tales from a far-land

During the fall of 2021, Aiden participated on two different sports teams -- a competitive soccer team and a recreational flag football teams.  Both teams were through the CCV Stars program.  We loved seeing Aiden back on the soccer field primarily as goalie.  No other kids really wanted to play that particular position and Aiden seemed to really embrace it.  Sadly, they only won one game the entire season, but Aiden learned quite a bit about how to play goalie and persistency.   Unlike Aiden's soccer team, his flag football team actually had a winning season.  Aiden used this season to continuing to grow as a quarterback and defensive rusher -- his favorite positions.  It is fun to see him so excited to play a sport that he truly enjoys.

Thankfully, during the spring, both kids were given the opportunity to continue participating in their sports activities.  Aiden played in the other flag football league, PrimeTime Athletics North Phoenix.  He played on the same team as one of his Lookout Mountain Elementary School friends.  This made it a little more special for him.  We really enjoyed watching them play together.  Plus, we really enjoyed the coach, Coach Shackelford.  Although this particular team didn't win one game the entire season, the coach taught the boys true life skills -- how to work hard, use team work and have a positive attitude.  It was a frustrating, yet valuable season. Aiden and Walter Pep talk with Coach Aiden as a Packer The Packers Madilyn participated in the ActivStars cheer program for another season.  They held all of their practices outside and with masks, but Madilyn didn't care.  She wanted to cheer.  At the end of the season, they held a compe...

On Friday, March 30th, Aiden finished his spring flag football season with the CCV Stars youth sports program.  What a great season!  The kids may not have won their age bracket, but they played well as a team and had fun doing it.  Aiden particularly loved this season as his teammates were mostly all friends from school or preschool.  They had chemistry and comradery.  Plus, they had a great coach (Coach Adam Cox).  It was a very fun season to watch. Aiden, Age 9 Lumberjacks - CCV Stars Videos of Aiden Playing 

 After playing and enjoying flag football through the CCV Stars program in the fall of 2020, Aiden wanted to continue to play.  CCV Stars did not start their new season until March 2021, so I began to research other leagues that he could join to fulfill his desire.  PrimeTime Athletics has a North Phoenix division that isn't that far from the house and it worked for our schedules.  We spent every Saturday from January 23rd through March 6th watching Aiden play flag football.  He played every position, but really enjoyed being quarterback and defensive line rusher.   With this league, they do a single elimination tournament on the final day.  Prior to this final day, his team had never won one game.  They had improved each week, but had never been able to win a game.  However, on this final day, Aiden's team won their first game and proceeded to move to the next bracket of the tournament.  It was so exciting!  And even though th...

Back in March when COVID-19 first commenced, Aiden had just started playing on a flag football team with CCV Stars.  Sadly, the season was cut short due to the statewide stay at home order.  Aiden was very disappointed, so as soon as we could enroll him in another season we did.  Just as before, Aiden was so excited to play.  Josh even volunteered as an assistant coach to show our support.  As his parents, it was a spark that we had not seen previously with other sports that he had played.  He never complained to go to practice.  He had enthusiasm and energy on the field.  He wanted to practice throwing the football at home.  He even spent time learning and memorizing the routes.  It was as if he truly enjoyed playing this sport.  Aiden was assigned to the same team as one of his school friends.  I think this made playing even more fun for him.  The coach encouraged all of the boys to learn all of the positions, but Aiden ...

This winter our kids stayed very active by participating in many different sports team and lessons after school.  Madilyn enjoyed cheer, tennis, golf and soccer.  Aiden participated in tennis, golf, soccer and flag football. Wednesdays for the kids are early release days at the school.  So, after school, the kids walk or bike ride over to Moon Valley Country Club (MVCC) for their tennis and golf lessons.  Madilyn has been taking tennis lessons for awhile, but Aiden decided he wanted to join in the fun.  From what we hear from the tennis coach, they are doing pretty well and can volley back an forth with him for a bit.  We have also heard that Aiden may be a little competitive and likes to "crush" the ball.  As the kids have lessons pretty early in the work day, I haven't ever been able to capture any photos of them playing.  Maybe someday... The kids' golf lessons are after tennis.  They just walk over to the driving range.  They are...