johnson juice: July 2009

So there is one time a year that Carter's begging and pleading for a Mohawk actually works. Summer Games.

Why, you ask?

Intimidation.

Don't they look intimidating??!! (especially the short one!)

Summer Games was quite similar to last year. We played boys two years older and a little taller than Carter, we watched A LOT of street soccer at the hotel, we visited Cedar Breaks, we swam, we ate pizza, we laughed and we lost to Murray in the Bronze Medal Game.

And just like last year, I can't believe what a great group of boys Carter has the opportunity to play soccer with, and how fun they are to watch play. And just like last year, I can't believe how much I love their parents. It doesn't happen very often that parents of a team like each other as much as the boys like each other! This year was especially fun because my sister made the road trip with me. I love having someone else as crazy as me to embarrass my kids in front of their friends...and my friends. We had to shut her up when she all of a sudden yelled in the crazy, loud, ugly yelling at the blind ref's. She blames it on her turrets syndrome. I think she's right!

One of my favorite things about Carter is his confidence. No matter how small or big his opponent is, he just doesn't see it. He knows what HE can do and he'll do it whether you are his size - or - a giant! Sometimes I worry about him being a little too confident but his coaches are quick to say how important it is for these 9 and 10 year olds to feel like they are the best so that they are confident enough to make that move, or believe they can beat another player to the ball. He hates losing about as much as I do, but he is also such a great sport to the other team. My favorite moment this year is when his coach told me a story about Carter during a 3 v. 3 tournament. Carter was by himself under this tent looking at soccer jersey's that were for sale. A team walked up that Cart's team had just beaten by a lot. Coach said that Carter walked right up to all four of them and patted them on the back! He told them " you guys should be happy, you all played a great game. Good Job!" Carter didn't know that Sean was listening. I hope he always has class to go with that confidence.

This year their 25 game winning streak came to a halt and they lost 3 games! It couldn't have come at a better time. It sure made these confident little boys realize even though they are good players they still need to work hard or those teams they've won before will surprise them! They stepped it up and when they made it down to Cedar City they played better than they ever have. Even though they lost that last game, those little boys deserved the medal for the most heart! (Where can I find one of those?)

We get a little obnoxious with the decorating cars, feet, shirts, and robyn got a little crazy this year with a blow horn. Although I sounded a little more like a sick animal. Ok maybe it's mostly me that got a little obnoxious. (Yes, that horn was so much fun I used it for Wasatch Back too!)

'Fun Mom' Melanie had to prove she was fun when her son, Even, said that he wanted his dad to come instead of her because he was 'fun'. Well she showed him!

Mentos and Coke....

Isn't she fun!

When the boys weren't on the field, they were on the street.

And we were watching them. Thanks to Wanda who has the satellite 'boom box'. Genius. I could watch for days.

Coach of the year with wife of the year!

The three year olds breaking into motel rooms.

For some reason Carter thought it was funny to make fun of my face in the picture at the beginning of this post. I have about 10 pictures of him with this face!

We made the trip up to Cedar Breaks again and brought along the Craig, Wanda and the boys. This family is from Florida and have now become some of my favorite people. Carter and Niko love each other, Alexander is Lukie's 'best brother' and I could spend hours with Wanda because she is so spicy and funny! Craig is MacGyver. Really, he is! Ask him for anything, he has it - on him.

Mom and Dad made the trip, as always. What great examples of a good support system. And this year I didn't have to listen to my dad snoring just my sister sniffling all night!

Cart-man is often the littlest in the mix on a corner kick, and for some reason is most often the one getting a head on it.

The last game it poured and was freezing! The boys had to stretch and warm up inside the motel room. Carter got the last minute paint on his hair and it didn't have time to dry before going out in the rain. He looked spectacular with blue paint running down his ears, neck and back. Sick!

He did not look intimidating. He looked dirty.
But man he had one fine assist!