Soccer Mom? Kinda, Sorta.

Look at that form.  Whewww.  That's the sign of an athlete in the making folks.

When we made the executive decision to sign up our dude for his 2nd "soccer" season, we had medium-high hopes.  Hopes for a margin of forward progress on the soccer front. What were our medium sized goals?

1. We hoped that he would participate and not lay on the ground crying during the 30 minute game portion (the part where there was only ONE ball).
2.  We hoped that he would not be the kid on the sidelines with the cones on his head.
3.  We hoped he wouldn't climb in the stroller, announcing it was high time to go home and have peanut butter jelly.
4.  We hoped his feet would touch the ball at least once per game.
5.  We hoped he wouldn't tackle any of the unsuspecting children on the field.
6.  We hoped that neither Tim or I would have to run around the field, holding his hand and dragging him to wherever the ball happened to go.
7.  We hoped that when he got his end of season metal, that he could wear it with pride for a soccer season well done.

Well, the 2nd season of Dude's soccer career is officially over.  The results from our beginning of season hopes are below. 

1.  He DID participate during the games.  This doesn't mean he understood quite what he was supposed to do, but he willingly ran around the field, chasing the ball and usually had a cheesy grin on his face.  Check. 
2.  He was NOT the kid with the cones on his head!  This year he was the kid tangled up in the enticing nets instead.  1/2 check.
3.  He did NOT jump into the stroller wanting to go home!  Reason?  We did not bring the stroller.  Check.
4.  His feet DID touch the ball at least once per game!  Sometimes even two times.  From time to time he would get so excited that he was kicking the ONE ball on the field that he would continue kicking it out of bounds until the coach chased him down, yelling at him to stop.  No boundaries.  But rather amusing.  3/4 Check.
5.  He did NOT tackle any children!  During his last game, he did pull on a kid's jersey until the poor child fell down though.  Why?  I have no idea.  He thought it was real funny.  3/4 Check.
6.  Tim and I did NOT have to enter the field this year!  The coach, however, did pick him up like a sack of potatoes a few times and place him where he was supposed to be.  3/4 Check. 
7.  Can he wear his shiny metal with pride?  Pride is such a general word.  So, we'll say "yes."  Progress was made.  Check, check. 

Will we sign up for a 3rd Soccer season? Jury's out.

 The half hour practice was definitely Dude's favorite part.  Reason?  He had access to his own ball.  No sharing necessary.

 Inseperable.  The day will come when the boy, girl thing will become a barrier.  I will shed big crocodile tears when that day arrives. 

 Our buddy, Avery, joined the team this year too, along with daycare & neighborhood bud, Holden. 

 Delaney and Avery's little sis, Taylor, were team mascots this year.

 Our little peanut cheered on her big bro too.  Look at that face.

 The team.  Coach Diane was a rock star volunteer coach.  She deserves the metal.

 The highlight of our last game.  An awesome, soccer ball cookie. 

The kids absolutely adore the parental tunnel at the conclusion of each game.  They run through at least 5 times before we lower our hands.