Tennis anyone?

There are some definite advantages to living overseas. One of them is that certain things are cheaper here. Sports and music lessons fall into this category. Emily decided last fall that she wanted to learn how to play tennis. So for Christmas my parents gave her a tennis racket and some tennis lessons. We have a friend (and em's PE teacher) who knew a great coach and so in February after outdoor ed, Emily began tennis lessons. Em's friend (and our former neighbor) Megan also wanted to learn how to play. Since lessons are an hour, we were told it was good to have a buddy or it would be exhausting. Now 2 afternoons a week Emily and Megan go to the covered courts in a neighborhood near the school for lessons. We chose these courts for 2 reasons, we didn't have to wait until the tennis team at school is finished at 4, it's cooler and no sun burn!

Their coach, Jhun, is a former Philippine National Tennis Champ who won his first title at age 14. He is now about 70, but don't let his age fool you--he's active and tough. He's a great teacher and is really working with them to get their form perfect. He also is a great encourager, although Em will tell you he wants things perfect. We keep telling her that's good because she won't to have to correct things later. She loves tennis and is getting good. We are almost to the end of the grandparents lessons, but will probably continue on. Where else can you learn to play tennis for $7 an hour (and that's for 2 so we only pay $3.50)

The pictures in this blog were all taken on Tuesday of this week. The girls were learning how to serve--a much anticipated event. By the end of class Thursday, Em served 6 out of 10 balls correctly- meaning they were legal serves. She was so proud of herself! Wimbledon here we come!

A picture of the inside court