Jackson's First Soccer Game

Last Saturday was Jackson's first soccer game, and it was a lot of fun for our entire family! Allison had fun running around everywhere and exploring; although, this was a challenge at times for me because it made it more difficult to watch the game. Jason helps out our coach, so he got to be on the field with the kids coaching them as they played. That was definitely a lot of fun for him because he loves soccer. I enjoyed taking photos and watching Jackson do something I've never seen him do before. Jason and I were both surprised as we watched him play because we were able to see some of his natural strengths and the things that really motivate him. Jackson, of course, had a blast running around and trying to score goals. He is very aggressive and wants to be wherever the ball is. Even though he is a little small for his age, he doesn't notice it and he isn't afraid to confront kids that are quite a bit bigger than him. He also showed a pretty good understanding of the game - turning the ball around to score in the correct goal, which is actually challenging for some of the kids this age - at which we were surprised because Jason has never worked with him at home. The best part about the entire day was just watching him have fun. He scored 4 goals in the game, and it was precious to see him throw his hands in the air and grin from ear to ear after he scored. In fact, it was precious to see all of the kids smile after doing something well. They were so proud of themselves!

Game Day! I cannot express how thrilled he was to have a purple jersey!

Assistant Coach and his boy!

2:00 games for pregnant mommies are hot! I'm just thankful I'm in Utah and not Houston or Oklahoma. Whew!! I love this little guy so much!

I wanted a photo of the kids together. I asked them to put their arms around each other and they both did this at the same time. They weren't intending to not hug each other, they were just confused by what I meant.

But then Allison thought it was so funny, she didn't want to abandon the little game that ensued.

And then Jackson thought it would be great for them to close their eyes. As if it isn't difficult enough to get a photo of kids!

Go Wildcats!!

Let's go!

This little girl from the green team was really good. She's a head taller than Jackson but a month younger. I think he liked playing against her. They both love to be where the ball is!

Jackson's game was in the middle of Alli's normal naptime. She had a bit of a meltdown at one point and wanted Jason. He did what any fantastic daddy (and husband) would do, he ran around and coached with her on his shoulders!

We hadn't been practicing throw-ins in practice because our league told our coach that we didn't have to do them. Since the other team had been practicing them, we decided to do them as well. It took a few times for them to learn that they have to stay on the sideline. He's just a foot or so off!

Score!!

He was so thrilled with himself. I think that was the best part because we never said anything about trying to score goals. He's just a natural competitor and loved it!

Our number 7 taking an opportunity to guard the goal:

Watching this little guy reminded me so much of my brother. Craiten is a natural defender and my brother was the same way. I can still remember watching him play when he was Jackson's age. He always hung back and protected our goal. It's amazing to watch the kids and to see how the Lord has naturally gifted them.

We talked about numbers the day Jackson was going to get his jersey. We tried to find something positive about every number he might get. Jason ran practice that day and we decided to let the kids pick their numbers. To our very pleasant surprise, no two kids wanted the same number. Thank You, Lord!! Jackson picked number 5 at first, but when he saw number 7, he quickly changed his mind. I love number 7!

It's funny the things that you take for granted. The coaches had to teach the kids how to go through the line, give fives, and say, "Good game!"

The Wildcats: