The Rhythms of Summer

 This summer was a little unique since it was the first time we didn't have camps planned or other scheduled activities for the girls. That meant they were going to have to find ways to be productive and/or entertained. Reese jumped at the chance to be productive with the promise of some payment for her efforts.

 

The landscaping in the back yard has been in need of assistance for years, but we especially needed to deal with three dead boxwoods.

The initial request was for Reese to do some weeding, but with some encouragement and some tools from Sharon Chrisman, the weeding soon turned to full out boxwood removal. Easier said than done of course, bu Reese was relentless and over the course of nearly six hours she got the job done. She did earn a good amount of money along with some sore body parts, but nothing she couldn't bounce back from.

July 15 this year meant more than just the beginning of Callie's junior year soccer season. Reese was joining the Henry Clay ranks as well because, like her sister, she was a trapped 8th grader. Because almost all of her teammates were freshmen her club team didn't have a fall season and Reese was able to play on the JV team.

It was great for the girls to be a part of their respective high school teams, but it got even better just a couple of weeks into the season. Callie was named a varsity captain along with three seniors and Reese was named a junior varsity captain along with a freshman and a sophomore. We are incredibly proud of both girls for their leadership on and off the field. Although we both knew they have what it takes to lead it was wonderful to see this recognized by their coaches and teammates.

The season heats up quickly with the Bluegrass State Games happening shortly after tryouts. The girls enjoy getting a chance to play right away but it isn't always the best indication of how the season is going to go. It was a hot one this year, but the team looked pretty good overall.

One of the things that also happens in the beginning is that the coaches let 7th and 8th graders practice and play with the team until their club season stars. Reese played with the middle school team for the Bluegrass State Games which meant she got to play with a lot of her classmates, which she enjoyed. It's amazing how many girls are going to be coming up the ranks with Reese over the next several years.

A big milestone that happened before the beginning of Callie's junior year was the much awaited removal of her braces. She had them for a solid two years and was very happy to get them out of her life before she started the second half of her high school journey. We can check that milestone off now.

One cool event that the soccer team held this year that we hadn't done before was Flicks on the Field, where the girls got to watch a movie while hanging out on their soccer field. They brought candy, had popcorn, took pictures, and maybe watched a little of the movie. A good time was had by all.

Another summer staple of ours is Ballet Under the Stars at Woodland Park. It's been years since Callie performed in the pre-show but we always go when we remember it is happening and our schedule allows. This year Reese brought her friend Ella and Callie planned on meeting us there with some of her friends.

It takes some getting used to have Callie pop in and out with friends while we are doing something we always used to do together. We are trying to get used to the new rhythms of having an older teenager in the house who is slowly but surely spreading her wings and becoming more independent. In the end it is fun to watch, especially when she seems to be making mostly good decisions.