My Youngest and My Oldest

Basketball Season

Running Hills

It's that time of year again.  I bet you think I mean fall, crisp, autumn temperatures, beautiful colors, and open windows.  I bet you think I mean it's time to go take pictures of covered bridges, rolling hills, corn stalks and pumpkins.

NO!!!! I don't mean that!

(well, the picture taker in me does mean that)

It's almost basketball season!

So, in preparation, the basketball parent in this family (that of course is not me) has his kids doing dribbling drills, shooting drills (that's with a ball) and running hills .... forwards and backwards.  For the most part it's done with great sense of humor.

One must ham it up, you know.

Strengthening those legs

He of course is cheering them on, but also doing the hill with them.

She looks like she's been running hills, doesn't she?

Basketball isn't just for Winter, you know

"Squirrel" (from the movie UP) - that's what I think R is doing.

This one is funny to me because they all have the basketball at the same position.  And then there's A, who decided to make faces when she saw me clicking away.

Now you see them .....

Alright - she hates this picture.  It's 6:30 a.m. and we're on the way to the orthodontist.

And NOW YOU DON'T!!!

NO MORE BRACES!

Nationals - Day 3

Today, Wednesday, we only had one game.  R had a game this morning and was it ever a nailbiter.  They played a game from Big D.  They lost.  Had they won they would be in the top four of the nation for U-12.  They still have a chance at #5 in the nation, but are guaranteed a spot in the top 8.  Way to go Warriors!

This is what one does when one watches his sister play.  Always have the ball in hand.  It's really so during half time you can jump up and go shoot hoops.

Tomorrow, we plan to eat at the home of the Throwed Rolls, then on to game number 1 for R and A has a game at 5:30.

Later on this afternoon we went to tour College of the Ozarks.  The idea behind the C of O is Hard Work U.  The kids can pay for their room, board & tuition by working at the college.  Fascinating idea.  The college also is self-reliant (not the right word but it's not coming right now).  They have their own power plant, water system, etc.  They have cattle, they have a grinding mill, they sell their products and it goes on and on.  It was a very nice college.  They have prominent figures, such as Sarah Palin, George Bush, etc., come and speak.

Then it was time for Branson.  WOW!  It is, simply put, Sensory Overload.  The best part of driving down the street in Branson was the tour guide in the car in front of us talking on the phone to Joe.  Thanks Mom!  You did a GREAT job making me laugh :).

Not sure why it is called a vacation spot.  I think a vacation is a good book, a beautiful lake, sunshine, and quiet - with the exception of boats going by.  Okay - We did have some fun there.  Joe and crew went go-karting and had a blast.  I stayed back to take pictures so I could PROVE we were there.  However, I think by saying sensory overload I proved it right off the bat.

Yep, this really is on a building.

Tomorrow I will put pictures from go-karting up and Throwed Rolls and basketball.  Tonight I am frustrated because the wi-fi is oh so slow at the parking lot.

AHHHH I think the word I was looking for was self-sustaining.  I can go to sleep now.  Good night.

Homeschool Basketball Nationals - It's A Big Deal!

The Homeschool Basketball Nationals are a big deal!  There are about 435 (give or take) teams from all over the United States.  We can't go anywhere in Springfield without seeing cars from all over the nation.  R & A are both playing this year and hopefully next year more of us will be playing at Nationals.

GO BLAZERS!

We are so excited that Mom and Dad came up to be here for this fun time.  A has played one game and will play her next one in about an hour.  That game was against a team from Memphis, TN and we didn't win.  More opportunity for that in a little while :).  R played his first game this morning and they took that one.  They played against the boys team from Memphis.  That was a FUN game to watch.

Most of the team is staying in the hotel.  We opted to bring the trailer out and camp.  It's a fancy place.  Not really.  But it's working for us, especially now that the thunderstorms and snow are gone.

No matter where we are we can always grill out.

Tomorrow, hopefully we can run down to Branson and explore a little bit and we want to hit the original Bass Pro Shop.  So, til I get more pictures up enjoy these.  The internet is veerrrryyyyy slow at this campground/parking lot.

Love it!

BEST FAN AWARD!

Hoosiers

Remember the movie Hoosiers?  It was back in the 80's and was about the phenomenon of Hoosier Hysteria - basketball, of course.  The movie starred Gene Hackman.  Remember, now?

Last night my guys played at the same gym where part of the movie was filmed. It's called the Historic Hoosier Gym, Home of the Hickory Huskers.  It was WAY cool.  It's not one of the modern gyms, but it has "the" feel that basketball should have (of course that's just MY opinion).

Indiana State Flag that hangs in the gym - Just gotta show it.  It is after all Hoosier Hysteria.

Two goofballs sitting in the press box, they remind me of 

First bucket of the game.  Just sayin'......

"Forget about the crowds, the size of the schools, their fancy uniforms and remember what got you here.  You put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential to be the best that you can be.  I don't care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game.  In my book we're gonna be winners."  Hoosiers (Gene Hackman)

Just Another Day with Special Visitors

We had very special visitors today.  This is my Big A and my 

(dare I say it, cause I'm not that old) 

great niece Little A who is an ABSOLUTELY

precious child and I love her very much.

Here are the two A's and K. 

It was a short visit and hopefully

there will be a longer one 

in the near future.

Just Another Basketball Day

 Andrew in play

 Ryan making the decision who to pass it to.

Ready to leave for her game :)

The Champions of the Tourney

Plain ole' pooped after her 12 rebounds, 4 points, 2 steals and diving for foul balls AND a sleepover.

Just Another Game Day

It was another well fought game.  It was not the right outcome for us, but in the end we are all brothers (and sisters) in Christ.

Just Another Day Netting It