Soccer Saturdays

I always looked with pity those parents who were stuck on the sidelines all Saturday morning, in the rain, cold, blazing heat. I would cruise on by in my dry/warm/cool car thanking my lucky stars that I was not one of them...yet. I knew the day was coming, but I figured that maybe Ed could take over that aspect of parenting, and I could stay at home. Then E started soccer in kindergarten, and I found that I couldn't really stay in the comfort of my home in good conscience while I made my 5 year old go out and brave the elements for an hour of running. If I was going to put her through torture, the least I could do was cheer her on. And she did think it was torture, so after serving her time and putting in two years, she was allowed to move on to other pursuits while we had a blessed year of soccer free Saturdays. (Can you tell I am not a big sports fan?)

And then it was N's turn. The first few weeks were pleasant enough, with sun, moderate temperatures and our whole family went out to the field to support him. And then it started to cool down, and we had a couple of rainy Saturdays. So there I sat, that parent, huddled on the sidelines in my canvas chair, trying to shield my body as well as KK's with the umbrella, cheering for my sodden son as he chased the ball. N doesn't seem to mind the weather, and cheerfully heads out to play each Saturday. He seems to enjoy the game, so I have a feeling we have many years ahead of us. Even though I don't love the game, I love the player.

The Red Dragons

• Well, it is clear that E has inherited more than my crafty genes, she has also received my "athletic" ones too. I have kind of suspected all along, but it was very clear today in the game that she doesn't quite have the hustle and drive that I am sure my sisters possessed at that age. She started out pretty cheerfully, running along, attempting to kick the ball, but by the end she was clearly dragging, running behind the crowd of little girls, not even attempting to put her foot on the ball. It was super hot, so she did get overheated, and it was probably the most sustained "running" that she has ever done. We were just glad she didn't end in tears, and that she had fun, at least in the beginning before getting so hot and tired. I think her favorite part was after the game, when she got to play on the playground and have a soft pretzel.
  As a side note, her friend, Allison, is on the same team, and that girl has got the moves! She was weaving in and out, stealing the ball, dribbling up the field and scored so many times I lost count after 6! It was impressive to watch, and hard to believe it was her first game too. The girl has a future in athletic pursuits!
  
  The team warms up E has her turn to dribble and....
  Score! E and Allison before the first kick
  After the game, a pretzel and a smile!