Clash at the Border

Sebastian played his first games with his new PCU team this weekend, at the Clash at the Border tournament. They played three games over three days on what turned out to be the hottest weekend of the year. Seb's team consists of half returning players and half players who are new to PCU this year, so they are all still figuring out their positions, coordination, and teamwork. But they did really well, winning 2-1 and 4-1, and tying 3-3. 

Seb has not only changed soccer clubs this summer, he also has changed positions, playing center midfield instead of center back (defense). He's probably not tall enough or big enough to be a high school center back, and he's got such great stamina and passing skills that midfield is a great place for him. But it also means he's learning how to pace himself, how to think about dribbling and getting around opponents, and changing up his on-field awareness (not a lot of guys coming from behind you when you're on defense, and you're not often racing into space away from your mark).

Anyway, he had an amazing weekend. He scored two goals and had five assists -- could have had more of both. His first goal was the tying one in the first game; they'd been down 3-2, and Seb's late goal brought them even. He was asked to be team captain for the second game and said both coaches complimented him at halftime (unheard of). His teammates nominated him to take all of the team's corner kicks, and there were a lot of corner kicks. He took the team's free kick and their one penalty kick. The free kick was good but saved by the keeper; the pk hit the side post, which was unfortunate and unexpected. But he ran hard all weekend, despite the heat and tired legs, and really showed that he was a leader on the field and able to create a lot of scoring opportunities.

We're so proud of him, and so happy that he's thriving and proving himself to both coaches and teammates on this new team. Such a great experience.

 

One of many corner kicks. He was super accurate on most of them as well -- high cross to the middle of the goal. He scored on one when the goalie tried to punch it away and ended up punching it in, and got an assist on two others.

Setting up for the penalty kick. Pretty sure it's the first PK he's ever missed in a game -- it hit the side bar. He was pretty crushed about it, but it was a matter of inches, and he got the goal back on a cross a few minutes later.

dance recital

Liesl's dance studio put on three performances this weekend for all the jazz, tap, hip hop and modern classes -- one on Friday night and two on Saturday (matinee and evening). Liesl had two dances, one jazz and one hip hop, and she did so well -- bright smile, in time with the music, all the steps and moves crisp -- she is such a performer. She especially loved her jazz routine. 

I was the room mom for the Friday night performance, which meant I got to hang out in the dressing room with all the 9-12 year olds, help them with hair and accessories, and then watch from the wings. We had tickets to the final show on Saturday, so Steve and Seb got to watch it then. It's the first studio recital since 2019, and it was amazing to see all the girls dancing again.

Father's Day

Happy Father's day to Stephen! We had a sweet breakfast and then played games at the field for an hour - soccer and baseball/softball and spike ball. It's possible Steve got a little too enthusiastic in his competition against Seb and ended up on the ground, but no permanent damage resulted. :)  And then I picked up some king salmon and corn on the cob for dinner, so it was a delicious day.

ballet recital

Liesl's dance studio was able to hold their wonderful end-of-year ballet recital this spring, for the first time since 2019. Liesl was beyond excited to perform on the big stage, with full costumes and hair and makeup. There was a full dress rehearsal in the morning and then two shows, at 4 and 7 pm. Everyone did very well and we were so happy to see her shining on stage and having fun with friends.

The dress rehearsal was open to parents, and filming was allowed (not allowed during the actual performance, of course). All of my pics of the dance come from the morning rehearsal. A video of their final rehearsal is posted here.

In between rehearsal and the first show, we went home for a late lunch and then getting ready. Liesl did her own makeup, having received instruction from Elite on what to buy and from Elia on how to apply it. I told her that next time I want/need makeup, she'll have to do mine.

We had tickets to see the 4 pm performance, Seb squeaking in just in time (he had a baseball game from 1-3). And then I was the room mom for the 7 pm performance, which meant I got to hang out with these sillies backstage, helping with hair and reminders. They played charades and poison dart frog, and did each other's hair and makeup. I was able to watch their performance from the wings.

 

Next weekend is the jazz and hip hop recital, so she'll be performing two dances in three shows. Can't wait!