Sporty Summer

Yesterday was the first day of the fall soccer for Sam and Mason, culminating the Summer of Sports for Mason. The season included two soccer camps, a tennis camp and countless Whiffle ball games in the back yard.

Though Mason's team lost its game, the soccer camp dividends were evident. Mason played some great defense and when playing forward ripped off some length-of-the-field dribbles and some crossing passes to attempt to set up his teammates for scores.

You might also have called this the Summer of Face Paint. The finale of each of the two soccer camps was a World Cup tournament, with the instructors at Paul Turner encouraging the kids to show their international spirit.

Benjamin joined in the face-paint festivities, too, simultaneously honoring the Tour de France, which was happening around the same time.

For those keeping score at home, Sam's team won its first game. Sam had a hand in the victory, too, tossing the throw-in that led to the pass that set up the game-winning kick.

Benjamin still has one more year before he can join in the fall soccer fun and mayhem. He was pretty disappointed at the start of the day. "Dad, I don't want to sit around for two hours!" Like me, he'd much rather be playing than watching.

Provided that Sam and Mason stick with soccer -- and there's no reason to presume they won't, as they both seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves yesterday -- next year will be the first time all three boys will be playing the same sport in the same season. We'll likely dispense with the pretense of carting chairs around town and simply pitch a tent at the Wing School fields, calling them our second home. Feel free to stop by. No appointment necessary!