Josh the Tater--er, SOCCER--Tot

Josh was very excited to start soccer this year.  He'd been going to Gracie's games for the last 2 years and FINALLY (eternity in a kids' mind!) it was his turn.

We weren't quite sure if we could handle starting him at four like we did Gracie, but when it's only one evening a week to commit to, we decided to try it.  [Sidenote: This "team" picture took the photographer TEN minutes to arrange kids.  Arranging 4-year olds is like herding cats, people, herding cats.  I have never laughed so hard in all my life.]

Josh had the most amazing coach this year:  Coach Russ.  He had an IMMENSE amount of energy and worked SO WELL with this age group.  I think he may have been the biggest kid out there, playing "Sleeping Dragon" and "Journey through the Forest."  It was Joshy's haven.

 

Josh had so much fun the first practice, but when it came to week two, he was really nervous, and said he didn't want to go.  After a little digging, I found out that he didn't want to go because he was afraid that he wouldn't make a goal like he did in the first practice!  Sheeesh!  Such big worries at a young age.  Jeff and I made sure to compliment him, from that point forward, on his hustle and how hard he worked out on the field.  His response, "And did you see I made a GOAL?!?"  Too funny.  

So Jeff and I will be the weird parents that you hear on the sidelines yelling, "Good hard work out there!" and "We like how you kept running hard even when you were tired!" and "Goal? What goal?  We just saw the amazing pass that your teammate gave to you before you scored!"  Our kids will be so messed up...

 Stretching was fun when you put "PB and jelly" on your shoes before you "ate it up"…

After his last practice, we weren't even off of the field when Joshy was asking what sport was next.

So excited that he had a good experience.  But no more team sports for a few months, PLEASE!  :)