Soccer

First, I would like to take a moment to share a safety tip. This is Zach. He is 2 years old (31 months, actually). He likes to be a big boy. He likes to drink from cups and bottles the same way his big sister does, the same way his parents do. But you have to be careful. Because this adorableness... Can lead to this... Don't let the cute face distract you. Seriously- don't look in those big brown eyes! But DO look at that upper lip. He created such a strong suction on his upper lip that he actually gave himself a hickey!! But the real reason we are there is to play soccer! Teagan is participating in soccer through the local YMCA. There is a different lesson each week- on team work or a healthy diet or respect. The first 30 minutes are practice and drills. The second 30 minutes are a game- which is crazy hilarious to watch! All the kids have these ginormous jerseys that they wear. They work on passing and dribbling and kicking and running and shooting. They focus on not using their hands. They practice the overhand throw from the sidelines. They talk about in bounds and out of bounds. Some of the kids really pay attention. Some of the kids cry. Some of the kids stand around. Some of the kids do... watever it is that she's doing... Generally, she does pay attention. She is learning about endurance and team work. We, as parents, are learning a lot about encouragement and where the line is to push and where the line is to let her stop. Teagan really gets in there and gets aggressive with the ball. She isn't quite to a point that she takes the ball and runs it down the field. But she is a great team player and is often available to assist the player who does have control of the ball. She is focused on the other yellow players. She wants to make a goal but seems to really understand that each goal accomplished is a team effort. She can take a fall. She can make smart moves. She has a mom and dad and little brother cheerings from the sidelines. But most of all... the thing she really loves about soccer... and I can tell that this is what she loves best because she's got her signature focus face on (the tongue sticking out)... ... is when she RUNS! And, of course, the celebrating when she gets to where she's going. Soccer is held each week at a small local church. This is a fantastic outreach for them and they take advantage of it well. If I didn't have a church home, I would be interested in visiting this church because the people are so friendly. The church provides a nice port-a-potty (it really is nice- the pot itself has this little door for the bottom of the toilet so it isn't just a hole leading down to worst uckiness, the bowl gets cleaned with this blue water scented stuff, and there is even a sink and soap and paper towels!). The church also sells concessions- hot dogs, nachos, chips, fruit snacks, drinks, etc. We typically go to McAlister's Deli for lunch but... Teagan has asked to eat lunch at soccer next time. Hot dogs, bottled flavored water, and being part of this little piece of a community. Now if only there was an easy way to instantly get the stink off my kid before she gets in the van...