Soccer, 3-year old Style

We have had a new purpose on Saturday mornings for the last few weeks-- SOCCER! Yep, YMCA 3-year soccer. So take everything you know about soccer and then shake it up and divide by 10, which is the number of kiddos on the team. It's seriously a new adventure every week.

Game #1 Claire wouldn't even get on the field without clinging to Mom or Dads leg and crying
Game#2-#3- Get on the field but sort of watch all others participate. Occasional bolts for Mom and Dad on the sideline
Game #5+ - On the field and running, but the minute other kids come after the ball she doesn't pursue the ball anymore. Does great at penalty kicks/throws. The heat of the summer is hard on the kids; Claire is usually red cheeked and "DONE" before the end of the game. "Mom I'm so tired..." The 30 minute practice before the 30 minute game is hard for most of the kiddos.

Claire is on team "Seattle". Coach Troy emails focus areas before the games each week. My favorite so far has been this:
1. Soccer is more fun when you're on the field
2. Soccer is more fun when you kick the ball
3. Soccer is more fun when you kick the ball into OUR goal

We're somewhere in between step 2 and 3 right now. Ross has had to give me a couple pep talks, encouraging me to suppress my inner competitiveness and find my zen. Check.

We're so proud of Claire!