Let the games begin!

Today was opening day for our city's baseball and soccer programs, and Bennett's very first kick into sports.

The morning started off bright, cool and early with another great opening ceremony for the baseball teams. Of all the things Wilson may lack, a great sports program is not one of them. I'm continually impressed by the community investment and the volunteer/sponsor efforts every year. Evan is on team "building blocks" this year in the big boy leagues, and I think it'll be a great season of learning for him.

After Opening Ceremony we hopped over to the soccer fields for Bennett's first "smart start" practice.

To be honest I was on the fence about starting the Bennett bear in soccer this season. After we had Evan playing baseball at 2/3 yrs we decided we were cukoo cukoo for cocoa cocoa puffs and that we wouldn't have our kids play sports until at least age 4 or 5. And then came Bennett...what can I say, he's a sporty kind of dude. Plus, bless his soul I couldn't imagine him sitting through all of Evan's games and practices this season without something of his own. All of that to say, I'm happy to report we made the right decision-he had so much fun!!!

And, I was super impressed-though not surprised- at how well he did keeping up and after the ball. He definitely has more of an aggressive(in a good, take initiative sort of way) athletic bent and this is a great outlet for him. The program is totally age appropriate and a great introduction to the basic skills of soccer through super fun stations and an awesome team of mentors and coaches. Plus it's just plain adorable. And, we get to enjoy it with friends which is always a bonus!

 (This pic above was taken by my friend Kaylene-thanks for capturing the moment!)

Bennett was our little soccer star of the morning and was glowing in his Campbell orange jersey. :-) I may be biased but he's got some pretty cool skills for a 3 year old, and I can definitely see more soccer in our future! After his practice we headed over to finish the day with baseball. I was so proud of Evan in his game for trying his best, having a good attitude and flying solo without mommy on the field.

Needless to say, our morning was full and exhausting, but these boys had a ball!

This is their "excited about Roo cups" faces.  Both boys got one for being part of their programs this year, I see many slurpee runs this summer!

#momofboys

Play ball!

Blue socks and baseball pants, ball cap and cleats-check! This Spring we signed Evan up for his very first season of rookie basebseball with the Wilson Rec League. Truely, baseball is bigtime here in Wilson! Chris and I both have been really impressed with the program and are so happy with our team and coaches.

The Little Bulldogs had their first games this week...

Our coach is a local college student and Evan LOVES her!

Being a 3-4 year old team, Evan is not only the youngest but also the smallest on the team-and boy does a year make a difference. In hindsight, I think we could have waited a year but here we are and I'm committed to having fun out there on the field. Our expectations for what a 3-4 yr old team would look like have been blown out of the park-it's serious stuff here! I'm so proud of my big boy, every game/practice seems to be better than the last. Our major hurdles now during the games are teaching him to be patient in the outfield, while paying attention and being alert to run after the ball. In the "dugout," we practice cheering on our teammates while waiting our turn to bat. What good lessons for a growing toddler!  The games are also a little over an hour long, which I'm convinced is like a millineum to a three year old. It's a good thing we have team snacks to look forward to afterwards!

  

Notice Bennett's adorably supportive bulldog attire-he is his brother's biggest fan after all. I vote we make him the mascot! :-) He has already made a sweet new friend...

 

I think Evan's favorite part of the game is this hands in huddle-"Go Little Bulldogs!"

 

Lastly, the game ends with a line of high fives...no scores are kept, but everyone has a good time!