July 8--Opening Ceremony

Another fun filled and action packed day here in Hawaii. We started early--at 7:30--with a spirited practice at the field across the street. I have seen amazing progress over the past few days and I hope that it carries through to the games.

We then treated the girls to a full breakfast (not just the pretty good continental breakfast we have been having at the hotel) at a local landmark around the corner from the hotel, Eggs & Things. We had eggs, and things. In large quantities.

After breakfast, the team went to the nearest beach for a swim and some more beach time. And yes, they are wearing sunscreen, although the sun is so strong that some of the girls are getting a bit of sunburn anyway.

It was a quick lunch, then back to the hotel for showers and changing into uniforms to go to the opening ceremonies. We headed out to the fields, ran into bad traffic, and finally arrived at the fields, which are beautiful, and spent a bit too much time waiting around. We met kids from other regions, traded pins and waited. Finally, we marched into the stadium with all of the other teams. It was fun to walk into a crowded stadium, with people cheering.

The National Games provided some more Polynesian style entertainment and fireworks.

Then, we crawled out (great field complex, not enough roads), and ordered pizza. Which we are waiting for.

Tomorrow is Soccerfest and the youth event at a water park.

Pictures will be up on the blog soon. Most of today's pictures are by Hannah (except for the one of the team sitting on the field, which I took.)

Actual soccer gets played tomorrow!!!