Perfect Summer Nights

Cooling evening air, parents sitting around pleasantly chatting, whistles blowing amidst formations, runs, and plays . . .

Ever since I was a young middle school kid in band, I have loved attending football games. (I don't like watching them on TV as it can't capture the complete atmosphere.) This year my boys decided to try their hands at the game. Luckily the field is just a couple blocks down the road from our house so we can all walk over and enjoy the practices. As I sat with Peter and the other kids, it truly felt like a perfect summer evening. Here is what we all were doing:

Ryan and Ethan learning different football positions. Although my through-college-football-playing husband never pushed them to play, he was thrilled when Ethan expressed a desire. Ryan was more than happy to follow along. Still careful to not add undue pressure from Dad, he didn't make a huge deal about them wanting to sign up. So how could I tell he was excited? Check out their brand new "practice clothes", complete with new shoes, cups, and Ryan's sports goggles.

Matthew and Dad taking a break from watching practice.

How every almost 4 year old should be dressed in summer: red and blue Superman swimsuit, green Hulk T-shirt that is so old it is "supposed" to be worn only to bed, chocolate chip cookie covered face, and hair still messed up from swim lessons that morning. Do you want to mess with Joseph?

My tomboy. Really she is. She just sometimes likes to carry around dolls in a purse, too.

Look at his interest in the practice. He really is thrilled they wanted to play. It was a lot of fun to sit and watch practice and ask Peter stories about when he was in little league football (and see how much he enjoyed his football days).

Remember my rant about puberty? Well that is my shirt Elise is wearing. Hmph!