Jogathon + Harvest Cup 2012

This weekend was all about athleticism & endurance.  Our little boy had the yearly jog-a-thon fundraiser at his school on Friday.  He ran 20 laps and raised approximately $620 for his 4th grade class.  G has to do the legwork for the fundraising on this event and he did a great job.  He even promised copies of his artwork to the sponsors.  Now, he has to deliver on said promise.

Baseball + Jog-a-thon 2012

There was no training for this little event, but the kids have come to know what to expect with the requisite hip-hop music blasting, frequent water breaks & the sweet reward of ice cream following completion of their laps run.

G rounded out the day by playing a pick-up game of baseball during recess.  It was nice to be on campus and see all of the kids in such great spirits.  It helped cement my feelings about the school and be grateful for the community that I've found there.

Cheering section + Angry Hippo face paint

Next up on the calendar was the Harvest Cup Soccer Tournament that had us slated for three scheduled games, with an additional game added if the Angry Hippos went undefeated.

The little champions

Undefeated was the buzz word of the day.  The boys played their little hearts out and it just so happened that Isabella & Sophia were on a winning streak, as well.  All three of the kids were in their own championship games for their divisions late Sunday afternoon at Ragle Ranch Park.

Wizards vs. Angry Hippos

The feelings that came over me throughout this season were surprising.  At times I was frustrated that G wouldn't give it his all and seemed lackadaisical during his time on the field.  Then I would shift to moments of sheer joy and utter pride watching him try, shake his hair out and be part of something bigger than himself.  

I also enjoyed the slow evolution of friendships with the parents and the joining of forces in cheering our boys on.    

2nd place medals for the U-10 Angry Hippos

I finally understood that having our son be part of a team was really important.  He has so many solitary activities that he is good at, but stepping outside that comfort zone and learning to work with others was important for him to understand and just as important for me to understand.  I get it now.

We came home from the weekend really bonded as a family and this was the cotton candy sunset that we were treated to Sunday evening.

It really wasn't about winning 1st place in the tournament, but it sure felt good to ride the wave of positive energy that the boys exuded and coming together with other like-minded adults and cheer for the common goal (pun totally intended).

I think this officially makes me a soccer mom.

And I'm quite okay with that.