Kyle tennis

Kyle played in his first tennis tournament after a year or so off. He jumped back into tennis lessons the previous month after really missing it and wanting to play again. His first tournament back, he took out the #1 and #2 seeds in short order on his way to winning the tournament. Way to go Kyle!

Kyle with his tennis coach

This is Kyle with his tennis coach Steve. Steve was moving on to the west coast to be closer to his son as he trains on the pro circuit. Steve was a great coach for Kyle and taught him a lot. Thanks Steve! 

Tennis tournament

For the second weekend in a row, Kyle had an away tennis tournament. He has played in this nationwide tournament for the past 2 years. He really enjoys this tournament. Last year he took second and this year he had a great tournament again. His first round match was against a tough #2 seed. Kyle kept his head and won the match 7-5, 6-3 against a competitor who was very animated. His second match, Kyle won 6-0, 6-0. The finals was against the #1 seed. Kyle lost 0-6, 0-6 but he kept his head and played against a great player. The best part of the whole tournament, even better than his second place finish, was that Kyle won the boys sportsmanship award. We were very proud of him and he, rightfully so, was proud of himself. Congrats Kyle!

Since this was an away tournament, we all went again. The kids all had a fun time together. I remember road-tripping as a kid so it's nice to do it with our kids now. Somehow we survived back then without DVD players or video games. 

The hotel pool was great. Just the right size and perfect for cooling off in the 100 degree temps we had. 

The kids had a fun time in the hotel, laughing hysterically when they should have been sleeping. 

Winston Salem

Kyle had a tournament in Winston Salem this weekend. It was his first (stay at a hotel) away tournament. We all went. Jeff got to take Aaron and Emily around Winston Salem to see Old Salem. They had a good time seeing the town. 

Busy tennis day

Kyle had a busy tennis weekend. He started Saturday off with team tennis. Only one other kid on his team showed up so the two of them took on the other team of 5. They had to automatically default the second doubles match, but they both won their singles match and the doubles match together so they pulled off the victory as a two man team! 

After the team matches, Kyle had a regular tournament. He played some great tennis and won that tournament. Not a bad weekend! Well done Kyle!

Friends

Being back in San Diego was wonderful. We all got to see our friends and spend some quality time with them. We were gloriously stuck there due to our flights being cancelled all week (it was snowing / winter storming everywhere) so we got even more time to spend back in our old stomping grounds with our friends. 

Kyle got to have a tennis lesson with Nic. Nic has known Kyle and Emily since they were just 4 years old during preschool. Then Nic became Kyle's coach. Kyle still keeps in touch with him about things tennis. 

Aaron and Alice together, just like old times. These two spent the first 2.5 years of their lives together and just adore one another. Sure, they have spats like any old couple.... errr 3 year olds... but they love spending time together. Betsy and I have already arranged their marriage. :-) 

A little "Happy Birthday" song during bath time

Kyle, Emily & Simon. They have so much fun together.

Emily & Haiden. Just like we never left. These two are the best of friends and it's so sweet to see them together because they just click. 

Kyle's tennis

Kyle has been getting back up to speed with tennis here in Raleigh. The past two weekends he has played a tournament and come out on top. Well done Kyle!!

1st place - took out a 5, 3 and 2 seed. 

1st place - took out a 2 seed and 1 seed (his buddy)

Way to go Kyle!

Kyle Little Mo

Kyle played in the Little Mo tournament again this year. He played last year and was out of his league. This year, he is almost of age for his age group (8 and unders) and wanted to play it again to see how much he has improved. He did a great job, taking 2nd place. Nice work Kyle!

Kyle with the winner

After the final, Kyle and I flew to Chicago to catch up with the rest of the family. We had a junk lunch in the airport and took in some World Cup soccer pre-flight. 

Kyle at 7

For Kyle's class project, they all wrote what they wanted to be when they grow up on a chalk board. This is Kyle at 7 and his dreams for his future. 

Kyle tennis tourney

Kyle played in a tennis tournament this weekend. He had a fun time and learned more about some of the competition and how to handle different styles of play. He came out the winner of the 10 year old boys. His friend from tennis class and same coach also won, the the girls 10 year old division. They are both 7 years old (though she may now be 8). Nice work Kyle! 

Kyle's tennis tournament

This weekend Kyle played in a tennis tournament. He started really early Saturday morning with an 8am match. For those that know us, being up, ready, out somewhere and ready to play by 8am know that is no small feat in this late rising house. Anyhow, he did great and won his first match. He is playing under 10s because that is the youngest division.

His next march was at 11 so we went home and picked up the rest of the family. The second match didn't go as well but it was a good learning experience for Kyle who did his best. 

Emily and Aaron had a good time there. It was crazy hot out and Aaron was, well, Aaron and didn't want to sit still. So to prevent him from running onto the court, raising a ruckus or throwing a ball into the court we took turns and found a good open field to run and play on with him. In said field, he found a gem. I played soccer with Emily while Aaron played catch with a lacrosse net. Clever little boy. 

Kyle playing tennis

Kyle loves playing tennis and is very lucky to play as much tennis as he does. Here is some footage from a tournament the played in. He took 2nd place this weekend. He took the kid who won to a tie breaker. Great work Kyle! He ended up being the overall winner for his division (by ability, age doesn't matter) for the fall. He is still almost always the youngest kid out there by 2 years. He has played one other 7 year old and the rest are 9+. He will test again in the winter season and hopefully move up a division or more. His goal is to move up 3 divisions. He has set some lofty goals, but he can do it! Good luck Kyle! 

Kyle tennis

Kyle played in a tennis tournament today and did a great job winning his matches 6-4 and 6-2 against a 9 year old. He is getting good experience playing these little tournaments to put all that he learns in his lessons together in a game. Great work today Kyle! Here is a short little video of Kyle playing. He is in the background serving and showing great strategy. 

Kyle tennis tournament

Kyle has been playing a lot of tennis these days. He is playing in some tournaments and having a good time. This particular one, he played quite well and even as the youngest player, he held his own and came out with the win. 

Kyle is in the far court playing against a 9 year old girl. He won 8-1.

Kyle is in the near court I think and is playing a 9 year old boy. Kyle won 8-1.

Kyle posing after his decisive victory. 

This is from another tournament this week (December 8, yes I am back posting) where he played well and came in 2nd by tie break. He actually beat the kid who took 1st and had the same record, but the second level for tiebreak put the other kid ahead. Pretty good nonetheless and especially so considering the kids all had at least 3 years on Kyle. Well done Kyle!

Tennis

Kyle had team tennis this morning so Jeff took him there and got to see his fun match. He was playing doubles today. They ended up winning 8-3. 

Kyle's tennis tournament and an amazing compliment

Kyle had his first tennis tournament in his level today. You may remember he played in one earlier this summer, but that one was 2 levels above where he should be playing at this point. The youngest division in most every tournament is under 10, so Kyle has been typically playing against older kids as a 7 year old. And for being the youngin, he has done pretty well considering the differences between a 7 year old and a 10 year old. Out of 6 kids, he came in 3rd. And of the kids who took first and second, he was able to take some matches from them. It was great to see him play and have some success and keep his cool despite playing against bigger and more experienced kids. 

After the tournament was over, the kid who took first place, who is also someone Kyle has lessons with, gave him what is perhaps the best compliment of his life thus far. The kid approached him with his older brother and asked Kyle how old he was. (I was speaking with his father earlier and his son is 10.) When Kyle told him he is 7, the kid said, "Wow, that's great! You are going to be a pro someday! I can see it now - Kyle, the professional tennis player! You can win Wimbledon!" Kyle was so thrilled at such a compliment because Kyle dreams of winning Wimbledon. So he excitedly told him, "Yea I want to win Wimbledon someday!" And the boy's brother also gave him a great man-pat on the shoulder, telling him great job and to keep on playing, that starting young will be great for his tennis. It was such an amazing exchange that my recap isn't doing it justice. 

Here is one point from the day.