Soccer 2011

Another year of soccer is underway.  All three kids get in on the action this year, and wouldn't you know it, on three separate nights.  The obvious plus to this is that I get to watch each and every game the kids play without running between kids games. The obvious minus, is that we are gone every night . . . . for a little while anyway. But we can be home by 8:30 and it is great fun to watch . . . especially as they get older.

Kevin is having a great year so far . . . . although his team has not yet won.  He has been a pretty good sport about that -- even telling me yesterday afternoon that, "Mom, you know, I don't even really care if I lose anymore. I just like having fun playing."  But after another loss last night, he was fighting back the tears after the final whistle.  I am proud of how he is trying to tame his competitiveness.  Soccer is a passion for Kevin and because he is so passionate, he is the funnest to watch.

 Kade just might be having his breakout year.  In his first game he scored two goals and the second game at least one . . . the third game - none - but I think that is b/c I wasn't there to cheer him on;)

 I still think his favorite part is snack time, although he seems to prefer playing this year, to sitting on the blanket.  So progress is being made!

 Kade is not passionate about soccer.  He has a much more laid back approach to sports than Kevin.  Soccer is fun for him.  He likes it.  He likes being with the other kids.  He likes the snacks.  It is something to do. He enjoys it, but I don't think he anticipates his soccer night the way Kevin does.  It's fun to see how they are so different.

 Kylie is our rookie.  She is off to a good start.  She goes on the field.  She does the warm ups. She takes shots. She runs with the crowd during the game - although she remains at the edge of the herd. And, if the ball happens to end up at her feet, she may even kick it!

 She has also learned to be comfortable enough to talk to her coach.  So whenever someone else on the team says,"I need a rest." or is told to take a rest, Kylie is quick to walk up to the coach and state that she needs a rest too. 

 Her team is full of kids that like to take their turn resting, so it is often a struggle to get six kids to take the field. I always tell my kids, that if there is a chance to play - PLAY!!!  But at four years old, she is not really taking my advice.  So sometimes I, along with a number of other parents, strongly encourage her to get on the field!  The highlight for Kylie is DEFINITELY the popsicles/freezies.

 Aren't they a colourful bunch?!

I love summer - and one of the reasons is soccer. It makes for a busy week, but it is such a carefree busy. Every night I grab a coffee and a lawnchair and sit for an hour. (When else would I get that chance?!!!)