So…the soccer game story.  We had a couple of strikes against us that just kept it all from going the way I had hoped.  But, we all got an A for effort!

The day started great.  Maxwell was honestly really excited about playing soccer.  We tried for an early nap so he could at least get a little sleep before the 3:30 game but he was just too amped up to fall asleep.  Strike 1.

We got out to the field and got our red jersey.  Yay for red!  We then saw a few familiar faces like William and Lila and then these welcome cheerleaders showed up!

Hooray for Lulu and Grandaddy!

Maxwell got out there with coach Robert, kicking around the ball and having fun.

Some more players showed up and they tried to organize a few little drills…

We then started to notice there were LOTS of red jerseys showing up.  And lots of names that weren’t on our original roster were being sent to our field.  Turns out there was some huge mishap with the rosters and the list of teams that all the coaches had been given at the meeting earlier that week didn’t match the the list of teams that the people on the field had.  It was total chaos.  There were parents everywhere trying to figure out where to be and what team they were supposed to be on.  Strike 2.

Maxwell’s friend from school, James, was given a red jersey even though he wasn’t originally on our team.

They were standing by each other and I turned my back and next thing I hear is James’ dad asking Maxwell if he’s ok.  I turned around and Maxwell had clearly been popped in the face with a soccer ball…and popped hard!  He was trying to be brave but as soon as he caught my eye the tears started flowing.  I scooped him up and got him calmed down and we got some cool water for his face and eye.  Ouch.  From that point on, Maxwell didn’t like soccer…and he didn’t want to play if James was playing.  Strike 3 – he was out.

Those in charge finally told our team to go merge with another red team and just “make it work” for the day and they promised to have it all sorted out by next week.  So, Robert had to try and coach with another guy  – half his players, half our players, all confused.  There was no time for any sort of practice or anything to get the kids organized.  It was a mess.  But, Robert handled it all great and they played a fun little first half.  Halftime came and Coach Robert rallied his troops…

and Maxwell decided that was when he wanted to play soccer!

ha!  He’s pretty good when there’s no opposing team on the field!

By the second half, Maxwell was over-tired and just spent.  He started complaining about wanting to use his ball on the field in the game.  So, Robert grabbed his ball and we actually got Maxwell out on the field.  Well, then he realized that meant everyone else would be kicking his ball too and he didn’t like that one bit.  So, he was running up and down the field super sad trying to just get his ball back and go back to the sidelines.  This picture breaks my heart…

I mean…broken. I can barely look at it.  I just want to scoop him up and hug him.

We got him off the field and that was the end of soccer game 1 for him.

Important lessons learned – we really need a nap before soccer, don’t let Maxwell’s ball be used as the game ball, and try real hard not to get hit in the face with a ball before the game starts!  Also, kids don’t like orange slices after soccer games anymore…

they much prefer the Teddy Grahams that another  mom brought.  Live and learn.  Here’s to the next game!  We’re all hoping for less chaos and fewer tears!

ps –  a big thanks to Lulu and Granddaddy for coming up to watch Maxwell play.  I don’t know what I would have done if you weren’t there to entertain this little one…

See you all tomorrow!