Just wanted to know what you all think. this is my first shot at portraits. I emphasis that I am an amateur with no training, but any suggestions would be welcome.

Great expression and energy in this image, I feel like I have a real feel for the type of personality your son has simply by seeing this image and that's wonderful.

Remember to spend a lot of time finding great light as this could really add to the image. This was shot in the shade, I'm guessing a porch and while the lighting is even, its also cool and lack a ton of interest. Secondly shooting with a long focal length lens will help to decrease depth of field and create separation between the subject and the background.

The old saying states that a picture says a 1000 words and this is certainly a wonderful example of that. Great emotion and expression.

Thank you for your critique Ed, I really appreciate it. the shot was taken at Legion Park (behind Gallo) in modesto. You are correct, we were shooting in the shade because it was a really hot day.
Next, I am only shooting with a Kodak Easyshare Camera. I am sorry I am not sure what you mean by a long focal length lens, or if my camera is capable of such thing. probably not, I cannot add lenses to my camera. This is a hobby of sorts and I can't justify the expense of a professional camera yet.
I am having fun with it at the moment. maybe some day I can take it further.

That's great Tammy, photography is wonderful weather you do it professionally or just for the pure enjoyment of it. A long focal length would be a long or telephoto lens, something like 120mm or 150mm. If your camera doesn't have interchangeable lens it should have a zoom on it, in this case you'd use it at the longest optical zoom it has, normally in the 100 something range. This will soften up the background and create some separation between it and the subject.