Volleyball is upon us

For me, fall arrives in late August when i head back to volleyball tryouts. We had 39 girls this year for 3 teams. Pretty good competition and lots of indecision. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh and the University of Washington Volleyball program are both doing amazing things to inspire mini-volleyballers. Tryouts are complete. The teams are chosen. A few cuts were made. I have 6 sophomores and 6 freshmen. It reminds me of where I was a year ago. Natalie was 3 weeks old when the season started last year. I have actually planned both my kids around volleyball season (Natalie not quite as well planned, but i was able to get her out before the season). The other coaches decided they were game to have me bring her, so we made it work. This is our manager Thea (who used to play for me). She was fantastic with Natalie and really threw her dad (who is our C team coach) into a tailspin whenever she would "wear" Natalie. Natalie would go from Mom to Mom during the games (and head coach Julie, who was a baby whisperer). It was great fun, but looking back, i really cannot believe I was able to pull that off. And of course, it's all in addition to my regular work. This year, the kids are either going to be home with Ryan or home with a babysitter. It'll be crazy around our house for the next 9+ weeks, but I absolutely love it and am thrilled to back in the gym.