Soccer Camp

I have done my best to keep Nate busy this summer...and last week's activity was Soccer Camp, which was just an hour every day to learn basic skills.  This was his first attempt at organized sports so I had no idea what to expect...especially during the hottest week of the year so far this summer.

Day 1 went worse than I expected.  He started off the morning excited but once we got to the fields and saw all of the kids and realized how hot it was (even at 9 am) he short circuited.  He went from crying and "feeling shy" to ultimately being the kid who was laying on the field face down screaming.  At one point I just made him stand on the sidelines with me and watch - I didn't want him to think we could just quit and leave - but he kept moaning and crying to the point of distracting everyone around us so I threw the towel in for the day.  After a long talk about "trying" and not giving up...and everyone is hot...he seemed ready to give it another go....but just to be sure, I also threw in a small bribe.  If he would just try really really hard all week then he could get a new Car.  That certainly whipped him in to shape.

So the remainder of the week went much more smoothly.  He at least stayed on the field - tear-free - and tried as hard as he could, given the brutal heat.  But everyday I would congratulate him on his effort and he would promptly ask "Can we go to Target now?".

The last day he got to show off his new skills for Daddy...and I remembered the camera. (It was "Crazy Hair Day" in case you are wondering about any of the strange looking children in the pics...Nate's hair had gel in it but he does not like crazy hair and even when I would try to tousle it without him realizing it this was still as crazy as it got!)

Nate & Coach Mike

Even though the week started out pretty rough (for both of us), he did ultimately get to make that trip to Target (and majorly lucked out bc the only Cars he didn't have yet only came in a combo pack so he got two).  Plus I think it was a good lesson in trying new things because you 1) don't quit and 2) just might like it.