An average day...until...

Today started off slow. An early World Cup game followed by a stop at the golf course where all four girls got dropped off for golf lessons (junior golf, it's called). Janna and Andoni then went to Whole Foods Market, where they shopped for gluten-free foods. There was a large supply and many options. Andoni was even impressed. They found macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, different breads, chips, yogurt, cheese and many other things.

And then the Spain/Portugal game. Andoni and Gillian watched the entire game (Quinn wanted to spend time outside in the beautiful weather). We are still somewhat confused why Andoni doesn't root for Spain, but we are fine with it. We don't have much allegiance to any European team, so go Portugal!

Well, it was not to be. The enemy won and moved on to the quarter finals.

But our day was just beginning. Next was the Northrup girl soccer bonanza.

Quinn had a game in a neighboring town, while Shelby and Gillian had games in Edina. Here is Shelby's game (a swarm of bees):

Andoni came with me to Quinn's game first. While the team was warming up, Andoni and I shot the ball on net and took corner kicks. Then, at halftime, a friend of mine took Andoni to shoot on the net. Quinn's team lost, but played great. Quinn had one of the hardest shots on net I have seen all year from a U11 girls team. But the goalie made a great save. The goal was not to be.

We then made our way back to Edina for Gillian's game.

But, I also had arranged earlier in the day for Andoni to practice with a U12 Boys teams in Edina. The coach is the director of the Edina Soccer Club. His name is Phil Nell and is from Switzerland. While Gillian was working the defense in her game on one field, Andoni was being welcomed to a team of 12 year old boys on a neighboring field. The boys were great and all introduced themselves to him. I had bought him some shin pads and he was wearing Quinn's old soccer shoes. He had the rest of his gear, including socks, shorts, and a jersey with his name on the back (this helped his new teammates!).

Anyway, I watched Gillian's game while keeping an eye on Andoni at his practice. He was doing great.

Gillian's team tied 0-0. After collecting Gillian, I went over to Andoni's practice just as it was ending. Phil called me over while the team was in it's huddle. He asked his team, in front of me, whether they like having Andoni. They all shouted, "YES!" "We WANT him!" "We NEED him on our team!"

The 12 year old captain of the team took my phone number and texted me the team's practice schedule.

Meanwhile, Phil asked Andoni if he would want to work hard and practice with the team. Andoni said "Yes!"

We are not sure if it will be possible for Andoni to actually play on the team during games, but he made a great impression on the boys and on Phil. Phil commented to me how much different it is to develop as a soccer player in Europe as opposed to the USA. USA children usually are playing 3 or more sports, and therefore do not get as many touches on the ball. It was obvious watching Andoni that he is not only getting more touches, but is also naturally gifted.

We made it home by 8:45 and had a late dinner. Andoni ate dinner, drank a lot of water and headed off to bed.

Another fun day.