Dutch Dancing/Tulip Time (2022)

  It is a very beautiful thing - to be from a Tribe. To know where you've come from so that you can know where you're going. To have a sense of identity and belonging. To know each street, the bittersweet memories, and even that youthful angst to travel and flee. 

To be grounded. To know the secret handshake, and the synchronicity of the dance... This is where you are from, and although you may not stay here forever - here will stay forever with you.

This week is the first time that Tulip Time has been activated, after a two year hiatus via Covid. Some of your formative seasons have been forfeited, and now you're back into the swing of things, picking up where you left off, "Hiya!"

So the sun has finally returned, just in time for the spring flowers to explode. Green grass and wooden shoes and that familiar sound of wooden shoes tapping agains the concrete... You poured your heart out on the soccer field, only to rush downtown in your costume for Dutch Dancing. You twirled and kicked and smiled and almost fainted. We stopped for hamburgers and you sat in the grass. By the time we dropped you off at your mom's house, Teresa had to carry you to the door because you were literally too tired to walk. 

That's my Ambrosia I Tosia. 

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More Soccer Pictures!

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Setting and Scoring Goals: JV Soccer

This season you have continued to develop into a solid soccer player, learning all of the mechanics and fundamentals of passing, blocking, making runs, and finishing goals! It has been so fun to watch you gaining confidence in your dribbling techniques, and slicing through defenders at will. 

The last couple of games in particular, your team has gone back and forth with great shots on goal. Your team is actually winning, even without Ashley and Emma most of the time! I love standing on the sidelines shouting instructions and cheering for you. I love it when you get the ball because I know you're going to either develop a solid pass or unleash a good shot on the goalie. 

Last season I got the "Hype Man" award from your team! This season I just want to capture as much video for you as possible, just like my dad for all of my games. 

A few days ago we went to Jon & Sara's for the afternoon. We watched old highlight videos of Jon's season at West Michigan Christian. He went all the way to the state finals, and set the school record in goals, and we also watched some of my own highlights. You were inspired by the footage, and I could see your mind working.... wanting to play with the same passion and intensity. But more importantly, have fun!

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