reluctant soccer star

frankie decided she wanted to play soccer instead of do gymnastics this season. i'm sure she would love to do both, but we only do one sport at a time around here. i talked to her, and talked to her about it and she was set, soccer it was!

she was so excited for her first game. lexi was still in town, so we all got up early and headed over to margaret brent for her first soccer game. it was so much fun! the kids were all so cute and goofy! we cracked up when the little blond boy on frankie's team hung back chit chatting with the ref. we died laughing when the other teams little goalie stopped one of our kids from kicking the ball in his net, turned around, and kicked it in himself. shoes were flying off, kids were falling, it was hilariousness! seriously, i couldn't help thinking that if someone was feeling blue, one of these games would cheer them up for sure!

she played great the whole first half of the game. then she decided she didn't want to play. and then she refused. we think she might have gotten kicked accidentally, but not sure. we thought, no big deal, it's her first game.

then the next game came, and she wouldn't play at all. i took her to that one, we got there late, and i left her all nervous nelly on the side lines. total no-go for her.

then i completely spaced a game. it was while matt was gone, and i just, literally forgot. that afternoon addie was like, did frankie have a game today? doh!

the next game daddy was home for. he coddles a little more than i do, so he stayed with her on the sidelines. i highly disagree with that tactic, but frankie is a lot like matt, so maybe he does know better on this one. he somehow talked her into being goalie during the second half! she was very nervous, and wanted daddy to stay down with her by the net, but we were sitting right behind her, so she was just barely ok.

during break time daddy reassured her.

we reassured her and kept telling her how brave she was and how good she was doing.

she stood there nervously the whole time, it was so sweet.

i love that she didn't just give up. we've had lots of talks about "supporting our team and never giving up."

and just look at that ready position!

this was just a second afar the ball went into the net, bounced off the back rail, and came right back out (so goal). so even though she looked ready, she didn't in any way try to block the ball. that will come in due time.

she did decide to pick it up (after they'd already scored a goal, not that they keep score) and throw it to the ref.

so proud of herself! and rightly so!

"did i do good, mama?" we were all soooo happy for her!

after that she was a little less apprehensive, but no more aggressive.

cheering on little sistah.

when it was our turn for treats we made these cute soccer players. we hot glued raisin feet to a juice box with an applesauce head. and 1 spoon arm. :)

she's still a reluctant little player, but last game after playing goalie, she actually went out and played the court. it's all very cute, but she has already said she's ready to go back to gymnastics.