DPP2019 Day 7 - Basketball, Puppies, and Spidey

Today was a hodge podge of all the things.  On the surface, we thought that this day was going to be all about basketball.   This time of year, we go to a lot of basketball games.  We love it but it does make for crazy schedules and lots of coordination.   Today’s Picture is an iPhone photo and the photo creds go to Rich.   I am giving it the title of mismatch.   This must be how people felt playing E and her friend Lu back in the day - but man, 7th grade basketball is pretty unforgiving for the young man who hasn’t started to grow yet!

Mismatch

We call Big B the mosquito when he plays basketball.  He is fast with good timing and unpredictable movements.   He doesn’t look like most basketball players in the way he moves but it is amazing how effective he is.  He steals off the dribble and manages to get his shots up even when surrounded by giants by patiently waiting for one of his fakes to draw them off.   We spend a lot of time shaking our heads and saying, “how did he do that?”   We love to watch him.

Lil b started the day off early with some basketball.  He had two league games back to back.  His team has transformed from bad news bears to contenders in the last couple weeks.  They are clearly working hard and teaching team concepts.  A big shout out to OSA and especially Charles Thompson for the way he leads that boys program.  Lil b is in the youngest age group and not on one of the top teams.   Charles has been present, encouraging, and coaching in at least half of his games so far this season.   Our lead coach is a dad but he is also fantastic.  So his presence shows a commitment to development of all players at all levels.  So impressive.

 This age is the best.  They are old enough that the game is slowly starting to look like basketball but still young enough that a made basket will get smiles and pats on the back.  Lil b tends to skip back onto defense.  Cracks me up.  

While Rich went to watch Big B at his game, I headed to Marian to watch E play.  She had a good day.  I took a few photos which I will share here.  What I love is how it shows her intensity and focus.    She isn’t a natural ball player but she will work hard and give everything she’s got.  I have so much respect for the sweat equity she is willing to give to this sport she loves.   She is rewarded with improvement but keeps her focus on what is next to need improvement.

Mine!

She may be over six feet but she is determined to be as fast as little guards. 

It is blurry but she was hitting threes and this is the only one I caught! 

After a long morning, there were a few hours of space in the afternoon for everyone to slow down and enjoy life.  While I was out shuttling E to work and to social plans, Rich was busy holding down the fort.

Sleeping on the job. 

It is so rare to have everyone slow down enough to be able to watch an afternoon movie and crash.   Big B was hiding up in his room - which may be my least favorite thing about kids growing up.  I love having my ducklings around.  I accept that it is a normal part of growing up for them to retreat to their space and build independence.   I miss them just the same.  E and Big B have the best personalities and keep us laughing.  Why wouldn’t we want them around?!?

I do love that the Littles will grow weary of screens and get busy playing. We were extra safe this afternoon as we were protected by these characters.

Now this will be something I miss terribly over the years as it disappears.  Watching E and Big B transition out of enthusiastic dance parties, dress up, and imaginative play - makes my mama heart keenly aware of how quickly this fun phase will end.   For now, I will appreciate it and encourage the fun!  To be clear - we still insist on full family participation in the occasional dance party - but some participants are less than enthusiastic.  Building character one embarrassing moment at a time.

We ended our day with this bedtime discovery.  Rest well all.