Game day and other fun stuff too

Corny smile

Today was #3's first ever game of flag football. Now considering that is the one and only sport my husband regularly watches it should have been a thought that one kid plays but it wasn't. I guess since hubby typically relied on me to do the whose plays what when thing it never came up. But the idea seemed worthwhile when I heard my nephew C man was doing it too. Signing up late meant we missed the first practice in the 8 week ordeal but it didn't matter. #3 jumped in like he had been coached for years and picked it right up.

First half he played defense. He never made a successful stop on a player but he came close more than once and gave it all he had. The second half he played offense and he was given the ball every play they made. He even made a full field touchdown running complete from one end to the other. It was amazing to see. There was a tense moment when he slowed because a person was near and tried to grab his belt (flags) but he made it. I screamed my head off and cheered. I caught him looking my way at least once in the game too. Plus the funniest part where a member of the opposing team was trying to intimidate #3 by swinging his arms in my son's face. But it didn't work because he just stood there unmoved by the attempt. He is his father's son!

His first attempt at recieving but it wasn't aimed to him so well



Run Bubba RUN!

 Oh, I did forget to mention the initial horrible part turned good, the weather. We have been in a drought all summer so the idea of rain the day before into today sounded good. But prepping to leave watching it down pour like a monsoon not so good. I even called to make sure they were in fact playing. The coach said, "Welcome to football." Yeah I guess I am a novice and a girl! I could tell at one point he was a bit uncomfortable in the wet clothes but seemed ok the majority of time. Post game he waddled to change and clearly was very chilled, I gave him my hoodie on top of his warm clothes to help. A gas station soda and candy certainly didn't hurt.
Lastly as for the other spectators in our family:

This cracks me up, pouty one and #4's expression back at him.



Notice sis on the left completely into baby bro



Big bro unprepared for rainy weather despite my suggestions was non too interested, but competitive one was trying to figure out how she could get this added to the many sports she readily plays.

After a small break at home (not that I rested) cousin C and K arrived and we headed to hubby's Uncle's bday party. This is his mom's side of the family and with her gone on it is a but sad but otherwise nice to catch up. The greatest part of all was that every Colbert grandkid was there and began playing the traditional ball. Sometime into their game the old men (I do mean old as in the majority were between 40 and the bday boy 70) joined in. They called it Indian baseball, I call it old man ball. As in there were two teams and outs no strikes and making a first line stop on the ball was an out, no stop or catch was a base. I am not sure they kept score except to switch teams batting with 3 outs. The usual banter of men  and #2 as she was the only girl went on back and forth giving each other flack for catching or not. When the new friend #1 made went home he played too. Have I mentioned how cool it is to see this kid play sports with family lately! #4 made a friend names Taylor about her age and played at the playground adjacent to the field. Cousin C and I were tossing the scoop catch ball thingy back and forth and laughed our own way too. I know technical name but I honestly don't know what the heck those things are called. GREAT memories were made for sure. I do make sure to enjoy each piece and part of this stuff. This is what makes life great.

Ultimately when my oldest nephew came to me and side hugged me, glad to see me and lingering long enough for me to be aware just how small I am or big he is I knew these kids will never forget me in their lives. Both oldest cousins whom I have had to fight to be a part of their lives along the way chatted about their lives willingly and openly. Nephew L even remarked how some of the kids at his high school would mention his Aunt (me) taught them. His best friend even told him I was the best teacher he had. Part of me doesn't really believe that he said that as I loved the kid but he was so quiet and reserved. I can't believe that be true, why would he make it up? I don't know, either way true or not it was sweet that he felt the need to say. You don't do that unless you want to make someone feel good. Having nieces and nephews to share lives with, having cousins my kids adore this is all that I dreamed. Having a bestie even if far and a cousin/sister to enjoy my little stuff with too. Yep I am pretty sure this day instilled how blessed I truly am. Well and for you dear reader thanks too!