End of Soccer

Riley is the one in the blue-green coat.

Due to rain during one of Riley's previous soccer games, the schedule was extended one week. Her last week of soccer should've been last week, but instead we found ourselves attending soccer during a very cold and windy Tuesday evening.

As a surprise, my parents came out to see Riley in her glory. It was wonderful to have both Grandma and Papa/Nana to cheer Riley on at different games.

Riley had been so excited for her last game (not sure if it was due to it being the last game or just playing soccer in general), so she could hardly wait to go. We got her all bundled up and headed to the field in two cars.

The wind was bitterly cold, and I regretted not bringing gloves for the kids. Jeremy was happy as could be kicking "his" soccer ball to Nana while Riley practiced with her team. The coach approached the parents a few minutes after practice started and said another parent thought it would be a good idea to have a short practice and then go right into the game. Normally they practice for 30 minutes and then have a 30-minute game. We all said we agreed.

Kicking the ball with Nana. At least he has a hat.

Excited to see Daddy arrive.

About 15 minutes after practice started, they began the game. Riley lined up to play defense, but before we knew it, she scored a goal! We were so excited, especially since Nana and Papa were there to witness it.

The teams lined up again, and after about 10 minutes of play, Riley stole the ball from a teammate and scored again! (We need to work on the passing and sharing, but my guess is that will come with age. I'm hoping.)

Notice how dark it was getting? And how cold?

The teams took a quick break for a drink, and the parents patiently waited to see how much longer we'd have to be outside. Not that we don't love our kids, but it was freezing! Add to that the sun sets earlier, and you have some cold spectators.

Jeremy enjoying a water break.

Apparently (I was told later) Coach Joe told the kids that they'd be able to get warm after the next goal. I kid you not, Riley got the ball right away, dribbled down the field and scored! Not even a minute after the coach said that! Phil then took off his hat and threw it on the field. Papa joked that Riley gets the game ball--it was actually her ball they used to play the game.

Jeremy with Nana and Papa.

Riley looking a little tired. Scoring three goals is hard!

So how about that. What a way to end the season. Both of Riley's coaches said she played great this year, and Coach Joe said he'd love to have her on his team next year. She wrote them both thank-you notes (I wasn't sure what the protocol was), and handed them to her coaches at the end of the game. I asked her in the car if she wants to play soccer next year, and her reply? "I want to play baseball." At least it's not cheerleading!