Big Soccer Game

Last weekend we went to the Real Salt Lake game. It was discount night for our local soccer club, and Nolan was going to be playing in a mini game during half time. He was pretty excited to play on the huge field. He also got to be in the "Parade of Kings" at the start of the game. Grandpa John came with us, and Grandma K. met us at the stadium. The evening would have been perfect if Ezra hadn't started off the night by choking on some dried apples and making himself gag and throw up. For some reason, whenever he chokes he does that. He and Grandma K. were pretty messy after that and headed to the bathroom to clean up. I wanted to help but I was feeding Lucy. It was a blessing that no one happened to be sitting in front of us and never showed up, either. While they were cleaning up, they missed the beginning parade. It wasn't much to see... we could barely make Nolan out from where we sat. But he said it was pretty awesome.

Ezra in the bathroom with Grandma. Ick!

Thank goodness we had the telephoto lens. Nolan was way out there!

The half time game was fun to watch, but I think Nolan only came into contact with the ball once or twice. There were lots of players. When his team scored a goal he did a fun little victory dance. They set up the game on the opposite side of where our soccer club's seats were... that was disappointing. My Dad and I were running over so that we wouldn't miss it. And Justin came with the camera. After watching for a few minutes, I began to head back so that Grandma K could come over and watch (instead of sitting with Ez and Lucy the whole time) but that's when it ended. They only played for about 10 minutes. Nolan was totally stoked about the whole thing, though! And it got even better when Grandpa bought him popcorn and a drink.

Victory Dance. Oh yeah!

He just kept dancing, even though there was some action going on. This picture says it all:

This has been Nolan's coach this season. He's done a great job! You can tell that Nolan was sad when his coach said the game was over.

I enjoyed watching the Real players. It was the first professional soccer game I had ever watched. My Dad is a big fan of soccer so it was good to sit by him and learn more about what was going on. Ezra loved the popcorn and a had a fun time during the second half. He was with Grandma K. during the first half and I think he complained about the cold. Lucy stayed cozy in a little winter suit and snuggled in Grandma's arms.
I can tell it was special to Nolan because the next morning he had drawn lots of little pictures of the soccer game and was writing things like: "Go Real Salt Lake" and "I'm the biggest fan of Real."

 And here's Lucy... just because. She was bundled up to go on a walk the next day.