Henry's First Soccer Practice

Last night Henry had his first soccer practice. This was one of those moments that I've enjoyed with both Anna and Sophie and had looked forward to with Henry for a long time. I almost burst with pride seeing him in his getup and rapping his knuckles on his shin guards and asking his sisters to do the same.

He was a bit tentative at practice but enjoyed it after he loosened up a bit. I'd volunteered to help as I figured I'd be out there anyway with him. He responded better once I started helping all the kids. He's slower and less coordinated than the other kids, also younger than most, but he had a good time and none of those things bothered him at all. I was proud of him for listening to the coach and following the instructions - not an easy task with 8 little friends distracting you!

Afterward we slogged over to the 'Creamery', a local ice cream shop. As luck would have it the entire fire company was pulling out of their nearby station and he about came out of his skin. "Daddy, daddy, daddy, look - over there, the firetrucks." Then to call Sophie and Anna, in what I can only assume were his most efficient words possible - "SISTERS! LOOK!" I almost fell off the bench laughing. A good start to Henry's soccer season.