For Aiden, 3 down and 1 to go. For Taylor, 1 down and 3 to go

 The High School soccer season ended a few weeks ago.  The boys made it to the semi finals after getting an unexpected and highly emotional win against Ironwood in the quarter finals.  They lost to Salpointe in the semis.  Salpointe has won the state title for the past 5-6 years and are nearly impossible to beat.

While the Walden boy's program is a bit of a chaotic mess, Aiden had a really good time playing this season.  He is comfortable and confident on the back line and enjoyed having some other strong players back there to help carry the load.  Because he wasn't stressed about his play time, he was able to just enjoy playing the game and being part of the team.  The team's skill level is a great fit for Aiden.  It was fun to see him enjoy it so much.  With that, though, came some emotional losses.  I've never seen Aiden get so upset about a loss.  He was nearly inconsolable, thinking the score was his fault.  It was hard to see him so upset, and we had to remind him that this is a team sport, he doesn't carry the load himself, and that he can play a great game and still lose.  The score isn't the whole story.  We are so proud of the player he has become.  He is a smart player who makes quick and accurate decisions.  Most of all, he has a love for the game that has enriched his teen years immensely.  Can't believe there's only one more year of soccer for him.

Taylor's season ended the same way Aiden's did, with a loss against Salpointe in the semifinals.  The trouble was that Walden girls had beat Salpointe last year to claim the state title.  So, this loss felt like a let down and was pretty heart breaking for the team.  But, the season has been an incredibly positive and motivating experience for Taylor.  She saw the upperclassmen playing and was inspired to work towards that level.  At the end of the year banquet, she was awarded MVP of the JV team, which was very flattering.  Coach Jose, said he wants her to work on her technical abilities during the off season (especially working the ball under pressure) and she is creating a plan to make it happen.  It's so fun to see her work hard.  She's pretty disciplined and self motivated.

Amidst all that soccer, Taylor worked to prepare for the piano ensemble concert.  I'm not going to lie, it was rough trying to get that song learned when she really had no time to practice.  Teri, her teacher, was so good about giving her extra lessons when Taylor was available in order to make sure she made some progress each week.  When ensemble weekend came, she had it learned and enjoyed playing with her two besties again.  I am not sure she will be able to do piano again this next year.  To be honest, I'm very concerned about the amount of commitments she's got her Sophomore year, but we will see.  She is a multi-talented girl with lost of passions and drive, so it's hard to hold her back.  

Emma also performed in the ensemble.  They have an alumni piece and she decided to learn it in Flagstaff and come down to perform.  I am proud of her willingness to learn new songs in the middle of all the college stuff she's got going on.  It was really fun to see her play.