Brannon's First Upward Soccer Game

Brannon had his first Upward soccer game today at our church. As Brannon would say...The good new was that he was able to see and play with all his friends from church...The bad news was that he just wasn't that into it (Brannon likes to talk about any experience by telling you the good and bad news). A few of my friends there said that their kids who played last year were the same way, so maybe it will get better. :\ Brannon looked like he was on the verge of tears most of the game. I'm not sure why. It could have been his ears (he and Alex both have ear infections right now) or he was too hot or maybe he was bummed because 3 of his buddies were on the other team (we saw him a couple of times pulling up his shirt like he was trying to change it to the gray side like the other team) or maybe I'm just trying to analyze it too much (that would be what Shawn would say). There were a few moments where he did trot a little, and he did kick the ball a couple of times, but overall, he just stood there. Let's hope that things get better, and most importantly that he has fun. :)

Here is his team. All but one of the kids Brannon has know as long as he has been alive. :)

Jaxon, Mary Elizabeth, Brannon, Simon and Brandon

In this picture Mark looks like he is really giving them an ear full! :)

One of the coolest things is that two of Brannon's coaches (Chad - Jaxon's dad and Mark - Simon's dad) have known him longer than he has been alive, and were there right after he was born. I think that kind of stuff is really cool! These guys love our crazy kid, and we love theirs! :)

The other team - a cute little girl, Evan, Carlos, Braydon, Tyler, and Ethan?

Brannon's team (the Wildcats...High School Musical anyone?) and the other team are the only teams in this age group, so they will be playing each other every week. :)

Before they started, they warmed up by stretching and doing jumping jacks. Brannon loves doing jumping jacks. :) He is next to his other coach, Bobby (Mary Elizabeth's daddy). He is a really cool guy. He has such a great cheery "kid" personality, and he loves playing with them and makes them feel special. :)

I caught Mary Elizabeth in midair. It makes her look really tall! :)

Saturdays are going to be a blast! All of our friends have kids playing Upward this year (at the same time), so we all just stand around talking and having fun watching our kiddos! :)

This is Bryce, all decked out in his soccer gear to watch his big brother Braydon play soccer. His mommy was decked out too in her "Soccer Mom" t-shirt! :) I love ya Kelly...you crack me up!!!

Here are the two teams praying before the game.

Brandon and Brannon...yes, it is confusing on the field. :)

Brannon and his buddy Simon...I'm so glad that they are on the same team!

Daddy encouraging Brannon and talking to him about playing soccer. :)

This was a cool shot of Simon throwing in the ball.

During most of the game Alex and Nate sat on my lap looking at a dinosaur book (big surprise!).

I also let them take a couple of pictures too. These are two of the pictures they took. I think the top one was taken by Nate, and the bottom one was taken by Alex. I think the picture of Nate is cute! :)

Here are the two teams giving high fives after the game.

Mary Elizabeth, Brannon, Simon, Jaxon and Brandon

Chad passing out stars at the end of the game. We were proud of Brannon because he got the "white" star. It is for being the most Christ-like. :)

WILDCATS!

Tyler, Evan, Braydon, Brannon and Will

Here's Brannon and his buddies from the other team. Notice his face. That's the face he had most of the day.

Here they are being silly. Kelly, I know you will be reading this, check out Braydon. You know those preacher's kids...;)

Here's our van. I am proudly showing my soccer mom spirit! :)