Ella's First Soccer Game of the Season

Well, soccer season is upon us again!  After Logan and Ella both started practicing with Coach Ben again (the father of both of their closest friends, Benton and Elise) in the middle of July, their first games finally arrived today.  The only problem was that Lia had her first, big XC invitational race 45 minutes away in Olympia at the same time as Logan's first game on Vashon Island which involved taking a ferry there and back.  Since Ron and I both really wanted to watch Lia run in her first invitational, we asked Logan if he would be okay catching a ride with his coach and going on this six hour adventure without us.  Although we missed Logan's game, we were still able to go and cheer on Ella at her first game which wasn't until 4 o'clock in the afternoon.  The only problem with this later time was that it gave the smoke from a nearby forest fire enough time to fully settle into our valley.  So although Lia was able to run in her meet and Logan was able to play soccer under beautiful, blue skies and cooler weather this morning, Ella was forced to play soccer during a very hot and smoky afternoon.  It was pretty miserable playing conditions.  And to top it all off, Ella fell two times, got scratched in the eye, lost her shoe, and had a player step on her bad ankle.  So, although she fought a very good fight and hustled back and forth on the field like no one else on her team, Ella wasn't able to make a goal and was pretty upset when it was over.  But after some love and attention and a good icing of her ankle, Ella perked up within an hour or two.  Way to be tough, Ellie!

Ella chasing after her teammate, Dillon.

Ella pointing as she runs down the field.  I just love this picture.

Ella going after the ball.

Ella running hard towards the ball.

Trying to take the ball away from the opponent.

Ella waving her arms on the field.

Ella and her good friend, Elise, fighting for the ball.

Ella kicking the ball out of the group of girls.

A very sad, hot, and miserable Ella humoring me for a group picture with her good friends, Elise and Madelyn, after the game was over.  And please notice the sky in the background that is covered 100% with a smoky haze!