We had our last day of training today, then we have a practice game tomorrow and it's home for the holidays.

 

The training session today was all about the details, about preparing for the game. This was not as tough as some of the earlier practices this week. We played a bit of 11 v 11 and then worked on a few set plays. Now all we have to do is focus on the noon time, kick-off against the Vikings All Star team.

I don't know much about this Vikings team we are meant to be playing, but I do know a few players who are starting for them. This will be a good team. These types of games are never easy, especially at the end of a hard camp, and  we are going to have to play very well to beat them.

 

I was happy to see my old Tennessee teammate Jenny Jeffers is playing for them. She was a great player for the Lady Volunteers team and I was lucky enough to play with her for a couple of years. Another familiar face will be Sasha Andrews, a long time teammate of mine with Team Canada. It was really great to see both of these friends again and I am looking forward to being out on the field with them again. This time, they will be playing for the opposition.

Yesterday evening was spent quite raucously as the demands of the camp wind down. It was time for the Team Canada Christmas gift exchange. This event became a tradition last year in Brazil, and we were all more than pleased to continue it.

 

Tanc has done her utmost to make up "traditions," that we have just had to continue this year. For some reason I just can't remember the tradition of singing a cappella last year!

 

Three teammates showed up dressed as Cindy Lou Who, and I thought Mel had the best hair ... any thoughts? Tanc showed up wearing a Santa hat made from two pairs of white soccer socks and some red sliders: Impressive.

 
Hands down, the best gift of the evening hade to be Sophie's knitted neck-warmer. I traded for it, but had it stolen which is very sad. I ended up getting a piggy bank in the form of a hamburger.... where do you even buy something like this? I also managed to secure some Burt's Bees - very much appreciated. Night to all, and to all a good night.