Soccer Lizards

Samuel LOVES sports. He would stay outside all day long if he could playing soccer, baseball, golf, and anything else that makes you run around and get sweaty and dirty. Kyle loves to practice with him, so most nights, and most mornings before breakfast, they can be found outside with their shirts off "practicing." Last year we watched Samuel's cousin Shane play soccer, and Samuel so badly wanted to play on the team with him. So, he has been so excited that he was now old enough to join a soccer team. We made the trip to Academy to get everything he would need for his first season of soccer: real soccer shoes, shin guards, soccer shorts and socks. The coach's son named the team the Soccer Lizards, so Samuel was excited to buy green soccer socks b/c he was a Lizard. Monday they had their first practice. I really wish that I had brought the video camera b/c it was hilarious. All of the little boys were so cute and Samuel, who is usually pretty timid at first, starting talking to some of the other boys and making friends! I was so proud of him. Well, Kyle had mentioned to the coach that he wouldn't mind helping out if he ever needed to, so all of a sudden Kyle became Coach Kyle and now he is the assistant coach. I loved watching Kyle with all of the other kiddos. Kyle has always been intimidated (maybe even afraid) of little kids (besides his own kids, obviously, and the ones in the fam). He has said he just doesn't have the personality to really know how to interact with little kids. I think it is funny that he feels this way, b/c he is the most amazing dad in the whole world and my boys just adore him. Well, Kyle was such a wonderful assistant coach and the little boys LOVED him. One of the little boys started hugging and hanging on Kyle with his arms wrapped all the way around him. It was so funny to watch Kyle's face.
They started off with a few games and warm-up exercises, and then they had a little scrimmage. I loved watching Samuel play. It was as if he had played on a team his whole life (all 3 years :) He immediately took off with the ball, dribbled down the field and scored a goal. A couple minutes later he did it again. I think I know who is going to be the ball hog this season. He even knew how to play defense. I was so proud of my little guy....and he LOVED every second of it. Every time he scored or did something good, he would look over to make sure that I saw and he had the biggest smile on his face. I can't wait until their first game!