10th Birthday NBA style

We hosted a 10th birthday party for 

Drew (Feb 9) and Sam (Dec 25)

and they all had a blast.

We rented a gym, so they could get together with their buddies

and play...and then we got the note that they had practice from 5-7...but it didn't matter.

We picked them all up from practice...all the 4th and 5th graders because they have become close.

It might have been the easiest party ever...at this age, they don't care about decorations

and they want to eat pizza. DH and I had went to Fort Wayne during the day for a dear uncle that passed away.  We came back for DH to have practice with Joe for basketball and then pick up boys for the party.  Thank goodness Aunt Jill got the cupcakes and pizza!

 Who knows, we were not responsible for accidents. haha.

 It quickly became a game of shirts and skins, surprised?  Nope, its boys.

 We did have some NBA decor, specifically the Golden State Warriors of course!

Aunt Jill also had some NBA basketball cards as prizes for games.

DH ran a couple rounds of put-out...an all time favorite.

And free throw contest, and couple of running, shooting drills

Waiting for the finish.

 Looking at the prize pack. 

They love these cards.

 The youngest baller there, but he held his own.

End of the free throw competition, they were trying to get him to mess up, turds.

my beauty girl, Miss J

Some serious smiles and all around good time fun.

Insert Proud Mama Moment.

Sam made high honor roll.

Were this mom and dad ever proud!?!

He has consistently made honor roll, but he does work at it.

We look over homework, study for our tests

and know this is in contrast to some of his classmates that just get it 1st time.

But, this year, has been an absolute joy.

He comes home with work done (during free time at school)

and we only have to tug on teeth to encourage studying

Something is clicking..I think it is his teacher...and I've told her so.

She says he has also matured and she is right about that as well.

Either way, this high honor mark certainly makes his parents proud!

And this mama is also proud that all of his buddies

are right there with him. Nice to know he is surrounded by some great kids, too.

Proud of my nephew Drew, high honors also!

Second Grade Lions Basketball

Joe's second grade basketball league was short and sweet!

It is quite a transition from Y-ball where most everything is allowed,

and most of Joe's classmates hadn't played in a basketball game at all.

He loved every (well most) minute of it...

 We did manage to pull out a victory this year, so the boys were proud of that.

I was impressed with Joe and his desire to play.

He was quite the hustler and kept his attitude positive,

love that.

DH and his basketball coaching debut (and finale).  

He took on the team at the last minute, enjoyed it, but will probably pass it on next year.

Take care of the ball Joe...I heard that phrase from DH a few times.

Was in Evansville all day for a tourney with Sam the second weekend,

zoomed up to Bloomfield for Joe's last game week 3!

By this week, we had picked up a new player and were out of jerseys,

so we pulled one of Sam's old jerseys out.  Joe was pumped to wear Sam's jersey.

Last week, he knew it was a tourney game, he was excited.

He played so hard...

This was his (precious), I know I can't call it that...

{fierce} that would be better for a boy,

in bounds play.

He said, "Mom, I have to slap the ball real hard and yell go."

And did he ever, his hand hurt after the game.

I told him he might be able to take a little off the slap.

And it was cut short, he collided with another of his players going after the ball

and was knocked backwards and his head hit the floor - very hard.

Take your mama breath away hard.  

DH, the coach, went right out and got him - Joe came around right away.

But, he was scared.  I was too. And so was the coach.

He tried to stay on the bench for a bit, and told DH he wanted to play again.

It's such a tough balance. 

But, as soon as he stood up, he wasn't able to play.

He was really nervous by now, so DH sent him over to me.

I was never so glad to get my hands on him,

reassure (and assess) him, ha.

A teammates mama is a nurse (thank you Amy), so we looked him over pretty good.

A boy in crowd got us some ice, and we were able to calm him down.

He wanted to go back the the bench to cheer on his teammates.

We stayed for the game. And took some team pictures!

  

Row 1 Mason B, Brody G, Owen T, Declan T, Evan W

Row 2 Brentlee F, Jonathan F, Paxton A, Joe G, and Liam H

And then the decision to have him evaluated?

Our resident NP, Will stopped by that night to evaluate him.

He was fine by then.  He likely had a mild concussion,

so we held electronics and recess for a couple of days and we were back on track.

He loved the season and has not put the ball down since then.

He dribbles in the house all.the.time.