Soccer, Soccer, Soccer :)
Emma with her friend Nathan at a recent Soccer game. They are way too cute (and Nathan’s papa amazing with a camera). Though our soccer experience started off a bit rough, it got better (cute movie there) and this year Emma is really enjoying herself. I think I’m poised to win a bet. During the last Football (soccer 
World Cup, I was living in Germany. I predicted to a friend, who was disparaging American Soccer, that the U.S. would hit the top four in a World Cup by 2020. My reasons?
Unlike many sports (baseball/softball a noteable exception) in America, soccer playing now is started young, very young, and on a wide scale. Very young. All my nephews and nieces have played since early elementary school and most are still playing. This trend will see a rising number of young and talented players in American soccer… but more importantly it’s raising a large number of people who love and are interested in soccer as a sport. This will translate into great players AND the audience.
By 2020 many of these young players… all of them in fact… will be soccer playing and watching adults.
Soccer is coming of age in the U.S. and even the move of soccer superstar Beckham to a U.S. team is indicative of that.
Our bet? If the U.S. gets to the top four, he’ll pay for an all-expense paid trip to Europe for my family and friends (up to 6 I think it was). If it doesn’t, I’ll do the same for him for a trip to the U.S.
Just consider Emma’s soccer practice my little contribution to making that bet 
About The Author
I read your blog a few years back (via Shanni) and recently found the link on her site once again. I cannot believe how big Emma is getting!
Since last reading, we have adopted two special needs kids and now your story holds even more amazement for me (as do all adoptive families.)
I have a lot of catching up to do!
Did I mention she is ADORABLE?!?!
Reply to CJ