Soccer Game #2

Anden did much better staying on the field this week! As for actively participating in the game, we'll have to work on that. But he did run his little heart out...only because that's what the pack was doing.

On this lovely day, it happened to be Anthem AutumnFest and the carnival was on the other side of the park. Luckily for us the Ferris Wheel, in all it's glory, was directly behind our goal just taunting and tempting Anden's attention. As he would run past me I would hear him yell out, "I just want to go on the rides!" Then on the next pass by, "Cmon! The Ferris Wheel.....!"

We had a full team of kids that actually stayed on the field. So he got much needed substitution breaks to cool down and replenish the fluids. It was 92 degrees and we all got sunburns. Seeing as it's late October, I somehow overlooked the need for sunscreen. During these breaks I spent the whole time explaining to him that the rides weren't working yet and we could go tonight when the sun went to sleep. Reluctantly, he agreed to wait. Then it was his turn to play again. He rushed back out there and glanced up. At that very moment a pillar of light shown down on the Ferris Wheel and miraculously it was awakened. Time stood still as it began it's magical circular movements. Anden froze and his jaw dropped. He sprinted back over to me, "It's Working! It's Working! Let's go now!!" Who knew the rides started at noon that day?! Just my luck. Now we had full motion rides going in the distance with squeals of delight to go along with it. And our field happened to face right in that very direction.

In the second half, Anden decided he was too hot and tired to play. So I secretly whispered to him, "Ok I'll give you a dollar if you stay on the field and attempt to kick the ball." Usually I bribe with candy, but I brought out the big guns today. You see, Jer was out of town so I had the dubious task of wrestling Taylee alone while attempting to watch the game and negotiate with Anden over soccer vs carnival. I needed some help here. So we shook on it and off he ran. I was so proud of him until I noticed he happened to run right to his coach and excitedly scream, for all to hear, "My Mommy's giving me a dollar to play soccer!" All sorts of stares came piercing right in my direction. I chuckled and shrugged...although I felt like yelling, "OK GUILTY!"

We're the green team. The three serious players are 4 yr olds. The two outliers are 3 yr olds. My child being one of them.

This pic is from Tuesday's practice. I didn't understand this "drill" of balancing your elbow on the ball. Hhm maybe that's why I'm not the coach?!