Opening Day, Fall 2015

Both kids had their "opening day" games at 9:00 am... which meant Richard was with Grady (because he helps coach) and I was with Cole.  

Grady and Richard headed out pretty early and we planned to meet up after Cole's game was done and we'd all get to see Grady's second game.

Grady is playing on our city Tournament/Select team, The Crushers, this fall.  He LOVES it!  9U is a very different beast.  It's kinda real baseball now-- kid pitch, leading off, stealing bases and bunting.  

Grady pitches and plays other positions too some.  He's been taking pitching lessons for a couple months now and really loves it.  He is doing well and says he's not nervous or stressed at all while he's out there... mom on the other hand does some pacing!  

His team ended up winning both games.  

Cole has loved soccer practice and I wondered how he'd do at a real game.  He was so excited to put on his uniform!  

After warming up he ran over to me to deliver his ball and he said, "That was fun!  Was that it?" (As in the game?) It was so cute!    

The game started and after about 10 seconds Cole was headed down the field to score his first goal.  He was so proud!  

You can see the huge smile on his face in this picture... he smiled from ear to ear the whole time he was on the field. 

I forgot how sweet and funny and lighthearted sports are at this age.  My heart was about to burst the whole game.  No stress, all the parents were cheering for both teams and the kids (and parents) don't care at all about winning.  It was a good reminder of how it's supposed to be.  I loved every single second!  

Cole scored 3 goals!  I can't wait for Richard and Grady to see his game next weekend.  

Aunt Lana and Grammy Elaine came to cheer on both kids- so sweet!  

After the games we went to lunch with friends to celebrate the wins and so much fun!

I love sports and watching the kids do their thing, but mostly I love watching them do well at something they love.  My dad always told us when we were growing up before school, sports, play dates, etc. to "Have fun, do good and learn something."  I always thought it was sweet but now I really get it.  That statement pretty much sums up what's really important.