Soccer!

Today was Ava's first soccer game.  We went on Tuesday to meet her other teammates and the coach and have a little practice.  I wasn't sure what to expect from a 4 year old's soccer game but knew that they play more for fun than to win (which is good).

Ava posing with her ball.

 We were not sure how Ava was going to be since all week she had been fluctuating between liking her coach and not liking him...think she actually likes him but since he is a man, she still was undecided.  But she was excited this morning about the game.  We got there during practice time and convinced her to get out there and kick the ball since she was being shy when we walked up.
 

Then for some reason, right after that she ran off the field, she refused to go back.  The game started and we tried to get her to go in but she did not want to...said she was scared.  Finally about 15 minutes in (and after much coercing on both Darren & I's part) she decided it looked like fun and hopped in.  Of course, now she did not want to get out of the game but it worked out since some of the other teammates were tired from playing 15 min straight.

 I think the funniest thing about watching 4/5 yr olds play soccer is that 1) they just run off the field when they are hungry or thirsty (no waiting for a time out), 2) they play out of bounds (and sometimes on the other fields where other games are going on), 3) sometimes they even score on their own team (since there are no goalies and they get confused which way they should be going) and 4) sometimes they just stop and decide to play in the dirt (hello Ava!).  They also get upset when someone takes the ball from them...it goes against all the "sharing" we have made them do before I guess.  Pretty entertaining really.

 And then in the middle of the game, Ava grabbed her teammate's hand and they ran around the field together.  They weren't too fast while holding hands but their "Red Rover" technique eventually worked to get the ball away from the other team.  This girl, Emma, by the way lives right down the street and we had trick or treated with her last year so it is nice that she is on our team.

 Ava also had a special guest in attendance (besides me, Darren & Ryan) -- Rosemary!  It was not planned but Ava was excited.  Rosemary had been in San Antonio on Friday and her hubby Chris got tickets to the UT game Sat so rather than driving back and forth from Houston, Rosemary just spent the night at our house and then came to Ava's game.  It was a great time seeing her and I hope she enjoyed the game.  I like surprise visits!  Especially when I don't get to see Rosemary too often. 

So from now until mid Nov, we have a game every weekend.  Will be interesting to see how and if they improve but it is a nice way to get outside and burn off some energy.  Hoping Ava jumps right in from the beginning next time...we shall see.  Anyone who wants to come see one, feel free.  Ava would love to have you!