Upward Flag Football

Caleb loved flag football. It was chaos, but lots of fun to watch. He now plays pretend games everywhere he goes. And in these games he's the coach, announcer and all the players. Dialogue goes something like this, "He's a new comer! Down, Set, Hut! Stay with me. Great job, you did good. Are you ready. Know where the ball is Caleb! His running and got him down. Tackle me, tackle me!"

I would say he doesn't excel in football like baseball, but he loved it and learned a lot from his great coaching. He went from running for a loss most of the time to ending the season finding the holes. He became a decent little receiver. Now if we could just get him to pick up his feet, so he could move up the field faster than a snail's pace. He got his Momma's running ability, at least right now. Hopefully the superior athletic genes of Daddy will kick in as he matures. He was one of the youngest on the team with ages ranging from 5-7.

(top left/right) Coach Terry, Coach Paul, Daddy

(Middle L/R) Aiden, Jack D, Ryan, Caleb, Jackson M.

(Bottom L/R) Brayden, Michael, Matt, Jackson S. 

Football Fans

One of my favorite things about living in Pittsburgh are the sports. It reminds me of the awesome camaraderie I experienced in college being a Red Raider. So, of course I have totally jumped on the Steeler bandwagon. I am a HUGE fan and so is Caleb. 

He's still a huge Jordon fan, thus loyal to the Lions, but it's fam, so I can't blame him. Fathead commercials did their job and persuaded Caleb to ask over and over for a life size picture of Jordon to put on his wall. I told him that would be too expensive, so he compromised and asked for the helmet instead.

Caleb loves Polamalu and dished out hugs and smiles.

after receiving miniature fatheads of 6 key Steelers.

I've really enjoyed the fun and bonding that football has brought to the family. It is so exciting watching my little guy work hard at something all on his own. He is already running routes and catching balls at 4. Impressive. It's such a joy watching daddy and brother play together. Even sissy will occasionally get in on the action,

 

but is always faithful to show her girly side, taking a dolly break.

Little Quarterback

Is there a quarterback in our future? Here is Caleb running a play action pass.  Be patient it takes a second to load. This boy loves football.

NCU vs Michigan State

 

When we found out that Clay would be playing a game within a few hours of home we had to go. It's hard for me to believe that he is a 200 pound college football player. He was Caleb's age when we moved to the foothills of Tucson, AZ. In many ways Caleb's intense personality reminds me of my little buddy Clay (now not such a little buddy). Like Clay, Caleb loves dinosaurs, is very determined, can't sit still and has to do things in his time on his terms. It is encouraging to see what a neat guy Clay has turned out to be and gives me hope that my little determined buddy will follow suit. 

Their team was playing a top ranked team in their stadium with green everywhere. I couldn't resist this picture even though it was our opponent's attire.

At the half the kids needed a break from sitting, so we went and played a little ball. We had a blast. It has been so fun watching Caleb's interest in sports develop. We haven't pushed it and the boy loves football as much as baseball. It is an every day activity for him to find his Nerf ball and throw it against the wall. Listening to him play an entire football game through his imagination is very entertaining.

The kids did really well, much better than I was anticipating for a 4 hour game in the cold. Always thankful for pleasant outings.

Our Buddy Clay running off the field.

Chelsea, Clay, Jordan and Grandpa Cowboy (with a tired Sissy in hand)

We had so much fun hanging with family. Makaylee loved playing with her pretty and fun cousin Chelsea. If I've ever questioned the value of quality time, that questioning has been totally eliminated. After one afternoon of Jordon playing football with Caleb, he is his new hero.  Thanks to the Fathead commercials he wants a life size picture of Jordon for his bedroom. He is determined to get a Detroit Lion's helmet and won't take off his Lion's Jersey.  He told me this morning he wants Jordon and Polamalu on his birthday cake. "Jordon will be tackling and Polamalu will have the ball." We are still working on comprehension of offense and defense. :)