Soccer & Stuff

This year all 3 boys are playing soccer. That means Derek and I do plenty of driving around town for practices and games. We haven't quite figured out how 2 parents can be at 3 different places at the same time... As busy as it is, I LOVE being a soccer mom. :) I like to watch our boys attack the ball, learn the art of passing, and it's really fun to watch them score goals. Kaleb kicked a nice one into the corner of the net on Monday. Afterwards he described it in detail to Aaron, who missed it because he was playing his own game that night. Fun games like that one make all the busy days and nights worth it.

I hope to feature Aaron and Braylen's soccer teams in future posts, but this one's all about Kaleb. He's on the Maroon Cobras this year. Last week his game was all tied up at halftime, and then they got smoked in the second half. Kaleb played with his whole heart, even in defeat. (That's what I was told, since I was at curriculum night.) This week his team won 7-0, and he scored twice. I don't think I'll ever forget his smile on the field. It sure helped boost his spirits to have a game like that one.

This is the team that has lots of Carsons, Kalebs, Cales, and Kegans. Those poor coaches get all tongue-tied when it's time to make substitutions. Grandma and Grandpa have made it to a few games, which helps us out when we're watching multiple games at the same time. I think this soccer season is fun, and we're only half-way through.

I have another photo flashback. Aaron, like his brothers once did, had his 1st grade outdoor education field trip this week. I went along this time, since my goal with Aaron is to attend the field trips I missed with Braylen and Kaleb. The 1st graders rotated through 4 stations to learn about insects, rocks, an archaeological dig, and Indian life inside a tepee. Aaron's favorite part was the dig. He sure was excited to "find" two bones all by himself. He also liked the obstacle course set up to mimic the life of migrating birds. I liked the tepee experience, for no other reason than it got me out of the cold wind for a bit! Here's the photo flashback.

Braylen's 1st grade outdoor field trip

Aaron's 1st grade outdoor field trip

I like to compare how they look at the same age. Aaron reminds me of Braylen in many ways. I think that might be why the two of them often struggle to get along. They're two of a kind. But we love them uniquely. Tonight I'm taking Kaleb to a mother-son night at our local activity center. All the bowling, go-carts, and mini-golf we want! Derek plans to take Braylen and Aaron turkey hunting. I think I got the better end of the deal on this cold September day. :)