End of the Season

This past Saturday, the 16th, was Kai's final day of soccer.  We experienced this 6-week session like an upside-down bell curve.  The first week of class Kai was super excited and ready to go.  The second week of class was a bit more of a struggle and we had a couple of behavior problems.  The third week of class was awful.  He kicked and screamed and didn't want to go.  He laid down on the field and pretended to fall asleep.  He behaved poorly.  The whole thing was a mess.  I was glad that we were on vacation for the 4th week of soccer.

The last two weeks of soccer the kids played games, instead of doing drills and skills.  At the beginning of that 5th week, Kai once again kicked and screamed and didn't want to go.  He didn't want to do warm-ups and he was starting to pull his old stuff.  And then they started the game.  Wow--it was like I had a different kid!  He was happy, excited, running and smiling.  He started the game by being really aggressive and a couple of girls got knocked over thanks to him.  Then they told him not to push so he spent the rest of his time chasing every one.  He was so excited when he got off the field.  He told me he had gotten to chase everyone and it was so fun.  I had to laugh.  Of course he had turned it into a game he could win.  He's way too competitive for a three year-old.

So, for our last week of soccer I told Reid we should all go and cheer him on.  Reid was helping with a move that morning, so I bundled up the kids by myself and we headed out.  Reid met us at the field a few minutes later.  It was cold and we were worried about Finn.  I had him layered real well, but his nose still got a bit red and runny.  Kai was once again so excited about the games.  He was even ready for soccer early again (just like the first week).  For the final game, Kai really got it.  He got to the ball without pushing and kicked it towards the goal.  He scored at least 3 goals for his team.......and a few for the other team, too.  There were several chuckling parents on the sidelines.  Kai was just so happy to be playing.

At the end, all of the kids got medals.  That made Kai's day.  He kept talking about his "new, shiny medal".  So, I guess over-all soccer was a success.  There were moments I questioned it, but it ended well.  Kai's now ready for another class.  He keeps telling me he wants a class every Saturday.  We'll see.

Coach Casey was really good with Kai, and Kai loved it!

 

 

Kai loved to give his teammates hugs.....especially the girls.

Saying good job to the other team at the end.

Kai was the first to get his medal.  Mainly because he wouldn't sit down when they asked him.

Raising his hands and having everyone clap for him after he got his medal.

 

The huddle before the cheer.

"YMCA!"