A little bit crazy

On Saturday we had a lot going on - a soccer game, a football game and the ward Halloween party - and wouldn't you know it . . . they were all at the same time. If that wasn't enough I was on my own because Chad was still in China.

The youth were asked to help out at the Halloween party and Tanner really wanted to go, so I was able to find him a ride. One down - two to go. Kaden and Devon's games started at the same time, but Kaden had to be at his game early, so I dropped Kaden off and headed over to the soccer field.

Devon's soccer games are really short so I decided to stay at Devon's game and then rush back to Kaden's game. It was Devon's last game of the season so after the game they presented the kids with trophies.

Devon had an interesting season. Devon only had one practice before we left for Maine and he did well at it. Once we got back from Maine Devon acted the total opposite. He cried and threw fits when we got to the field. It was really frustrating. We tried everything. Devon loves candy corn, so I would bring some to entice him onto the field. It worked the first time, but then he caught on to what we were trying to do. Then we had Trevor go on the field with Devon (as an honorary referee). That worked well, but then Devon thought he needed Trevor there every time he had a game. We kept working with him and he eventually got better. By the end of the season he was out playing on the field by himself and he even got a goal or two! We are proud of him for finishing the season.

After Devon's awards presentation we ran back over to the high school to see the end of Kaden's game. Kaden's games are usually longer than the soccer games, so we thought we would be fine. Much to our dismay, we found out the game on this day was shorter because it was a tournament. We arrived in time to see the last two minutes of the game. I was really disappointed, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that Kaden's team was winning. Plus, we were able to see the best play of the game. There were seconds left on the board and the opposing team had one more play to make it into the end zone. When they snapped the ball Kaden ran around and stopped the ball from being caught and sealed the victory for his team! When Kaden ran to the sideline his coach ran out and picked him up! Kaden was so excited!! What a way to end the season - way to go Kaden!

Kaden's team had a rough season. They didn't win a single game all season (except the last game I just mentioned). It was frustrating for the boys (and the parents), because every single play the team ran was the same. They always handed it off to the same player. You would think if something wasn't working you would fix it, but no they didn't. There were only a handful of times the ball was given to another player. It was really sad and annoying. Another frustrating thing was how often Kaden was able to play. For the first several games he only played defense. It wasn't until the middle/end of the season that the coaches let him play offense. Kaden did get good at his defensive position. He was a little hesitant to full on tackle another player, but over the season he got more confident and was responsible for several tackles.

Kaden was brave to try a new sport this year. Kaden is smaller than many of his friends, but he didn't let that stop him. It was hard for him to sit out while his "bigger" friends got to play, but he continued to work hard and show his coaches that he was willing to work and it payed off. We are proud of him for working hard and sticking with his goal. Great job Kaden!