Soccer

Soccer has taken over our life. Back in June, I asked Grayson if he would like to try out for a competitive team as the recreational soccer he has been playing became sparse of committed kids. Grayson didn't feel like he could make a team and on top of that, tryouts were July 1 and we were in Colorado already celebrating the 4th. Fast forward to August as Grayson and I were having our last mother son book club meeting before school started. When I formed the group, we asked a few kids from each of the local elementary schools that feed into the same middle school. Grayson didn't know most of the kids but I asked moms that I enjoyed and knew had strong readers. Knowing middle school can be overwhelming, we thought it would be great once school started that the boys would know kids other than their school friends. The boys enjoyed playing soccer or video games after our book reviews but still were more like acquaintances until one sweet mom asked Grayson if he would like to join a competitive league. They needed another player as a couple on their team were injured.

Grayson's stomach was all in knots when he went to his first practice. And you could tell by the way the other boys worked than Grayson was really out of condition. But his coach was kind and encouraging and tough all at the same time and Grayson was hooked. Because of Amarillo's size, the soccer leagues are traveling teams. All of our games are in Albuquerque, 4.5 hours away. Thankfully we only have to go 4 times a semester (we play 2 games each time for a total of 8) and then one tournament which was in Dallas. Grayson has practice three times a week and practices are 2-2.5 hours long. He has been conditioned quickly and LOVES playing so that's good. There are a few refugee families with kids on our team. The parents don't travel but the kids gather rides from the other parents so for the first trip out of town, Grayson and I had some friends join us. Shoo wee the smell from the back as we traveled home the night was strong.

The silver lining in all of this is that Grayson transferred to a different middle school just days before school started and a couple of the boys on his team are at his new school and have the same lunch. It was such a blessing to already have friends at a school where he doesn't know many. I was nervous about his transfer and leaving all his elementary friends but it has been a great move. I'm proud of Grayson for doing it so willingly and positively.