...soccer.
Same old story. Different kid.
Daddy bought him this soccer ball sometime ago. He loves this ball.
However, I hated soccer growing up. My dad made me play -- year after year after year... My favorite part was sitting on the sideline. I didn't exactly imagine my kids playing it. At least not until I saw the enthusiasm in Payton's face when he runs. Then I started thinking...
I wonder how he would like soccer...
He was very excited about playing this game until his first practice. It must have been a let down because after that he wasn't quite so excited. His first game was uncomfortable for him. He didn't want to leave our side.
We wanted him to at least try it. Finally, much to Eli's own embarrassment, he took Payton's hand and ran with him on the field. When he didn't hold Payton's hand Payton just stood there -- like a frowning statue. I hated to see my child so uncomfortable out there.
But, after that, practice wasn't so bad. He began to kick the ball, laugh, play and just have fun. Finally, we had a weekend good enough for game 3. The assistant coach invited Payton onto the field to kick some goals with him for warm up. Before Payton could hide, I told him I would time him to see how fast he could run out there and began counting. That was his cue. He took off running!?!?! Yeah!
(Not only is he competing with his teammate (Hunter) for the ball, they are going the wrong way.)
Daddy bought him this soccer ball sometime ago. He loves this ball.
However, I hated soccer growing up. My dad made me play -- year after year after year... My favorite part was sitting on the sideline. I didn't exactly imagine my kids playing it. At least not until I saw the enthusiasm in Payton's face when he runs. Then I started thinking...
I wonder how he would like soccer...
He was very excited about playing this game until his first practice. It must have been a let down because after that he wasn't quite so excited. His first game was uncomfortable for him. He didn't want to leave our side.
We wanted him to at least try it. Finally, much to Eli's own embarrassment, he took Payton's hand and ran with him on the field. When he didn't hold Payton's hand Payton just stood there -- like a frowning statue. I hated to see my child so uncomfortable out there.
But, after that, practice wasn't so bad. He began to kick the ball, laugh, play and just have fun. Finally, we had a weekend good enough for game 3. The assistant coach invited Payton onto the field to kick some goals with him for warm up. Before Payton could hide, I told him I would time him to see how fast he could run out there and began counting. That was his cue. He took off running!?!?! Yeah!(Not only is he competing with his teammate (Hunter) for the ball, they are going the wrong way.)
At one point, Payton broke the ball loose from a mob of boys and ran with it all the way to the goal (although it rolled just outside it). I found myself out of my seat yelling and rooting for him. I was surprised at how much I was enjoying this!!! REALLY enjoying it! For the first time in my entire life the thought crossed through my mind that I was actually thankful to my dad that I had played soccer so that I could enjoy this moment.
This picture proves he runs with a smile. He kept that smile the rest of the soccer season. As did I -- I couldn't get enough of watching him. (That's coach Dirk in the back.)
This picture proves he runs with a smile. He kept that smile the rest of the soccer season. As did I -- I couldn't get enough of watching him. (That's coach Dirk in the back.)
I'm glad he liked it. Elijah never did!
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