Today was a fun new experience for our family, as we loaded our kids up and took them to school to watch Dekker take part in his first ever track and field day. Dekker was amped for it, and very excited that we were all coming. The other kids were pumped too, obviously not sure what to expect but happy to go see Dekker do something we promised would be exciting. Everyone got ready as slowly as possible (isn’t that how it always happens?) but we made it there with a bit of extra time, even. Woot!
The day began with a run on the track. I think it was the 100m track but the kindergarteners only went to the halfway point, I believe. I was SO sad when Dekker wiped out 🙁 He got overwhelmed very early and hit the deck pretty hard. He had lots of help right away, and was walked off the track and brought back to his class. I heard later than a kid or two had tried to run to him right away, but their parents/teachers had kept them back. Just knowing that made my heart feel a bit better for him. Shortly afterwards, he was walking around, helping his teacher do little jobs, slowly coming back from his experience. He was well cared for.
The race had been at the high school, so once that was done, the crowds of people began migrating back to the elementary school for the other events. I realized at the next even that, thanks to our last name, Dekker had to be first every single time. No one wants to be first anyway, but especially being so nervous in general, it was hard for him. But at his second event of the day – ball throw – he did great 🙂 His first throw was nice and far! Then, for whatever reasons, he switched hands, haha! So the last two throws didn’t go quite so far 😉 but he was happy with himself, and seemed more comfortable again.
Running long jump upset him again. I’m not entirely sure why. His first run was just a practice run but he ended it in tears, hanging his head down, walking to the back of the line again. The SWEET little guy behind him took him by the shoulders and stuffed his own face up under the brim of Dekker’s hat that he was hiding under, and pep talked him. <3 My mama heart just swelled. Dekker stayed in his line and did his three jumps like everyone else. At the very end, he asked to go again, which surprised everyone, but they let him, which I really appreciated 🙂 Its all about having a good experience at this age, so I could really see the efforts being made for him.
His last event was standing broad jump, and he walked right up to the starting board, ready to being the event. He was confident, happy, comfortable, and excited. Yay Dekker!! He did his practice jump and then waited his turn for his other three jumps. I watched him in the line with his friends. They would roughhouse a little, try and knock each other over, and eventually it would end in tickling. It was just s sweet and innocent and heartwarming for me. I’m SO sad I can’t post some of the best pictures of the day, because there are so many other kids in them and its just not my place, but seriously, it was SO cute! The whole thing. The whole day. A bunch of five year olds running, jumping, playing, wandering off, and proudly displaying their ribbons. I loved it!
Huge props go to our other kids, who waited patiently through the breaks in the day, and rooted for Dekker when it was his turn. I’m constantly amazed at my children, and today was no different.
What a fun, crazy day. I’m thankful the weather cooperated for us, even though it looked a bit touch and go there for a while, so the kids could really enjoy themselves 🙂 And so we could, too.