The Spring Soccer Season Has Started!!

I really really really wanted Hunter to play baseball again this spring, but his heart just wasn't in it. He's on a kick about wanting to try out every sport to see which one he likes the most. He wants to try football, but Perry and I don't think he's ready for that sport. Not that they tackle yet, but he probably would... I knew I was going to sign JP up for soccer, so I signed Hunter up as well. The last few weeks have been a bit chaotic getting the kids to practice, but they're enjoying it so far. 

 Both boys had games last Sunday. Today's games were cancelled due to poor playing conditions since it rained all day yesterday and has been off and on today. (I'm relieved!) Perry and I were both super impressed with Hunter at his game last week! He was "on task" nearly every time he was in. Goalie was a hard position for him - that net was too tempting not to play with! 

 Hunter made me laugh each time there was a throw in. He always held his hands up, as if he were playing basketball.

 Such a little stud with his new hair cut!

I think his favorite position is being a forward. There's not many kids on the team, but I was a little surprised that he only played in two of the four quarters. Ahh well though!

 JP's first game started while Hunter's game was in the 3rd quarter, and it took place on the opposite end of the Fort. I stayed to watch Hunter finish up while Perry took JP over to his game. I'll be real you. I bought JP green socks, not just because he loves green, but so I could tell which one was JP at a quick glance. There are about 8 teams in Hunter's division, and about 20 in JP's since his is co-ed. Somehow they both managed to be on the black teams. So the socks' main purpose is for me to be able to distinguish between the two. Black legs vs green legs.

 I wish I could have watched more of his game, but of what I did see, JP looked to be having fun. For the most part, he hung to the back and let everyone else kick at the ball. He was happy to find out one of his classmates is also on his team. It makes it more enjoyable for me too when I know the kids who are playing. 

 At the end of both games, the parents make a tunnel for all the kids to run through. This was a huge hit with all the kids. I didn't tunnel-up for Hunter's game since Perry wasn't there, but we matched up for JP's and since Hunter wanted in on the action, Perry put him up on his shoulders. Of course Charlotte had to come up on mine then. 

It was a such a beautiful day for their first games and I'm anxious to watch them play again. I'm anxious for picture day too, mostly because I can't wait to see how they smile. I ordered magnets this year :)

2015 Soccer Season Off To A Good Start

It started out as a rough morning for us. Everyone was extra tired from yesterday, and I was wanting to sleep for an extra half an hour. Charlotte woke up around 7 and came running to my room announcing, in a not-so-quiet voice, "I'm wake, mommy! I wake mom! I wake up mommy!" Oh good job, Charlotte...And then she turned on the lights. UGH. I'm so not a morning person. I then found Hunter trying to sneak a bunch of snacks out of the pantry, followed by another pillow fort making the downstairs a disaster. Not what I wanted to wake up to...

We made it to the soccer field with a couple minutes to spare, after hiking clear across the rain soak grass in my heel boots. What was I thinking? 

 JP got his jersey right before the game. He's number 5 and thinks it's super cool, since he's 5. (Hunter 6 in baseball and was 6 years old too..)

 Before the game began, Coach Debi went over the basic things, like how they were going to kick off, and which way to kick the ball. They also decided they were going to be the Sharks when they wear their blue jerseys and the Dragons when they wear the red pinnies. 

JP was chosen to kick the ball off to start the game off. Woot woot!

 Not to be confused, that's about the only time he kicked the ball...There was a little bit of standing around on his part. 

 Occasionally, he would throw it in, or do a corner kick? whatever that is...

But more likely you could him chasing after everyone and running to where the ball was before it was kicked away. He did great regardless. Other than practice the other day, this was really his first time playing soccer. 

 At the very end of the 2nd quarter, he just stopped playing. He instead stood in the center of the field staring at me...like this. 

 There was a little confusion after the half when they switched nets. JP was told to go near the net so he could be ready to kick it in. He instead opted to be the goalie against his team. Ooops!

 

He took a break on the sidelines for a little while, and then came in without his coach's "okay" so they played 5 on 4 for a while before she noticed. 

At the beginning of the 2nd half, it started to lightly rain. By the end of the game, everyone was pretty wet and ready to go. JP said he had a lot of fun and is excited for his next game. I just hope the weather is better! 

JP's First Soccer Practice

I was feeling really, really bad this spring when I signed Hunter up for baseball because we had agreed that JP could play soccer. Then I missed the sign-up deadline for soccer and JP was heartbroken, especially when he found out his friend was in soccer... After talking with his pre-school teacher a few weeks ago, she referred me to a recreational-based soccer club, who has a season in the fall. I put off looking into it a little too long and missed the deadline by a week. I really didn't want to have to break the news to him again, so I emailed and asked if I could still sign him up after the deadline. I'm glad I asked too because they were able to find him a spot. Phew! 

We hustled out of the house this afternoon and were *only* a couple minutes late - got to love 5:00 traffic...But getting out of the house with 3 kids is a challenge alone! JP had a little meltdown when we arrived because Hunter brought JP's soccer ball to play with while practice was going, but JP insisted that he needed it for practice. There were plenty of extra...The things they fight over...

 They did a couple drills at practice, like throwing the ball in-bounds and dribbling. 

 After about half an hour, they played a little game to practice chasing the ball and getting it to *their* net.

 JP did great! He was always on task and it was so much fun to watch all the kids! Coach - "What do you do when someone takes the ball from you?" Little girl - "Start crying." Ha ha ha...

 Since the kids started school, Missoula doesn't seem so big. We're slowly but surely getting to know people. This little girl with JP, above, went to the 2-day pre-school with him. He says he doesn't remember her though.

This little boy has quickly become one of JP's friend's at school. Other than the two in his class that he went to pre-school with, this is the first kid that JP remembers what their name is. (Coincidence? He's the tallest kid in the class. Hunter also picked the tallest kid in his class last year to be friends with first.)

After practice Perry took the kids to the soccer net so he could shoot some goals while I got clued in to where all the games were and what to wear...JP looks so small in the net!