipe girls came to hang out that they met the Adams and joined in the fun. This lineup shows the range of ages, but those differences didn't stop them from having a blast together. 

Since we didn't have Music and Arts Camp, Birdie and Pop wanted to do something special with all four girls, so they took them for a day out to Shaker's Village for some hiking, lunching, and ice cream eating. These four girls still have a great time whenever they get together, and we love the giggles and ease of their relationship.

 

The girls did not have a spring soccer season and LFC decided not to hold tryouts. So that meant the girls would have the same teams for the fall season. Reese's teammates were going to be the same, but they were going to have a new coach. What better way to jump in to a new season then with a 3v3 tournament.  

The tournament took place in Elizabethtown on a hot day in August. Thankfully, Jeff Stone, Emerson's dad, was happy to keep the girls in the shade.

By the end of the day, Reese's Trifecta team walked out of there undefeated champions of their age group. It was a great showing and a good way to make a first impression on Coach Tom as they prepared for the fall.

When learned about the the 3v3 tournament we quickly worked with Callie's team coordinator to see if we could get a couple of teams together. We ended up with three different teams in the tournament, and it was fun to watch. Callie's team started off with a loss, but with some good coaching and great efforts by Callie and her crew they turned it around to win their age bracket too. Callie spent a good part of the spring and summer throwing herself into soccer training in the hope of making the Red team. When tryouts didn't happen she was disappointed, but it also fueled her desire to play better every game. This tournament gave us the first sign of just how determined she was. 

Heading into the fall knowing that it was going to be a virtual school year was certainly disappointing. We understood why it was going to be virtual, and we were glad that both girls would have soccer as an outlet, but it still made for strange times. Speaking of strange times, a drive through welcome back to school orientation is not a middler schooler's dream. But nonetheless, we leaned in and tried to make the most of it.

This picture captures a lot in one moment. Everyone from this period of time will have stories to tell, but school kids in particular will have some memories that will stick with them.