Football Fans

It all began with a simple Internet order. In September, Daddy ordered a set of mini NFLfootball helmets for Jaden and Cody, thinking it would be a fun way to introduce them to his love of football. To say that the boys were interested would be a gross understatement. These boys are now football fanatics! Cody and Jaden quickly memorized all of the NFL team logos on their helmets. They ask Daddy each week which teams are playing against each other, and then they'll line up all their helmets in a face-off position.

Nearly every day, they'll ask if it's a "football day" so that they can watch a portion of the games on TV (or at least check the scores). When the games are over, they'll excitedly run up to their room and place each helmet on a sheet of paper marked with either "WIN" or "LOSE."

Jaden and Cody's favorite teams change almost weekly. Unfortunately, they refuse (at least for now) to continue Daddy's allegiance for the Detroit Lions. Instead, they unabashedly cheer for teams like the Browns or the Bills or the Titans and proudly tell family members and their kindergarten teacher about their current favorite teams.

Cody and Jaden's interest in football doesn't just stop with the sideline cheering. These boys also love to play! Regularly on weeknight evenings, Daddy plays tackle football with his boys in the yard. The match-up is always Jaden and Cody against Daddy. The boys have learned so much about the rules of football as they play. Their games are always so cute to watch! (If it's fair to call football games "cute...") The boys often begin with some sort of huddle to discuss their play.

Daddy has taught them how to call their play (they usually just shout out random words, often trying to distract their opponent) and then to say "hike" before they can move. Lessons about penalties have also been learned here! ;) 

Whether the play includes passing,

...running,

...blocking Daddy,

...or just tackling (These pics are my favorite!!),

these 3 boys always seem to enjoy their workout and their father-son bonding time. Occasionally Mommy and Adley sit nearby on the lawn to watch and cheer. Adley is probably more interested in the play mat or the grass than she is in the game. 

But we think that this little lady makes a pretty cute football fan too!

Every couple weeks, it seems like Jaden and Cody will go on a new playtime kick. Whether it's Legos, coloring, block building, or something completely new, the boys are "all in" on that particular activity. Football is certainly the new favorite. And this obsession, I'm sure, is one that Daddy hopes will last for quite some time! ;)