What a beautiful spring day it is today! Sping in our valley can go from great to FREEZING in what seems a matter of hours, but I guess it keeps us on our toes and we never feel bored (just cold)! This year none of my children have chosen to play soccer (Tayler and Saige were a "for sure" NO and Kenna didn't want to until she found out some of her friends were playing - then it was too late. Next year :)) I think that spring can best be summed up by any "soccer parent" (not that I am one this year!) I do see the little teams out starting up their practices though (come rain, shine or snow). At a spring soccer game you never know what you might need, so the best idea is to dress in layers and keep the van stocked. Blankets, gloves, raincoats, coats, chairs, umbrellas, and a random pair of shorts for the child that is "Burning Up" when you are freezing. (Occasionaly a port-a-potty would be helpful as well - for the children of course). As a parent you sit there and cheer through it all - even if you do decide to sit in the car for most of the game (the key is to reassure them that you saw "every move").
Saige and Tayler both started playing soccer when they were four. At this age it is hilarious to watch, and it barely resembles "soccer." There isn't much "talent" out on the field yet... just basically a mob of kids running up and down the field huddled around a black and white ball. (Or as my dad says "Sardines in a can"). No one REALLY kicks it either, because "there are other kids in the way", and "I might kick them". And although we are excited for the rare score that happens (sometimes in their own goal), we receive our greatest reward from watching little kids chasing butterflys, skipping and picking dandelions (yes during the game). Saige was a "classic butterfly chaser" and was admittedly there for the end of the game... which is when she received her hard earned snack!! (I could have saved myself a lot of cold and wet games by just buying a box of capri suns, packaged Rice Krispie Treats and a few orange slices.) But the memories are priceless! The following clip is among the all time best from our home video collection. It's one of those moments that as a parent you should never laugh - but how can you help it! Of course you initially check to see that they are OK, then you look away so they don't see you busting up. I was so excited that I had actually caught this moment on video... every parent has to admit that they have their video cameras running in the hopes of catching a moment just like this! The only thing that might have been better is if we had got a video of her a few games later when her pigtail got caught in the goal net. We were laughing way too hard, and Shane couldn't control himself as he ran over to help her get "uncaught". She did NOT think it was funny AT ALL!
2 comments:
Ouch! You ought to send it into AFV (America's Funniest Videos) so they can use it in one of their "How many people get his with a ball in the time it takes this dog to get over the fence?" segment.
Amanda is playing this year, but I'm NOT coaching. Whew! She did, however, admit that she misses me as a coach. Apparently I'm organized and have fun practices. Who knew?
Christie - You were a great coach! We loved it when you would tell those cute little ones to "be like a bubble", meaning spread out!
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