Soccer So Far

It started out well. Paul was helping at practices, but being a daddy at the games. That is until there was no coach on the field for the first game! 

and this little girl was so happy to have her daddy coaching! The little girls have enjoyed hanging out with their sister when she isn't playing.
There's not much more fun than getting to kick the ball in...
...except when you kick it in with 2 feet?!?!? Her second game didn't start well. I woke up to many tears from a little girl. Tears of fear. Tears of the unknown. Tears of sadness. Tears of unmet expectations. And a little girl, who absolutely did not want to play soccer. We sat and talked and dug. It all went back to who was or wasn't on the field with them. She needs a coach out there, her coach. And i can understand that. So when daddy decided he'd step in and do it, it was an answer to prayer. She played and played her best. She was a different kid.

The ball was near their goal and she had the shot and took it... ...and scored. And turned and jumped high into her daddy's arms, clinging to him in excitement. It might have been considered excessive celebration, but not for a 4 year old. I honestly had tears in my eyes. It was a visible answer to prayer. A visible shift in her demeanor. A confidence. A blessing from God.  She was still clinging to him and grinning even after the next play started. But when it came time to line back up, I caught this little skip and hop dance she did...still excited about her goal!  and there is no doubt in my mind that it's changed her.

she's having even more fun now!

and getting in there to kick the ball!

except for when she sees a bug, kneels down to look at it, hops back up because it startles her, and kneels right back down to get a closer look.
i am so thankful she's enjoying this more!
because that means we all are!