Soccer Season comes to an end

After a few months of Monday and Tuesday 6:00 practices for Eli and Ian and then Saturday morning games we have come to a halt in our busy schedule. Eli improved his skills a lot this season; for the first time Nate didn't coach his team but opted to help with Ian's team. Eli's coaches were both soccer coaches at local schools so the experience from them really pushed Eli to learn some new stuff. Although he is timid he really is built for the running, twisting and maneuvering of the soccer ball. Ian played for his second season and surprised Nate and I both by his disinterest in the sport after last season's go get 'em attitude. He never wanted to go to practice or play the game on Saturday but once out there he did fine most of the time. He seemed to thrive being goalie - I don't know why but the constant action when the ball was coming at him energized the little fellow (he hardly let them get by...it was hilarious to watch). He managed to score a few as well - usually when grandparents were at the game to watch. But he did tell us he didn't want to play next time. I can respect that so we'll see what interest this little one comes up with. I think Eli will always enjoy playing soccer as long as he has a buddy on his team (that is the most important thing to him always with anything!!!) I have to praise the One Goal Sports ministry that set up these soccer teams. They are Christ centered and all practices and games begin with prayer along with a weekly bible verse the kids memorize. The focus is on good character during the game and not the score so children don't feel bad when they lose. Of course when you get into Eli's age group they KNOW who won or lost but at least the parents are out there yelling about it. The end of the season everyone gets a trophy and all the parents come together with their kids for a devotion and prayer. It makes me smile/get choked up to see our kids having fun, using their bodies and learning a new sport while remembering the most important thing in Life - Jesus. Here are a few pictures from the sharks and bulldog's season...