Ash's soccer...

Ash and Tom practiced playing soccer to get him ready. Every night when Tom would walk in the door, Ash would run up and say "wanna go play soccer?"




At the first team practice Ash had a ball. It was cold and rainy but he wanted to keep playing. He loves interacting with everyone and kicking the ball around.




Then came the first game. He was not so sure he liked that part. I keep wondering if I nag him a lot about things. Like taking toys from other kids. He refused to take the ball from anyone. He didn't like the chaos of the of the game. He just wanted to come out and practice on the sidelines.

So we worked with him at home on stealing the ball and playing a little aggressive. By the next game he did much better. He still needs to make sure he can see where I'm at (once again... I am always telling him if I can see him someone can take him and to stay close... another nag, but kind of necessary, right?). He got right in the mix and played with the kids.





By the next game he played the entire game and LOVES it. We bribe him with McDonalds after the game if he won't whine to come out, but by this game he didn't really need it. He just played and played.

It's really funny to watch the kids that age play. They are 3-5 year olds so Ash is kind of in the middle. All the kids just know to kick the ball to the goal, no matter whose goal it is. There is one 5 year old who gets it and stands mid field to turn the ball around. Ben... he's the little defender. Everyone else will run with the ball right into the next field and keep playing. Its hilarious.

Hopefully soccer is a long term love of Ash's. He still bugs Tom to play with him and Tom can't get away with grilling in the backyard without playing. Sometimes the neighbor kids will join in.

Today Tom asked Ash if he likes to play soccer with the kids. Ash said, "Yeah, but playing with dads is better..."