Saturday mornings are usually pretty crazy. As the coach of Nuno’s team, my husband is responsible to get to the soccer field early and set up our goal. As manager-mom, I have to make sure we have everything else we need: Bibs, lollies, certificates, pen, balls and oh yes, two children, one in full soccer gear.  Our team is made up of boys from Nuno’s class, so even though we have not had the most ‘winningest’ season, we do always manage to have a nice time catching up with a lovely group of kids and their families.

Today was our second to last game and I’m not sure exactly what happened, but everything seemed to have connected for Nuno. Right at the start of the game he scored a goal. His first of the season. I was rather chuffed and walked over to the club house to sort out the medals for end of season picnic next week. I came back about 10 minutes later and one of the dads very casually said, “Oh you didn’t miss much, except that your son scored another 3 goals!” What the what? My son? I couldn’t believe it. He was engaged and was following the ball. It was amazing to see.

The second game went pretty much the same way. He and his buddy scored 9 goals. It was really wonderful to see. We ended up cheering when the other team scored two goals. Today was just a nice day on the soccer pitch with a nice group of 5 year old boys. A day I hope my family remembers. Of course I did not bring a camera, so all I could get was this shot of player of the day with my phone.

But the magic of the day did not end there. After soccer we a few of the kids’ friends met us at the house. I had offered to drive my niece home, Lana and a few of her friends to a party out in the country and to take the boys mini-golfing. As we drove out of the city I thought how lucky I am. I mean really. I have two good kids, they have friends, we have family AND we live a life where we can afford a nice truck to drive these gorgeous beings around. I know we often take these things for granted. But I did later call me husband and thank him for providing for us so nicely.

After dropping the girls off we headed over to mini-golf. It’s great spot, way out of town, but not too far from the party. The boys, who are poor golfers, but great cheaters, had a blast. Nuno’s pal even scored a hole in one!

After golf, there was ice cream, then lunch. Yes, in that order;) We then headed back into town and went to the park.

After a good time playing at the park, the boys went exploring. They met this really cool girl who was with her dad and they all played together for quite some time.

Making friends is a funny thing. It’s hard to explain the chemistry, the science that causes two people, sometimes of similar temperament, sometimes not, to get along. But as I sat there watching my son, I could not, but thank God that he is able to sort that magic out.