Fun for parents and kids in Atlanta

     After we finished our team dinner on Saturday, the girls all headed back to the hotel to hang out together. So we decided to have a bit of non-volleyball fun ourselves. After looking for something like a miniature golf course we explored the greater Atlanta area and did find one- what seemed to not be in the best part of town. When the first 3 spots of the parking lot are reserved with large signs for Metro Police, we took that as a literal sign that was probably a place we didn't want to hang out at after dark. So we did a bit of searching and found a fun (and safe) place to hang out for the evening.

The name says it all. Fun for big and small here!

 

First we played my first ever 4 way air hockey. Fun, but not nearly enough air for the puck to glide across the table.

 

John, JT, and Lindsay raced in NASCAR video game. The guys took the checked flag in 1st place.

 

The other full family game- a virtual pirate ship game where we commanded the ship and shot all of the bad guys trying to steal our treasure.

 

Lindsay discovered a mini bowling game.

 

The best deal of the night for the games- a hunting game John played for at least 15 minutes on a single play.

 

 Then it was time for the real fun to begin- go karts!

 

 We started out putting on hair caps. What exactly am I looking at? No clue!

 

 Stocking cap on and ready for his helmet.

 

 Getting strapped in.

 

 It was hard to hear JT talk in his helmet so a thumbs up worked just as well.

 

 Apedaile ladies looking good and ready to go.

 

Just about GO TIME!

 

 I signed up for a double rider kart in the junior track for JT and myself.

 

 Lindsay was able to ride solo on the junior track. She could actually drive on the adult course since she has her license, but we all wanted to ride together.

 

 Strapped in and ready to burn some rubber!

 

 Lindsay approaching the turn.

 

 JT absolutely loved it! He thought he was driving the go kart since he had his own steering wheel.

 

 The karts in the junior section go about 35 mph and they slide when you make sharp turns. SO MUCH FUN!

 

 You can see how much fun JT is having in this photo.

 

Lindsay had a blast!

 

 

JT was declared the winner after we finished. This activity is something we will be looking for in our area we had so much fun! Looking forward to trying the adult track where the karts typically go about 55mph.

Setting up the hit

    While shooting TONS of photos when we were in Atlanta, I managed to capture a few special moments. I was often shooting in sports mode- the shutter was snapping every second or so. Easier to capture the girls in motion. When editing the photos, I found that I had this sequence of Madi setting up Courtney to hit. I thought it was pretty cool to see them together. Enjoy!



SRVA Tournament Day 2

     Day two started at a much more agreeable time for the 16 North team- 11am. Plenty of time for a great nights rest and a good breakfast in the system. It turned into a fantastic day and the girls played some of their best games as a team. It was so exciting to watch them come together so strongly.

16 North ready to play 

 

 

 Courtney warming up
 

 

The girls are getting ready to kick some booty.
 

 When the warm up time for serving started JT joined some of the Dad's to shag the balls.
 

 It was one of his favorite tasks and he proved to be a true mascot all weekend.
 

 Ready to dominate!
 

 High 5's
 

 Pass
 

 Set
 

 Hit!
 

 Our #22 in action
 

 

 Meagan setting up for a hit.
 

 Ruthie, Caylee, and Lauren are ready to attack the serve.
 

 Concentrating on her serve
 

 Kaitlyn on the attack!
 

 and again!
 

 Hannah Grace at the net
 

 

 Love these action shots
 

 

 16 North for the win!!! *Score is on the left side of the photo.
 

 Good game ladies
 

 JT was so excited with the win that he ran over to the huddle to congratulate the team.
After a brief break, we headed over to court 48 for our next match.
 

 Meagan getting ready to attack
 

 Go Meagan!!!
 

 Something I noticed over the season is when the team scores a point, Courtney almost always has a big smile. I was finally able to capture that moment this weekend.
 

22 in flight
 

 Courtney and Lauren getting ready
 

 Lauren passing that ball!
 

 Courtney also had a few great blocks during the tournament.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This match ended up going to a tiebreak 3rd game. 16 north ended up losing by 2 points. It was heartbreaking to see the season end, but I can't say enough just how hard and well the girls played at SRVA. It was the perfect culmination of 5 months of blood, sweat, and tears.

 

This season couldn't have been possible without THE BEST coach. Sara came to our team in the 12th hour, but it was obvious from the start that is was simply meant to be. Her passion, experience, and dedication to the team had such an impact on and off the court. Thank you so much Coach Sara, the ladies of 16 North, and the wonderful families that helped make this season possible. Many lifelong friends were made this season and I look forward to seeing these young ladies grow.