Jul 16 Rain ruins play…

One area the 12 year old always triumphs in is sport, her crowning glory when leaving primary school was being the house captain.  Her house won and she got to take the trophy and the glory. The grin across her face said it all.

This year she has thrown herself headlong into the PE department.  She has played in the netball team, the rugby team and represented the school at athletics.  She has earned her colours, which means I have had the privilege of buying her a special hoody for the bargain cost of £30.  Her initials are emblazoned on her sleeve telling the world that she rocks at sport. 

As the end of her first year at secondary school year draws to a close, Chloe has been selected as form  captain for the upcoming sports day.  This makes me remember my own attempts at sports day which wasn’t always so successful.  I am a team game player -  hockey was my sport.  Unfortunately for me I was always keen at other events but usually failed, like the time I did the shot putt, tore a stomach muscle and ended up in hospital. 

Chloe’s preparation has seen my garden transformed into a mini track and field event course.  There have been hours spent jumping over chairs as she practises the hurdles.  Running at breakneck speed and jumping chairs of various heights.  She has crashed into the walls many a time.  Then her attention shifts to the long jump as she launches herself across garden.  Those training for the Olympics could probably learn a thing or two! Whilst this practise is occurring Dylan is normally found practising his football skills and generally getting in Chloe’s way.  Erin merely toddlers around the garden on her newly found feet wondering what the fuss is about. 

These preparations have also had Chloe playing tennis against the side of the house.  Unfortunately for her she doesn’t always think things through, the tennis ball was muddy, our house is cream.  Hence Saturday saw her back out there this time practising an altogether different skill including a bowl of soapy water and hard brush.  On more than one occasion I have feared for my windows as her aim isn’t quite as good as she hopes, the ball has even bounced into the house through an open window, thank goodness for home insuranc. Therefore tonight when she came home lacking her usual bounce and vitality I knew something was up.  Her crestfallen face had me fearing an argument with friends had taken place.  Her eyes were sad and body language unhappy.  It seems that rain has stopped play, there is no roof to pull across the athletics track. 

Therefore my churned up garden has been in vane, the badge of honour as form captain ripped from her and tonight I have suffered the pain as my 12yr old has moaned about the unfairness of the rain non stop!