One of Johann’s gifts this year was a regulation (well for his age at least) soccer ball. Johann and I have been occasionally going to the various parks around here and kicking balls around. He makes a really good goalie, jumping on the ball and covering it up, while I (carefully) try to kick it out of his arms, he laughs and laughs at the whole procedure. The first outing with the real soccer ball was in the courtyard and just a half hour of general horseplay and kicking the ball around. Yesterday however we decided to give Mommy an hour of “quiet time” so she could work on a sewing project. Johann and I walked down to the Mystic River Park (the one with the town Christmas Tree) and played full out for almost an hour.
Johann picked up dribbling and passing the ball right away (which means I shouldn’t be running around in circles retrieving the ball as much) and we (he, about 6 imaginary and television friends and I) dribbled, passed and kicked the ball up and down the length of the park. At various times some other children (whose parents were often trying to take family pictures in front of the tree) joined in when Johann invited them. Whenever he “scored” – usually by kicking the ball through my legs or hitting a designated goal – he and I would run around the park like mad yelling at the top of our lungs “G o o o o o o o a a a a a a a a l l l l l l l l l l !!!! S c o o o o o o o o o o r r r r r r e e !!!!!” in our best imitation of the South American sports announcers that we have occasionally heard on one of the sports networks, followed by a running jumping hug. We drew quite a few laughs and giggles from the tourists passing by, and even a bit of applause.
Johann was quite thrilled and proud when a group of English tourists passed by and all remarked at his outstanding “football” playing. proclaiming “Wow, he plays good football!” The group of three young couples even urged him on and played a quick 3 minute game of dribble and passing. He beamed when one of the young ladies proclaimed one day he would be a big and famous footballer.