Basketball wrap up

The Tigers finished another great season of basketball through the Upward league we played in for the second year. It was so fun, and Isaac really improved his skills and played even better than last year, scoring in several games. Abigail enjoyed her run as mascot and all the attention she received. Here they are in all their glory.

Basketball season is here!

Today was the first game for Isaac's Upward basketball league at a local church. This year, his team is the Tigers, and he's been eager for them to start playing. Two of the three scheduled practices had to be canceled due to bad weather, so we weren't expecting any great coordinated effort by the kids, to say the least. However, we were pleasantly surprised at their decent playing, and overall awesome effort and attitudes. It was great fun cheering him on, and we even had our own self-proclaimed mascot too! Yep, Abigail decided as soon as she knew the team's name a few weeks ago that she'd be their mascot, and wear a costume her friend Laney had passed down to her.

So, there we were today, with my parents, waiting on the players to be announced as they enter the gym, and as Coach J.J. ran onto the court, right beside him was Abigail, jumping and cheering all the way, in her little tiger outfit! I would've gotten a picture, but I was too busy laughing like a maniac! It was so funny and cute, and she was so proud of herself. I think we'd kinda figured she'd back out at the last minute, or just walk out behind the players, not bringing too much attention to herself. We guessed wrongly. :-) Then, Isaac came out, thrilled as could be and eager to play. She cheered off and on for the whole game, and it meant so much to Isaac that she was that enthusiastic. (He assumes it's purely her devotion to him that is motivating her, instead of a desire to be in the spotlight!) He played well, listening to instruction, and hustling the entire time. We were very pleased that both had such a great time and are thankful for such an environment for them to play and learn the sport without too much stress or competition.

Here are a few photos of Isaac and his team, and you may see a glimpse of his #1 cheerleader too. (It wasn't snowing in the gym. Apparently my laughter caused me to spit all over the lens or something...sorry!) Both of the kids got a blue star, for great effort, and were so pleased. Elijah's contribution was to sleep through most of it, snuggled on Gramma, and to look cute while doing so. He was successful as well. What a fun day!!