FINDING PEAK FORM AND PIZZA IN PHOENIX

I spent last weekend with Cate in Mesa, Arizona for a weekend of soccer. The weekend was a chance for Cate's team to qualify for the National Championships for the second year in a row. However, doing so required them to win all three of their scheduled games, which was no small feat.

We started off strong, winning our first match 9-2. Cate had a beautiful goal from the top of the box and an assist, and the team was flying. We tied the second game 1-1, surrendering a late goal from a set piece. In the final game, we beat the team who had beat the top of our group 1-0. While we did not get the nine points we needed to automatically qualify, we can still get in if one of the remaining teams - who have played one game less - loses. We will hold our breaths. Our team can also advance by winning a Regional championship in June, so there is still hope!

More than the weekend of soccer and seeing Cate boss the midfield, I enjoyed spending time with her. We checked out Pizzeria Bianco, which critics on a Chef's Table episode on Netflix called the best pizza place in America. We watched the horror film, "The Menu," together, and we had some fun eating conveyer belt sushi!

These trips are about so much more than soccer. I know Cate is grateful to be able to take these trips and do travel soccer. I, too, am grateful to have these trips and bonding time. Let's hope we make the Big Dance. Even if we don't, the road to get there has already been memorable!