... Also, Isaac had never been in any league, in any sport, before. He had to start with something, sometime!
Isaac had just turned 6, so that meant he was going to be in the 6-8 yr old group.
"He's never played before, he'll be able to learn? I mean, can't he be with the 5 yr olds?"
"Oh, he'll be fine with the 6-8 year olds!"
Well he wasn't. In fact, it was really quiet intimidating for him. He did okay at the practices, but in his first game he had a melt down. The whole concept of team vs team play was so new! And the other kids really knew what they were doing--pushing and shoving and all.
 |
| Isaac' first, and only, game with the "Blue Falcons." |
Eli, oh Eli.
I really thought he'd have a great time learning the game. But pretty much at every practice, 3 out of 4, he cried and wouldn't participate. Which was fine--seriously, he's only 3.
One practice he really did well. He was pretty hilarious bouncing around on the field, clueless about the ball, but having a great time.
 |
| This was the funniest hand slap to date. They couldn't make contact on the first few attempts, but finally they got it! |
 |
| Eli, pretty proud of his lack of goalie skills. |
I was able to talk to the soccer coordinator, and we moved Isaac to an age 5 team. Isaac was really relieved. He had been talking to me and Matt about the games we played as kids and how well we did. I think he was a bit concerned about his next game with the 6-8 yr olds.
His first game was frustrating to watch. Man, alive! "Run, Isaac, run!" He really didn't understand. The coach told him to stay in one position, so he did. He stayed in one spot for almost 40 minutes... well, towards the end he realized that he could move with the other kids and run. But he always got at the back of the group--I guess thinking that it was like getting in line?
and at the end of the game a kid slapped the devil out of Isaac's hand.
But it's okay, we know the kid, he goes to our church ;)
Oh, and Eli refused to play his soccer game that day. Deep breaths, parents. Deep cleansing breaths.
The last two weeks in the season (season 8 weeks long--first 4 practice, last 4 games) I managed the games by myself. A little tricky, but it worked.
October 27th's games were on the weekend where Hurricane Sandy was a'brewin' off of Georgia's shore. Lots of wind that day, which made the 70 degree weather feel more like 55. And it was picture day, which we did not purchase... I think we have enough pictures, don't you think?
Isaac did well that game.
He ran around on the soccer pitch, kicked the ball once, and started to get the team vs. team thing.
And Eli actually wanted to play! Hooray! I didn't think it was going to happen at first: Eli's coach (who goes to our church) asked him to come and play, and he did!
 |
| I had to go back and forth between the games. Something I probably will have to get used to! But here was my view of Isaac while I was at Eli's game. |
 |
| Titus was such the sport during all of this. Willing just to watch and help me cheer... ... Booger on the chin, and all. |
The last weekend we ended on a high. Boys played really well. Isaac was, again, able to kick the ball. And Eli got a goal!
It finished with a breakfast and medal ceremony.
 |
| Happy and blissful. It is so nice when Eli is this way. |
 |
| Eli's friend and church buddy (who's dad was his coach, and who's brother slapped Isaac's hand really hard). |
 |
| Isaac's coach on the left, Eli's coach on the right. |
 |
| Eli's coach, "Eli wasn't always happy, but he played well today and even got a goal!" |
 |
| Isaac's coach, "Isaac wasn't always with us, but we're grateful for what he brought to the team, and how he was able to improve over the weeks." |
Yeah. That was what the soccer season brought us. It was a little overwhelming! But we survived, and the boys are super happy with all that they accomplished and learned.
In fact, Eli is now really upset that soccer is over, and cries because "I want Soccer Game!!"
PS, I'm also grateful for my friends that helped me out when it was just me with all the boys.
Thanks Lizzie, Jessica, and Paige for being great supports!
