Soccer...

...4-year-old's playing soccer, to be specific. What could be more entertaining? Saturday was Cole's first soccer game. His team met for practice this week and to decide on a team name. They chose "the Black Panthers." I was out of town when they chose this name at the team meeting and when Floyd told me the name, I was a bit surprised. I told Floyd I just didn't think that would be an appropriate name, but Floyd pointed out that they are, after all, just 4 and don't know anything about the political/racial implications of such a name. I guess he's right. Even still, I think I will abbreviate my cheering to a simple, "Go Panthers!" Yes, Cole really is that much taller than the other players on his team - and the other team. It kind of makes him look like a bully out there.


Cole loves his new cleats and was mostly excited about wearing them. He likes his uniform too. I was a bit nervous to see how the game went. Cole really hates losing and is definitely not one of those 4-year-olds that doesn't keep track of the score or can be convinced that everyone is a winner. It's our own fault, really, as we frequently challenge him to a race to get him to do something when he can't be motivated otherwise. Another parenting technique coming back to bite us.
Please note the excessive use of arms on Cole's part. We are working on that little problem. Also note the fierce look on his face. He is nothing if not competitive.

The game was entertaining and Cole did better than I expected. He only knocked down one kid (well, that the ref bothered to whistle him for anyway) and he scored a goal - even for the right team. The look on his face after he scored was so priceless. He was so proud, but was trying to hold back his smiles. So cute. His team won 4-2 and they had Capri Sun's for the after-game snack, so he was quite happy. On the way home, he did wonder why they hadn't given him a gold medal. That made me smile.