This week I spent a lot of time in the sun watching my kids shine. Taylor, Dallin and Anna all had their finally week of soccer. They did great and have definitely improved this season. Anna even kicked the ball several times and made a good pass. Taylor played very aggressively and was all over the field tackling, passing and dribbling. Dallin made some excellent passes and was a very vigilant defender keeping the ball out of the box.
I was pretty irritated with the way the soccer season panned out. I was pushed into coaching when I didn't want to. The teams were too small, the weather was too cold and it rained to much. The rained out games were rescheduled for the week I was out of town leaving me scrambling to find a replacement coach for my team. I was definitely very irritated with the whole soccer season. But now that it is over and I stop and reflect on it and if I am honest with myself I have to admit it was a good experience. While every night at the sports park is definitely a sacrifice there were legitimate benefits. My boys played hard and learned a lot. Their skills improved, friendships with teammates were strengthened and most importantly their confidence and self esteem were boosted.
Anna learned a lot too. She learned the importance of commitment, and playing even when she didn't want to. She learned that you don't have to be good at something to enjoy it, and that it is important to try new things until you find something that fits you. And most of all I hope she learned that her Mother loves her enough to make a fool of herself running all over the soccer field pretending to coach a sport she knows nothing about just so she they can spend some time together, and be on the same team. Teams are important, I want my kids to know how to be a good team player, but more than that I want them to know they have a mother who is always on their team - in one way or another.
Taylor and Dallin also had the opportunity to shine in the Hershey Track Meets. Dallin's meet was on Tuesday and Taylor's was on Thursday. They did so well I almost burst a pride button. Dallin ran the 100 and the 200 and he did the softball throw. He got first in his heat in the 100 and second in his heat in the 200 and the 100 semi finals. He is a very fast runner and looked great doing it. He had a lot of fun and asked if he could join the track team, which I am thrilled about.
Taylor ran the 200 and the 400 and did the standing long jump. He got 1st in both of his heats and 1st in the Long Jump. In both races he was behind for the first part of the race but when he decided it was time to kick he took off like a bat out of hell (I am not sure I should use that particular phrase, some may find it vulgar, but it is something my Dad would always say and like they say - tradition makes it ok) and passed up all the other runners. When I told him he needed to start out a little faster he told me Dad had warned him that in longer races you have to start with a slow jog and then run fast at the end so you don't run out of energy before you finish the race. I think he took the "slow jog" a little to literally - but at least he had it in him to push on past the other racers before he hit the finish line. I am so proud of my boys and am so glad they both did so well. There is nothing like the thrill of feeling that tape across your chest as you cross the finish line.
Taylor is an excellent long jumper. Jeff called him the longest leaper in the district last year when he won first in District. Taylor easily won this weeks meet and has his eye on Nationals this year. He also joined the track team so hopefully a little coaching will help him accomplish his goal. It is so fun to see your kids succeed.
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