He comes from a long line of sports fans on both sides.
(That's me when I played soccer as a kid. I also play volleyball, basketball, and did track throughout Junior High and High School.)
This is his Grandpa Lighten carry his cricket bat - which he LOVED!
Over the years we have spent lots of family time enjoying sports.
Especially these two.
Our favorite teams are the Denver Broncos, Rockies, BYU, Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake Soccer, and England's Arsenal soccer team.
We follow and enjoy them all.
My personal favorite teams however, are the ones my kids play their own sports on. :)
One sport which has continued throughout our family for our boy has been soccer.
He has played since he was small. And still loves it today.
Many aspects of his soccer experience have changed over the years.
Different teammates, coaches, uniform colors, and even positions.
Currently he plays for the Utah Surf Soccer Club. He largely plays goalie, but also loves striker. It boils down to tasting the glory for this guy. He either wants to be the one blocking the goal or scoring it. :)
Which is one aspect that has remained the same through the passage of time.
We have spent many, many hours sitting on the sidelines cheering him on while our girls play with any friends that show up to the game.
This is Emma. She has been Eliza's BFF all year so far.
As you can see, they adore each other. And I adore being able to just fully enjoy each game while my little pumpkin is lovingly being cared for! :)
This cute girl right here is Jake's school teacher, Mrs. Lyons. She is without a doubt the BEST teacher on the planet. I mean, you have to be to leave work to come to one of your student's soccer games across town. Then to have to go back, finish your work, and then drive 30 minutes home!
Makes for a late night for her but also a super strong bond for him.
She is truly, truly amazing!
Another piece that has remained the same is this sweet friendship.
Jake and Luke have played soccer together since they were small.
Last year, they were put on different teams and it just lit an absolute fire in Jake to work his tail off to earn a spot this year playing with his best bud.
It worked and now they are back together for another year of a sport they both love so much!
Oh how we love sports and our little soccer star!
