Well, we entered the world of soccer. I can't believe that a three year old can play sports, and I honestly can't say I agree with it. However, for an active little boy, he needed something. And bless his sweet heart, he has been drug from activity to activity for his sister, since birth, it was time for him to have a little something!
This season was everything I expected - chaos, tears, tantrums, fun, hot, and plenty cute.
I love the first of things. The first time of things. It's always the biggest mess and the cutest.
I mean, I could have eaten him up!
That sweet, happy face. He was SO excited. And then the first practice was cancelled because of thunderstorms. Bless his sweet heart. He just got this sad look on his face and cried quietly. It surprised me so much. I would have expected a screaming, loud, meltdown, tantrum from Addie Kate. But Drew just quietly cried. His little heart broken. Bless him. When he does that it tears me to shreds.
But, we had practice number two....
and he loved it. He listened to every single word and did exactly what the coach did. I was so proud and not the least surprised. He always listens (to everyone else) completely and perfectly. This was no exception and I was so proud.
Then we reached the first game. It was hot and muggy.
Keeping big sister on the sidelines was close to impossible. They have a playground right there, and I reluctantly let her play on it. I hated it because I stayed on the soccer field. I constantly looked back and forth at the field and the playground.
(Drew is pointing here at the goal he's supposed to go towards.)
This face, above, is one we saw often. Nervous.
Look at him GO!!!!
Sweet babe made a goal most games.
But most games were tears, sitting on the field, us dragging him out there, etc. He did NOT understand, nor expect, that he'd have to share a ball with others during the games. He had only practiced using his own ball and nobody taking it from him. That did NOT go over well and it was hard to watch him act that way. I grew to not liking the games and hating going. I just hated seeing him frustrated and not having fun. Obviously, Tommy and I could care less if he ever made a goal. We just wanted him to run after the ball and enjoy himself.
Then came the final game. It was chilly, and Drew finally told us that he didn't like the sun in his eyes, so we brought his sunglasses.
A cute little pep talk and hands in from coach.
And then Drew was in! At his age, there are no goalies, they play eight minute quarters, with a short halftime. Each child plays two quarters (if everyone on the team is present - if not, some kids play more than two times.)
Drew ran the whole time! He had a blast! He had fun! He made goals! But most importantly, he loved it!
Drinking out of his water bottle was his other favorite part.
His MOST favorite part was running under the parent "tunnel" after each game.
They had a tiny little awards ceremony where each player got a trophy and a cupcake.
Sweet little thing. So proud of his trophy.
All in all, we enjoyed the season and are glad Drew did it. Tommy and I aren't big on young kids playing the same sport year round, we want them to get exposure to many sports. So Drew will likely not be playing soccer in the spring and we'll give baseball a try. (That should also be interesting. We come from a long line of baseball players and lovers, so we are excited, but hesitant at such a young age.) I will be looking forward to next fall, to see how he does with his second soccer season.
Below are some miscellaneous pictures from the season.
