Chris, Lori, Ava, Elise & Jake: Kickoff to Soccer Season!

Soccer season has begun! Ava has been playing soccer for a few seasons now. Last season, Elise started to show an interest in playing so we decided to cross our fingers and let her try it so this post is about her inaugural game. So far she seems to have a lot of fun, although being only 3 1/2 has its disadvantages. Above Elise is kicking her very first goal kick. She'd never practiced one before but did pretty well (after a couple of tries).

Here is the mom/aunt/kid/baby blanket. Note Jake getting fed by Aunt Kelly so Mommy could photograph.

A few things about Elise at this age:
1. She is SUPER SPUNKY! She's sassy, aggressive, easily excited, FULL of energy, and a fighter...meaning she'll stick up for what she thinks is best. We played a game one time where Mommy was pretending to be the wolf, Ava and Daddy were the sheep, and Elise was supposed to be the shepherd. Instead of trying to get the sheep to follow her away from the wolf, she comes and tries to "fight" the wolf, aka Mommy, and she meant business. She was going to protect those sheep at all costs. She's also been known to try to throw a few punches at a Mommy or Daddy or any other kid who makes her sister Ava cry. We then have to have a sit down talk with her of course.

Well, on the soccer field. Her spunkiness was evident. You could hear me across the field yelling, "Elise, no pushing!", "Elise, no hitting...kicking...". She wasn't very happy with one of the kids in particular and I think she wanted to "fight" him a little. NO matter her size or her age, she's ready to duke it out. While this is all cute and funny for us to watch because we know she doesn't quite get it, the good parent side of us has let her know that is not OK.

2. She has tons of ENERGY and tries very hard. I swear, since the womb, Elise has been an energetic one. Elise being my second, I remember thinking, "Man, this kids moves a LOT!" She continues to be the most wiggly kid we've know and can bounce off the walls at any moment. As a result, she gets tired and it comes on all of the sudden...then the whines and cries start - but we try and understand and try to work with her.

On the field she got worn out pretty quickly but was determined to give it her best. I'm almost embarrassed to say but Elise didn't quite notice or care when the ref would blow the whistle. (I think she didn't quite understand). She saw it as her opportunity to get the ball and start kicking it around. I honestly think she didn't get it. One funny moment was when someone had scored a goal - she ran into the goal and gave the ball a good kick. The ref also knew her name already within 2 minutes of her playing.

3. Elise is EXCITABLE. Elise gets excited so easily and it shows. Last year in gymnastics she hopped up and down for half of the class with a big smile across her face because she loved it so much. Same with certain aspects of soccer. She just grins and grins when she does a good job.

Overall, Elise had fun, did some running, did go after the ball with some aggressiveness, although her shorter legs and size and her lack of experience, meant that the older kids got more touches. Ava had a good time too. She's started to go after the ball more and is one of the bigger kids this year. The point is that they have fun, get some exercise and fresh air and learn some athletic skills.