Wednesday, August 13, 2008

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!

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11 comments:

  1. I love perfect summer evenings with my family...what a lovely time!!...maybe I can always make my clothes so hideous that my daughters will stay out of my closet (hopefully better than they stay out of my office!)

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  2. Looks like you guys had a great night.
    As far as Elise wearing your cloths, it makes me glad I have only boys, Its my sister Tiffany that is always in my closet. But it goes both ways!

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  3. Well, I am glad to see my grandson playing foot ball. It just seems like a normal thing for them to do. Did you know I played football in high school? Yes, I was even on the team.

    I didn't play much. I remember once when coach Jo called me from the bench. I was so excited, I forgot my helmet. After retreaving it I was disappointed to discover that Osborn had torn his jersey, and the coach only wanted me so I could give mine to Osborn. It was a little embarrassing to set on the bench with out a jersey and it was cold too. Then I started rooting for Osborn. It wasn't that I wanted him to do good just because he was wearing my jersey - I was afraid his pants were next to go.

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  4. I agree watching sports is the perfect summer evening activity. I am glad they are enjoying football.

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  5. I love the picture of Joseph. What a wonderful family night for you.

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  6. I love the days where the swimsuit stays on all day and that shirt fits you? Wow. Looks like fun.

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  7. I thought that shirt was yours. I have one just like it and I really love it. Football is great I too loved to watch not only live but also on TV. You know great outfits that they all wear. Hope your kids have a great experience with football I know how much Peter loves it and would love to watch his boys play. Watch out for Joseph when he gets old enough to play. There will be no stopping him. He is destined to be in the NFL. That is rich and famous. Your girls are so cute. I love summer evenings also except here the miscotios eat me alive. (Sorry can't spell that word.)

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  8. Your kids are getting so old! Yeah, I remember the old football days too. Nothing like sitting done to a good game of Super Techno Bowl III, I can't wait to teach my kids. I bet the real thing is fun to :)

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  9. That is really fun for Peter...I mean or Ethan and Ryan!! It made me laugh when I remembered your quick quote from Ethan...how's the fighting preparation at home going???

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  10. Brenda, obviously it doesn't fit me as well

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  11. Joseph is making the perfect football stance in that photo. He is going to be a rock to tackle one day!

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