Basketball - I Hate It!!!

Zayda told me that she wanted to play basketball this year and I being a sports nut was super excited. She is playing at Mount Pleasant Christian Church in a Kindergarten co-ed league. The season has shaped up to be nothing like I had expected. Zayda has cried before games and practices and says that she doesn't understand how to play. We've tried everything from bribery to just run out there and have fun but nothing seems to work. Grandpa has worked with her like crazy and she has been doing much better in practice but she gets nervous for the games. We have talked tirelessly about life lessons and that we don't quit in the middle of something and that you don't have to be the best at everything to have fun doing it. But, right now, she still "hates" basketball and it tears her mommy's heart out. I don't care if she doesn't like it, it is just so hard for me to see her get so upset about playing. Her coaches have been wonderful with her and she gets to dribble the ball down the floor a couple of times in each game. I think this has helped to build her confidence a little. She especially likes her coach "with the curly hair." He lifted her up last time so she could make a basket. Right now, she tells me that her favorite part of playing is when she gets to sit on the bench. LOL

Father / Daughter Dance

Keith and Zayda had a father/daughter dance at school this year. This was the first time that they went with Zayda being at West Grove. They had gone before when Zayda when to school at church but this was the first time with her elementary school. Keith had started a tradition last year after their dance and he took her out for a fancy dessert. This year, after the dance, he took her to the Eagles Nest. She thought this was the fanciest restaurant ever. She thinks it's even more special because Daddy hasn't ever taken Mommy to this fancy place. They had a great time. She was excited about her corsage and from what I hear, they even danced to a couple of songs together.

Disney on Ice

We took the kids this year to see Disney on Ice. This was the first time that we had gone. We all had a blast. We bought the family pack which included tickets, hot dogs and drinks. We all had so much fun. The kids watched the whole show and seemed to just watch in amazement. Everytime the characters went behind the curtain, Garrett said "They tome back out now?" Zayda's favorite part was watching the princesses skate. I knew that when we had been to things like this when I was a kid that they would have all kinds of light things for sale so, I put ours from Disney world in my purse and it was great!! The kids were excited to have it and I think that they liked that theirs was different than everyone elses. Thanks to Grandma who purchased it at the spectromagic parade in Disney World. I would highly recommend this show for anyone who has kids. It truly was magical.

Bowling with Grandpa

Grandpa just recently accepted a government position and we were able to enjoy spending the day with him on his first government holiday that he had off. We spent the afternoon with Grandpa on veterans day. We enjoyed a lunch at Applebee's and then we all went bowling. The kids have never been bowling so we didn't know what to expect. They really enjoyed it. We all especially enjoyed each others company. Zayda has already asked to go bowling again someday.

Garrett's Big Boy Bed

Recently, I went to get Garrett out of his bed after his nap. When I got back to his room, he had one leg hoisted up and over the rail. I asked what he was doing and he said "I get out my bed." He hadn't ever attempted it but I figured since I was standing there, he might as well try it so I could catch him when he fell. Well, not only did he not fall but he swung his leg over and then slid down the side of his rail until his little feet hit the mattress and then he hopped right off like it was his job. You would have thought that he had been doing it for years. So, down went the crib and up went the toddler bed. He calls it his big boy bed and so far, he has yet to get out of it. When he wakes up in the morning, he stays in his bed and yells "Mommy, I get up now?" Then, he toddles on out.

IU homecoming

Every year, we attend IU homecoming to visit friends and family that also attend IU homecoming. This is the only time during the year that we see some of our friends. This year, Garrett has fallen in love with football. We took him to a Center Grove Football game and it has been true love ever since. Right before we left for IU, Garrett got a special present of a new football helmet. He didn't take it off the entire day! While we were there, Keith, Nana and I walked the cousins over to the Stadium to see the band. No offense but the IU band doesn't compare to the Purdue band. When we got over there, there was a miniature football field on one end of the stadium. The kids all enjoyed running around on the field. Zayda performed her gymnastics and Garrett was really excited to tackle mommy. It was a really fun day until we left and Garrett cried because he wanted to go see the football game. Poor guy. We came back to Nana's house and watched the game in the warm house.

(From L -R) Garrett, Brady, Zayda, Nana & Kaden

Zayda and Uncle Nick

Zayda said about this picture "Wow, Look how much tanner I am than Uncle Nick." Sorry Nick!

Fall Family Fun Night

This was our first actual school function that we could attend. West Grove's Fall Family Fun Night was a blast. We had a spaghetti dinner from fazoli's and then it was off to the Eerie Trail. A small haunted house that both of the kids really liked. Garrett was a little timid at first but he didn't might it so much by the end. They had several different games for the kids to play including pumpkin bowling and bobbing for doughnuts. This is Zayda trying to catch her doughnut which was powdered sugar. She had it all over her face by the end. It was a really fun night. I'm sure it's just the start of many school functions we will attend over the years.