Soccer Mom

We went to Dallas this weekend.  The LA Galaxy was playing FC Dallas (major league soccer), which meant this was a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see David Beckham and Landon Donovan play in person.  Because there are three rabid, over-the-top soccer fans in my house, we couldn't pass it up.

But before I tell you about it, I have to ask you Texans a question:  when did they pick up your state and move it to the equator?  Because THE SUN!  And THE HEAT!   It was the kind of sun that scoffed at our four layers of sunscreen.  We all sat in that stadium and just fried like chickens.  It doesn't help that when they made the state-of-the-art major league soccer stadium in Frisco, TX (just north of Dallas), they included every possible amenity...except shade.  I guess there's a little shade, but you shill out big bucks for it.  I think it's right there on your ticket:  seat 23, row 7, section 142 AND SHADY.

All the frying was worth it, though, for my little guys to have such a big day:

The big guy himself:

My nine year old would like for me to include a picture of Landon Donovan.  According to my boy, Donovan is the real star of the team, and Beckham just came to America and stole all the limelight.  These are the nuggets of wisdom I would never have known if I weren't the mother of sons.

An interesting thought occurred to me as I glared in the blazing sun at the skybox just across from us:

Actually, she probably wasn't, Hubs informed me.  He said that Victoria Beckham doesn't generally travel with the team.  A shame.  That would've made for an awesome post.

Here is what my daughter Corrie thinks of major league soccer:

I will tell you that there is nothing sweeter than having a sweaty toddler draped in your lap when you're sitting under the equatorial sun.  Late in the first half, she and I wandered around in search of some relief. 

Corrie was the first to see it.  She squealed with delight and made a bee-line for this:

Lord have mercy on us!  It's a SHADOW!

Here's another David Beckham picture, because I want to be sure I get my money (and sunburn's) worth:

We're home (and a little crispy) now.  But when I can get the rest of my pictures downloaded, I have to show you a picture of the Texas version of Sonic.  It's just almost too much to take in.

Comments

[janmary, N Ireland]

So glad you found some shade. Can I ask what the score was? And did Beckham score?

[Valerie at Home]

Yeah, I saw those 90+ degree forecasts for Dear Ol' Dallas and I think I laughed maniacally while enjoying the 70s here in NC. However, just the mention of Sonic has been burning with jealousy because they are few and far between here!

[jenny]

I bet that was an exciting day for your boys for sure! Hopefully you're luckier than I am and your sunburn will turn into a lovely tan instead of just flake away! Corrie has the right idea... any bit of shade will work!

[Melanie]

Nothing sweeter than a sweaty kid sticking to you.

Ahhh... memories.

[Michelle@Life with Three]

Oh! That is too funny! I love how Corrie scrambled for the 6 inches of shade! Hope y'all didn't get too burnt.

[Howdy]

LOL I loved the Shade Picture... with the bottle of water... LOL Too Cute!
I miss my family that lives there in TX, but the weather, the heat, the tornados, the heat, the bugs, the heat... not so much.
OH and I miss the flat land... and the sky... all that wonderful sky! Which unfortunately was full of sunshine for you... and heat!
I found a Sonic out in Lancaster Co. PA the other day while out house hunting... I'm guessing the one in TX was BIGGER... because as we all know - everythings Bigger in TX!

[Jenni]

I am hating that the 90s have been breached.....portends a loooong HOT summer in big D.

[Dee]

At least it was over 100. In 2003 we had over 30 straight days over 100 by min June. In 2004 or 2005 it hit 100 in April. It could have been worse. Have you ever been to Texas Stadium? There is shade there but it is so humid, hot, and it gets still/stuffy.

[Vicki]

We went to see the KC Wizards play the Galaxy last year, just to see Beckham. His knee was injured so we were hoping to see him on the sidelines. Then his father passed away and he had to hop back over to England. Totally understandable, yet nonetheless disappointing. I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

[stacy]

Well, now, I'm from Texas so you will have to post a pic of your sonic as well. I curious to know the difference.

[Judy]

Yeah, the winters here are mild, which is AWESOME (yay for oranges and other citrus/tropical fare in my backyard), but the summer'll kill you if you aren't ready for it. I love me some Texas heat, though...makes the lemonade taste sweeter!

[Tracye]

Yes, the heat! My God, the heat!

I posted yesterday about our Saturday in THE HEAT!!!

We live far, far south of Dallas. The forecast today is 92. Doesn't look good for June through October. Cause that's when the heat starts to wilt a little.

I remember when I had a sweaty toddler in my lap during an Astro's game one summer. Such fun.

[Jeana]

I was just thinking how nice the weather's been lately. I guess shade makes a huge difference.

[We are THAT family]

And so now you know why we Texans take to blogging. It's indoors! And Sonic, they are like King here! Looks like a very memorable trip!

[Sheila]

Why is it that when kids are sweaty they want to touch you? I will never understand that.

Did you burn like crazy? We always burn when there's lots of sun. It's just terrible. We're all skin cancer waiting to happen.

I'm glad your family had a good day, though! I think I would have taken that water and poured it over my head.

Visit To Love, Honor and Vacuum today!

[Smockity Frocks]

I agree about the heat! We live in the tippy, tippy top of TX and it is amazing how much cooler it is. Whenever we visit Dallas, the kids say, "It's so hot here I can't breathe!" I don't even want to think about how hot it will be in Austin (closer to the equator!) when we attend our family reunion this year.

[hm]

Welcome to Texas baby! We are one of the few states where you can actually swim outside 10 months out of the year!

The humidity is so much fun as well, right?

[megan]

I'm very impressed with your son - it's true that Landon Donovan is the real leader of the team but you never hear about him these days. But - even though I know that, I would still be more excited to see Beckham.

[Ami]

We may be close to the equator, but summer time makes me think that we're closer to hell!

[Lisa T.]

I hear you, girl - we live in the Dallas area, and my son played a tee-ball (CHAMPIONSHIP!) game yesterday in that same equatorial sun. Sheesh. They won, by the way. :)

[Connie]

I have those same shoes!

[life with the wisners]

seriously. have you read my blog? where i refer to myself as summer janet? she's a miserable person. and she lives in dallas. where it's summer until christmas.

i'm hot just thinking about your weekend.

come to think of it, i'm hot just sitting at my computer looking outside. and it's only 8:30am.

must go. apply. deodorant. immediately.

[Jane]

Guess this 'splains why Big Mama was wearing that big 'ole hat the other day!

[bee]

Well, the least he could have done was play with his shirt off! I mean, since you had to sit in the sun and all that!

[jenn]

You were in my neck of the woods! We have not been to anything at the soccer stadium yet - sorry to hear it was so hot. We are suppose to have 90+ degree weather all week. Gotta love that Texas heat.