It is another sign that Austin is just growing up too fast.

 Tonight, Austin has his first practice for his new soccer team he is joining. Yup. Big boy starts soccer this year. I'm not sure how into it he will be or how good he will (or won't) play but it's going to be fun to see him try. I will be there cheering him the entire time. I am not shy about sharing the fact with you that I have no idea what type of "Sports Dad" I will be. When I go to Iowa State football games I yell and hoot when something goes wrong on the field (unfortunately, it happens a lot). When I watch a NASCAR race at home and something happens to one of my boys (Earnhardt Junior, Stewart or Kevin Harvick) I have been known to yell at the screen a time or two. In both those instances I am a fan and it involves people I like but don't know. This is my son, whom I love. What will I do the first time another kid accidentally kicks him or a ref makes a bad call against Austin. What will I do if another kid on another team tries to pick a fight with Austin or pushes him down? I would hope I would be calm and rational. But then I remember Mandy is better at that than I am.

 I know I have to set an example for the boys and part of that example includes manners and grace and sportsmanship. That been said this is new territory for me. I just hope I can make my way through it fine without losing my cool in front of the boys or anyone else for that matter. What's so interesting about being a Dad is while you're trying to teach your kids things, you find yourself having to learn a few new tricks as well for their sake.

 So here we go. I'm going to try and dodge out of work tonight to go to part of his practice. I want him to know Dad cares about him and is interested in what he is doing. Another bold new adventure is on the horizon now!

 Quote Of The Day: "One man practicing sportsmanship is better than a hundred teaching it." Knute Rockne

 This Day In History: Comedian Groucho Marx died in Los Angeles on this date, August 19th, 1977.

 Something You Should Check Out: When I saw Grouch Marx died in 1977, it made me think of Star Wars. The original Star Wars was released in 1977 and really revolutionized movie making and story telling. Here's the original trailer for the original Star Wars from 31 years ago. Enjoy!

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