Overall Sam has done a beautiful job of acclimating here. He has just slipped into his class and his peer group like he's lived here all his life. It really is a thing of beauty to behold.
But yesterday was a tiny bit different. He had the opportunity to join his school's rugby team for what they call a one-off competition. That means a one time thing. The team captain recommended that he join because he is very good when they play on the playground. I think it is all the hockey checking. He is apparently a very good tackler. And the school principal, (also the coach) checked it out that he could play. We joined some other parents to watch. It was definitely a new experience for Sam, because playing a game you've never really played before on the playground and playing in a real game are two very different things, and not being one of the better players on the field in any game was a real eye opener for Sam. It may look like a bunch of boys just running after the ball, (and believe me, if you haven't ever seen a rugby game, it does), but it's not. Apparently there are postitions, and strategies and plays. Sam did a good job, but learning how to tolerate not being the shining star on the field is going to be a skill Sam is going to pick up this year. (The cricket season starts in three weeks.) It is a very useful lesson in life, if not one of the more painful ones to learn.
I had an new experience today. Well sort of new. I rode a horse for the first time in probably thirty-one years. My inner thighs are saying it is a new experience. In fact, I believe I have discovered muscles previously unknown to man (woman or me). It was fun. More fun for the horse who refused to go, stop, or trot unless she felt like it. But I will prevail, and go again next week and give her a piece of my wee little mind. I will make her listen and I will win. Her name is Rose by the way.
Ethan and Reuben are also taking riding lessons. They are doing considerably better than me. (of course).
Well, we have done other fun things, like taking the Gondola up the mountain and walking over it and down into the town of Lyttleton for lunch and then hiking back up to the Gondola (mile and a half straight up). Can anyone say overweight and out of shape and sucking wind with me? (Not Steve or the kids, just me). Check out the link.
http://www.gondola.co.nz/
And another new experience : Reuben learned to ride his bike without training wheels today. Yeah, Reuben! That's a big one.
Well, gotta go pick up the kids from school. Happy Sukkot and Happy new experiences.
No comments:
Post a Comment