The Inside Scoop on a New Game

Yes, Jack likes to play soccer. But he has recently invented and named a game that he actually prefers. It’s called Ballsporting. It is similar to Lacrosse in the technique and the objective. From Wikipedia: “Offensively the object of the (Lacrosse) is to use the lacrosse stick to catch, carry, and pass the ball in an effort to score by ultimately hurling the ball into an opponent's goal. Defensively the object is to keep the opposing team from scoring and to dispossess them of the ball through the use of stick checking and body contact.”

In Ballsporting, the stick is replaced with a plastic kitchen spoon, like the one seen above. The court is the long hallway in our house, and the nets are the entry to our office (Jacks’ goal), and the base of the hallway mirror (his opponent’s goal). The ball is a green plastic one that Jack found in the street. The game is played by scooping, smacking, or flinging the ball with the spoon, while shrieking and giggling. It’s quite fun.

So, when Jack comes up to Mike or me and says…“Mom?”
“Yes, Jack.”
“Do you want to play Ballsporting?”
….There really is only one answer: “Of course I do.”

BE THE BALL

We had our first Soccer practice today. It was very much like herding cats. 30 three and four year old kids with their parents, all trying to kick the ball. They never got around to Soccer. They ran and jumped and kicked the ball in lines. Jack did very well until they told him he was kicking the ball "wrong" and should use the inside of his foot. After that he could not kick at all.

Next week will be better. Now we know what to expect.

BEST FRIENDS

Last weekend Jack had his "Best Friend" Jaden, come over to play. They had a great time running around and laughing. Jack met Jaden at Pre-School and they have become close. They are both ready to move to the next pre-school class together and they are excited. Best Friends are really important and I wanted to capture this so we can look back and remember this important time. Pam says when she goes to pick up Jack at Pre-School, he will run and kiss Jaden goodbye before he goes home. Pete, Jaden's Father, told us that Jaden has a pretend cell phone at home and he calls Jack to talk. Friends are great.

Grandma & Grampy

Grandma Becky and Grandpa Jim came to visit over the long New Year's weekend. Jack got to show them his school and we all went to dinner twice. Jack was really about as good as we could expect at the Restaurants. He sat still as long as possible and then repeatedly went tot he restroom.

On Saturday, January 3, 2009 we all went tot he Irvine Spectrum to walk around. Jack, Mommy and Grandma went for a train ride and then they took Grandpa on the Big Wheel. Afterward, Jack talked Grandma into his new fire fighter coat and boots. He wears them around the house and climbs up on his bunk bed ladder to pretend like it is his fire truck.

This was a good visit for Jack. He really loves Grandma and "Grampy".