Soccer Mom

So, this happened last weekend...

Lexi, aka #3, is on her very first team.
The YMCA down here puts girls who will all be
in kindergarten the same year and at the same school together on teams.
Then, the elementary schools all play one another.
We have long heard the stories from Grandpa Tom about Vic's childhood team.
They were so good, they couldn't help but win every game.
The coach practically blindfolded them, and they kept on scoring goals.
Well, despite Lexi giving new life to her daddy's college hockey number,
this University Park team of ladies suffered their first lost last week
(and it wasn't even close).
You can definitely tell which little girls were on the "pre" pre-k team last year,
as they were generally the ones near the soccer ball while it moved ;)
In all fairness, Lexi actually almost did score a goal -
the ball was just a foot or two over to the left.
In any case, it's super sweet to see them trying their best,
learning to run and dribble, aim for the net and cheer on their teammates.

We're pretty sure that the highlights of the game for our baller were
1. sneaking her necklace on under her jersey
2. the snacks provided by the coach's wife after the game
But let's be honest, she's just 4.
And with a lot of hard work, who's to say she can't be making the varsity team
one day, like her big cousin Matt!
What actually made us most proud was seeing her care and concern for her buddies.
During a time out between quarters, she noticed some boys being rough with her friend's brother.
She was very worried and started to march over to tell them to stop
before we explained to her that boys sometimes tackle each other, just for fun.
And, at one point during the game, two gals got tangled up and fell over one another.
Lexi made sure to stop and ask whether they were okay.
So, while no one will complain if she becomes the next Mia Hamm,
showing this compassion at a young age,
really and truly sticking up for and caring for her friends,
well...hopefully that means we're doing something right as her parents.
The games are every Monday evening, and we are all enjoying it so far!

Family tunnel for both teams after the game - what a sweet tradition!

And, see if you can spot Ryleigh in the background up above.
Vic played a bit with her after the game
and raced over to tell me how naturally and confidently
she kicked that ball up and down the field.
Actually, even a high school boy came over to comment on her talent at such a young age.
Perhaps being forced to wait on the sidelines has its advantages -
Ryleigh simply wants to keep up!
Here's to a great - and fun - season UP!!!!!