Patience Rewarded

Easton has wanted to play soccer for a really long time. Before he was two years old he could dribble a soccer ball across our living room. Part of this, I'm sure, came from having an older brother and sister playing soccer. I've always wondered, at the same time, if part of his interest and ability might be genetic as his birthfather played soccer for years and then coached soccer. I think it will be very interesting to watch and see just how much he really likes it and whether he excels at this sport.

In our town, children can't play soccer until they are four. Easton has patiently watched big brother and sis play, hanging out at the soccer field over and over, waiting for his turn. He has known all summer that "after Destry's birthday" he would be able to play soccer and asked me hundreds of times when that day would arrive. We bought the shoes and the shin guards, and he was ready to go. He wore them every day, asking me when soccer would start. We finally made a paper chain to help him count down the days.

Hurray! The big day finally arrived!! You'll be glad to know that we removed a link each day between naptime and suppertime because soccer practice starts at 6 pm, and that way I didn't have to listen to it all day. So, on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at approximately 5 p.m., Easton removed that last link and sat down to eat supper before his very first soccer practice.He thought he was pretty big stuff out on the soccer field, and listened attentively to his coach.
He might have listened too attentively. . .When he was assigned a position in the scrimmage and told to 'stand right here'. . .well, stand he did!! He wasn't the only one! Oh, it was so precious!
He was very involved, and could only spare me the slightest of glances. He eventually figured out that he could move around and had a great time running and kicking.
While all the kids out there were just as cute as could be, well, I couldn't help but think he was the cutest one on the field! We're going to have an interesting few weeks. He wanted to make another paper chain today so he would know how much longer until his next practice (it's tomorrow night!).