Volleyball weekend. I decided that volleyball weekends are all about Fitbit steps. (Getting up at 5:00 a.m. just sucks!) So I got outa my chair and walked 20,000 steps this weekend. (I am currently in 2nd place with my Fitbit Friends including my pseudo friend from Minnesota. Yea!)
Let me tell you about Volleyball. It involves a net, a ball, 10 or 11 girls in spandex, a coach or two, club owners and their families, referees, tournament officials, whistles, waiting, cheering, parents, travel, hotel rooms, convention center food, drinking, early mornings, schlepping food and water for the players, standing around, sitting around, walking around, and the satisfaction of watching your kid. Playing time aside, I enjoy watching the kids interact with their teammates and coaches. Taking instruction from another adult, working with and encouraging other kids are important life skills. I didn't play a sport or have a group dynamic. My definition of teamwork is "everyone doing what I say".
Last weekend was a "bid tournament". A "BID" is earning the opportunity to play at USA Volleyball Nationals. (Most importantly, it is the opportunity to boost the economy of the city we visit!) This year it is being held in Minneapolis. Last year was Dallas. We have also been to Columbus, Atlanta and Reno. Jordan's team came in first place in the Open Division when she was 14 years old. It still gives me chills to remember her walking onto the court with thousands of people watching and have her team introduced. Her team earned a Bid in Indianapolis a couple weekends ago. They are ranked 18th in the country. Her team is impressive to watch.
Kendall's team is just a regular really good little team. They came in 7th out of 25 teams last weekend. Bids went to the top 6 teams. It is possible they could still get a Bid in Washington DC in a couple weeks. Or they may get what's called a "trickle down bid" meaning that another (13 year old) team from the Ohio Valley Region could qualify for a higher level and their bid would then go to the next team in line who just happens to be CVC 13 Blue. The levels of play are Open, National, American and USA. Open being the highest level.
It doesn't matter the activity. Debate team, lacrosse, band, dancing, baseball, underwater basket weaving - we are fortunate (on so many levels!) to be able to enjoy our children participate in something they love. Dave & I choose to just enjoy the ride.
Day 66, 67 & 68 - Check, Check & Check!
Let me tell you about Volleyball. It involves a net, a ball, 10 or 11 girls in spandex, a coach or two, club owners and their families, referees, tournament officials, whistles, waiting, cheering, parents, travel, hotel rooms, convention center food, drinking, early mornings, schlepping food and water for the players, standing around, sitting around, walking around, and the satisfaction of watching your kid. Playing time aside, I enjoy watching the kids interact with their teammates and coaches. Taking instruction from another adult, working with and encouraging other kids are important life skills. I didn't play a sport or have a group dynamic. My definition of teamwork is "everyone doing what I say".
Last weekend was a "bid tournament". A "BID" is earning the opportunity to play at USA Volleyball Nationals. (Most importantly, it is the opportunity to boost the economy of the city we visit!) This year it is being held in Minneapolis. Last year was Dallas. We have also been to Columbus, Atlanta and Reno. Jordan's team came in first place in the Open Division when she was 14 years old. It still gives me chills to remember her walking onto the court with thousands of people watching and have her team introduced. Her team earned a Bid in Indianapolis a couple weekends ago. They are ranked 18th in the country. Her team is impressive to watch.
Kendall's team is just a regular really good little team. They came in 7th out of 25 teams last weekend. Bids went to the top 6 teams. It is possible they could still get a Bid in Washington DC in a couple weeks. Or they may get what's called a "trickle down bid" meaning that another (13 year old) team from the Ohio Valley Region could qualify for a higher level and their bid would then go to the next team in line who just happens to be CVC 13 Blue. The levels of play are Open, National, American and USA. Open being the highest level.
It doesn't matter the activity. Debate team, lacrosse, band, dancing, baseball, underwater basket weaving - we are fortunate (on so many levels!) to be able to enjoy our children participate in something they love. Dave & I choose to just enjoy the ride.
Day 66, 67 & 68 - Check, Check & Check!