Daddy's Soccer Game

I was not allowed to play soccer as a child.  It is one of the things from childhood that I am still bitter about.  I like the idea of soccer, but I have no idea what the rules or positions are.  Around the time I was about to give birth to Linus, Dave started playing on a co-ed rec team with some of our friends from camp.  Occasionally, I got to sub once Linus was born.  I lack the ability to dribble the ball or make contact with my foot.  I can sprint quickly up and down the field, get in the way, and intimidate.  In other words, I can function as a warm body when needed.

Linus loves soccer. It started because Daddy plays soccer.  His passion grew when I started buying him little samba shoes like Daddy wears and enrolled him in Lil' Kickers soccer at 18 months.  Now it is often a fight to get him to wear something other than his soccer uniform. The main floor of our house has become a soccer field.  Linus makes sure to always pick up his toys so the field is clear.  A large box in front of the back door acts as a goal.

One of Linus' greatest treats in life is to go to one of Daddy's soccer games.  The games usually start long after his bedtime but sometimes on a rare occasion, there is an early game.  Tonight was such a night.  I loaded up the kids and headed to Redmond so we could watch Daddy play.  Linus wore his soccer clothes.

Meeting up with Daddy at Arena Sports before the game.

Watching the action from behind the goalie.

Linus was very patient while waiting for halftime. 

Linus sat on the couch, giving me the play by play--"Daddy lost ball."  "I want Daddy to get ball."

Linus lives for halftime as well as the end of the game when he can run on the field and score a few goals.

For the next few weeks, all I am going to hear from Linus is: "I kicked ball at Daddy's soccer game."  It's the simple things in life I suppose.  Linus is already talking about going to the next game.