All Good Things

Emma's final game of the season with the Eliminators was another smashing victory, 8-3.

And it was also Emma's final soccer game. With this, she retires to a life of ease.

It didn't start well, however, as she allowed a first half goal.

She made up for it with several well-placed passes -

And more of her trademark stout defense.

In the second half, she stopped a number of shots -

And attempted several shots on goal. But alas, none found the net.

And with that, so ends the game, the season, and the career.

We Lost Count

Another blowout victory for the Eliminators on Saturday. The final was somewhere between 10 and 13 to 3. It was hot and we kind of lost count.

Emma started in goal, styling some borrowed goalie gloves. While effective, they were too hot. The next time in goal she went without. It didn't matter. Nothing got past her.

Just a random picture.

Emma had two assists on the offensive end, and she really shined on defense. 

Emma's so good she plays with her eyes closed. Just to make it fair.

Emma was team captain this week. That means she provided the post-game snack. And gets to wear the sticker. The coach forgot to give it to her at the start of the game. Probably 'cause it was hot.

Claire Makes History

On the first Sunday of May, Claire made Catholic history, becoming the first girl to not wear a dress for her First Communion.

Congratulations, Claire. You are one of a kind.

Mothers Day

The mothers on Mothers Day.

And the Tran boys. First Jake during a rare still moment. The boy is non-stop.

Little brother Max, in between bites of pizza.

Bounce Back

The Eliminators had a great game Saturday afternoon, trouncing their opponent 11-2 (not that anyone's keeping score). Emma did her part - scoring her second goal of the season and blocking two shots on goal.

First up, Emma on defense. This poor kid was trying his best to dribble past our hero, but she just waited him out and then removed the ball from him.

Emma breaks up one of the few offensive attacks by the other team.

A little synchronized ball striking - 

One of her two stops while in goal. This one was kicked from a long way with a lot of power, but Emma stayed with it. All were impressed.

Finally, Emma runs the pretzel play. Oh, to be young and flexible.

The Bear

Sometimes you get the bear. Sometimes the bear gets you. Emma and the Eliminators were gotten on Saturday, dropping the match 8-5.

Emma did her best. First, using a well-placed leg to slow down the other team.

Then she stopped a few shots on goal (but did allow a couple through).

Then late in the second half she led a furious, but ultimately futile, rally to try to even the score.

It looks like she was taking on the other team all by herself. And she was.

Alas, her wily opponent used one of Emma's own tricks against her. Aye, foiled again.