Cluster Ball Season

Yes, Gavin's Cluster Ball, er... Soccer, season has begun. And so, has Donna's and My careers as supportive parents, carting our kids around to their activities several days a week. Only fourteen more years of this to go. Anyway, Gavin is play soccer Monday and Wednesday nights for the Hilton Rec League. He's doing great, and is definitely one of the leaders on his team, but Donna and I are still trying to figure out if he is enjoying the game more, or the opportunity to see all of his friends from school that are on the various teams. Each night is a constant barrage of "can I go say Hi to ______?" That's our Gavin. Little Bob Welch, the mayor of every community he comes across.

The other night was a very special game. Gavin's team played the team of his girlfriend, Stephanie. Now, you may say that this is just a little crush, but I would say we are working with a full blown infatuation, from both sides. It started in pre-school, and even though they have been apart for a year, they still get the same goofy smiles whenever they see each other.

The game was terrific. It quickly turned completely into the Gavin and Stephanie hour, as they each played the game in their own little worlds, against each other, oblivious that either one had any other team-mates on the field. Stephanie is #12, on the blue team. Never far from Gavin in any of the photos. Each time it was "blues ball", Gavin would promptly pick the ball up, and hand deliver it directly to Stephanie. We were loving it.

In the end, Gavin's team lost, but I still don't think he realizes that. The Stephanie euphoria goes on, and on.