James scores!!!

Yesterday was the Panther's last football game of the season.  The boys were anxious to get a win since, up until yesterday, they'd lost every game.  They played hard all season, but unfortunately played against even tougher competition (most players are 10 years old and have been playing together for awhile, unlike our team).

I am thrilled to report that James scored the only touchdown yesterday and helped his team win their first game, 7-6!!!

James played every second of every single game all season.  He played offense, defense, and went out every time for special teams.

His poor body is covered in bruises (literally) but he loves the sport!  Watching James play really is enjoyable (and nerve-wracking when he gets tackled!).

This is the team's final tunnel run-through yesterday.  My heart hurts when I see Peter looking up at the players and even more when I see Chris find James in the crowd...

As Aunt Megan said, James can stop looking like he's 15 any time now.  ;)  He seems to be growing and changing into a young man by leaps and bounds.  The way he runs out on the field, looking so tall and handsome in his uniform… it's impossible not to see who he'll look like at 15.

(Also eye-opening, and evidence that the times they are a changing, is that a mom friend of mine texted me last week to say her daughter, Jessica, wanted to apologize to James for something she said at recess.  Um… what?!  Are we really starting this now too!?  Apparently so although James absolutely ignores and denies it.)

We are so very proud of you, James.  You are smart, dedicated, respectful, and kind.  You continue to be everything we'd hoped for.