It’s walnut-pruning time.


This is what I get when I ask Justin to “Give me a look.” To be honest, sometimes I get a more expressive gesture from Justin when I want to take his picture.

First of all, cousin Leo was on the opposing team. Leo is quite the energetic player and a prolific shot taker.

Sophia was deciding who (eventually) should receive the ball. Grandma was so glad the (giant of a) boy assigned to guard her stood far away.

At each break in the action, Avery headed out to the court for his own practice session.

The young people are neighbors of Thais and Lenin; they have a younger brother who also goes to St Ignatius.

Good sit-ability.

Some indoor soccer for Sophia

and a little nap for Avery.

Team meeting after the game. Note the stars on the sleeves of the players’ shirts. Everyone gets a star, but different colors for different achievements. Today Grandma gave her own Super Star Award to Sophia for excellent guarding skills (not evident in the pictures above), winning the stare-down contest with the much-bigger fierce-looking boy she was guarding while they waited for play to resume, and for making her FIRST basket. Play like a girl!

There was some parental coaching this past week and another look at the Superbowl commercial for “play like a girl.” I could really see a difference in how Sophia played this week. Black jersey this week, Sophia is #15.


When in doubt, look for the bright pink tennis shoes.

In between quarters, Avery practiced his dribbling. He’s really good.

Checking out the sit-ability of Mom’s foot.