Little Birds

The Little Birds have been a major part of my life since April.

Nine girls and I began this summer journey unaware of where it would lead us. I had to convenience all the parents I was capable, and had an amazing coach. Between calling, meeting, and hiring the Little Bird program was off and running.

I am super proud of how each week they scurry onto the field to practice for an hour. Lots of water breaks, begging to play animal tag, and screams. But some of the best memories from these squirts is when they run up to me yelling "Ms. Emily, Ms. Emily.. I love you!" Having a young child look up at you with the innocent, round eyes and sincerely tell you they love you just melts my heart.

Here a couple of funny stories from this season:

1.) We were practicing on the field one afternoon. The sprinkler system has a timer. I was unaware of this. Needless to say in the middle of Rocking Robin the sprinkler was unleashed and the girls were sprayed from both directions. The practice had a short intermission while the girls frolicked through the summer water fun.

2.) Hannah has always been extremely afraid of Cagey Canary. Well Hannah started crying when Cagey appeared during the beginning of the game. The other girls formed around her and started yelling for Cagey to leave. What happen next made me just laugh and applaud. Emma, Hannah's sister, marched up to Cagey and popped him in the beak, shook her finger, and yelled at Cagey to scat. Emma then turned around, hands on hips, and informed me Cagey had to leave since he was scaring her sister. Proud!!

3.) Honorary Little Bird. The entire group came up with this idea to have a non-Little Bird girl honored during the game. They all signed a pennant and the girl's name was drawn out. When the girl was announced, the girls all congratulated her and told her she did great! The Honorary Little Bird had a huge smile and couldn't quit shaking... cutest thing ever!

In conclusion, the group maybe small, may cause some headaches and extra time, may have mild cases of ADD... but they do have the biggest hearts, smiles, and energy levels, just what I need to keep my youth inside me alive.