Ben's first soccer season

We had asked Benjamin if he wanted to play soccer this year and he said yes!  We had held off for awhile because he was only 5, and honestly, the Saturday games kind of put a damper on the weekend outings.  But we thought it would be good exercise and a good opportunity for him to interact with another set of peers.

And I know I'm biased, but he is the cutest Rowdy Raisin I've ever seen :-)

Benjamin had had zero exposure to soccer before he started other than playing around as a family in the backyard, but we hadn't really talked about the rules, concept, etc.  So he was kind of starting from scratch.  It took him awhile to really catch on but he didn't give up.

Ben started to pick up on the competitive aspect of the game.  Especially after we bribed him with a nickel for every time he kicked the ball.  Which was a pretty safe bet at first because he would sprint really fast toward the direction of the ball and then stop to let the other players kick it.  Too funny!  It was as if he needed an extra incentive to realize it was okay to take the ball or be the first one to kick it.  I'm really behind on my blogging so I'm actually righting this after the spring soccer season has started and he is definitely the most improved on the time this spring.  He is grasping the fundamentals, has good dribble control, turns the ball well, and is starting to get a bit more aggressive.  He even attempted a goal this past week and it barely missed, hitting the goal post.  His Auntie Amanda is getting him a lego set if he does indeed score this season.  We've just loved watching him grow and learn and be a good teammate.  Its been great exercise, we've lucked out with fantastic weather for the games, and its been really good for him overall.  Jonah and Ethan love going to the games (probably for the snacks) but we love watching Ben.

Benjamin, Mommy and Daddy are proud of you for working hard, learning well, and never giving up.  Glad we found some good use for those Klingler legs you have :-)

**  Updated to show his smile after the game where he scored his first goal.  It was a great goal and the whole team and their parents cheered for him.  We raised our arms up in celebration and he turned to look at us with the biggest smile on his face.  He looked so happy it was hard to fight back tears.  After the game he told us that he was so happy he was almost crying.  Love you sweet boy, and love watching these moments in your life as your parents.