Soccer

Annie has been asking to try out soccer since she decided to not go back to gymnastics in January. But I kept putting it off. This summer I noticed that the city had a soccer class for 4/5 year-olds that seemed perfect so I told Annie that we could do it. Just once a week, indoors, seemed perfect to see if she really would like it. She got all excited, then when I went to sign up it was full! (What kind of soccer class only has 8 kids in it?) So I went ahead and signed her and Ryan up for a regular soccer team, which means 2 practices a week, plus a game. In the summer heat. Ugh.
Half way through the first practice Annie decided she didn't like soccer. She had had swimming lessons earlier that day, it was hot, and she was exhausted. I convinced her it would be better the next week when we wouldn't have swim lessons and she agreed to try again. Ryan has a blast, but gets tired part way through most practices. And Annie still gets tired, but doesn't seem to mind as much, and pushes through.
This morning was the first game and Annie did NOT want to go because she was so nervous. But they got out there and had so much fun. And there were special snacks at the end, so it was a success. (Annie is a food lover, so snacks make the whole experience great.) They had fun running around being cheered on, too. Games are way more fun than practice, Ryan and Annie both agreed.

 They have a great coach that is great with kids.

Ryan and Annie before kickoff.

 Annie got to take a turn at goalie. She loved it because it was less running. :) And the ball stayed down at the other end for most of her turn in the goal.

 Grapes for half-time snack.

 Water break:

 Ryan had a turn as goalie, too.

I don't think he realized that he was supposed to try and stop the ball from going in. Or that he could use his hands. He watched a ball roll right past him into the goal without moving to stop it. But it was good. We have a few kids that are very athletic that kept scoring, so it was good for the other team to get another point so it wasn't such a blow out. :) Though we still won by a good margin.

Ryan and Annie both came away super excited and happy about soccer.