Fall for us means the start of another soccer season, and this year I was able to sign all 3 of the boys up to play! However, it didn't occur to me then that they might have games at the same time on Saturdays, and not only would I have to make sure they got to their fields on time, but I would also have to figure out who was going to cheer each one on since I couldn't be in two (or three) places at once! Thankfully, the boys have wonderful grandparents that are awesome when it comes to them needing people to embarrass cheer them on!
Soccer boys...
Looking too cute in his uniform...
Lined up with his fellow teammates...
Practicing with his coach...
Kicking it like a pro...
Team huddle - Go Blackhawks...
Game time...
When the actual game started, he freaked out a little and ended up standing in the middle of the field frozen with fear.
He did the same thing at the 2nd game of the season once practice was over and the game started. However, this time his coach gently grabbed his hand and guided him during an entire quarter. After that, Aaron was no longer nervous and really got into the game! Since then he's been great!!
Austin, on the other hand, hasn't been as motivated to play this season. I did ask him if he really wanted to play before I signed him up, and of course he said yes. And then the first practice of the season rolled around and he was no longer interested. However, I told him he had to at least give it a try for a while and see how it goes. I wasn't able to go to his first two games because of schedule conflicts with Aaron's games, but I was told he was reluctant about going out on the field and then didn't pay much attention to what his coach told him to do when he was out there. I was finally able to watch his 3rd game, and saw firsthand how uninterested he was in playing.
Austin looking sharp in his WHITE uniform...
(I'd still like to meet the idiot whoever thought white was a good color choice for a soccer uniform)
Chasing after the ball...
Keeping up with his friends...
Exhausted after running his little heart out...
When he came to get a drink from me during half time, I told him how great he was doing going after the ball. That is when he informed me that he wasn't running after the ball, but instead trying to catch the other teams players with his "pretend" lasso. When he went back in for the 3rd quarter, I did notice his cowboy technique, but was still proud of him for being out there. That was until a few minutes later when I looked over and he was s-p-r-a-w-l-e-d out in the middle of the field. His coach ran onto the field, helped him up and brought him over to me. When I asked what happened his coach said that Austin told him he had "run out of energy and couldn't play anymore". And with that, we decided soccer may not be the best activity for him. :)
He'd much rather look for bugs with Aaron...
Or cheer on his big brother, Andrew...
As for Andrew, he absolutely loves soccer still! And he's come such a long way in the past 4 years! His skill and knowledge of the game amazes me, and I hope he stays this enthused about it as the years go on. This season was a little sad for us when we found out that he couldn't have the same coach and teammates he has had the last 3 years due to new league rules. However, he's adjusting well with his new teammates and is quite fond of his new coach, too. He's also gotten quite a kick playing against his old coach, as well as the other teams his old friends were placed on. Now I just need to adjust and form some friendships with the new parents :)
Andrew pumped to play...
Team huddle before the game...
Waiting to start...
Playing hard...
Catching a breath...
Back at it again...
Playing tough...
And a huge thanks to my parents - the boys' biggest fans!!!
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