Jackson's First Soccer Practice

Four days after we moved into our house marked the beginning of extracurricular activities in Utah for our family. Soccer!! This is Jackson's first year to play and we are so excited for him. We have no idea if he'll like it, but we want to give him the opportunity to try it out. Jason loved soccer and played his whole life. Jackson is not the kid you find outside constantly kicking a ball because he's always been more interested in driving things - cars, bikes, scooters, etc. - but we think he's going to really enjoy playing soccer. He loves competition and he loves making friends.

Before his first practice, Jason and Jackson went out to buy cleats, shin guards and soccer socks. It was a long night of driving around trying to find the right size cleats, but I know they had fun. Since Jason knows soccer really well, he's agreed to help out Jackson's coach in any way he can. For Jackson's first practice, they both got their soccer gear on, which Jackson just loves because he really enjoys wearing the same things as his daddy. Here's a shot of them sporting their soccer gear. Jackson picked out those cleats! He's always liked lots of color.

Jackson's first practice was a success. He had tons of fun! He was a little timid at first and didn't like some of the things they were doing, but when it came time to scrimmage, he came alive.

It was so funny watching him learn how to dribble the ball. They were playing a game called "Dog Catcher" and they were supposed to make sure that the dog catcher didn't get their dog (ball). He was so determined not to allow his ball to get caught that he kept it trapped between his feet as he SLOWLY sent down the field. It was great to watch! He was serious about keeping that ball!

As time went on, he got a little braver.

And once he was allowed to kick the ball and try for a goal, he was ready to go and grinning from ear to ear.

For their scrimmage, he got the wear the purple jersey. Boy, did that make him happy!

Let the fun begin!

Wherever the ball is, that it where he wants to be. Aggressiveness does not seem to be an issue!

I was so happy that my dad got to be there for Jackson's first practice. I know he loved it! He didn't get to watch very much because Allison wanted to be at the playground, which was right next to the area where they were practicing, and he was watching her for me. He was amazed at the things she could climb, which is pretty much everything on that playground - the rock wall and all of the different types of ladders. He was nervous that she might fall, but she never did. She's a climber and since he doesn't get to be around her, he didn't know what she was capable of. I know it was fun for him to watch her.

That was a steep slide. Older girls always want to help her. I was surprised that she let this little girl slide with her because she's so independent.

She did go by herself on her bottom, but if she gets a little nervous, she flips to her belly.

We all had a great time. I'm so glad he enjoyed his first practice. He made friends and he said that he loved scrimmaging the best!