Wee Basketball 2014

His team name...the Ninja Turtles! Amazing what you get when kids pick the team name. Macklin clearly loves it! 

Team Dinner

Right before winter break, we were able to host Justin's basketball team for dinner. You have to make a ton of spaghetti to feed 12 high school boys :)

Justin's Season Begins

Justin had his first basketball game on Monday night with the EVHS C-team. They ended up winning 76-70 in overtime. By far the longest, highest scoring C-team game that I have ever witnessed. Of course Justin's comment was, "There wasn't much defense out there tonight." But, hey, they are young, it was their first game, and it was exciting! 

In celebration, Grandma had left us some steaks to eat after his first win. So Tuesday night was steak night at the Brandts! 

Next game tonight and another on Saturday! 

Basketball Season Complete

Justin with Coach Bair and Coach Sanchez

Justin had his end of the season basketball banquet earlier this week. Justin always does a nice job of being intentional with his banquet thoughts. He has done a variety of things to accomplish this over the years, but this year he wrote each guy a personal letter. I love that because they will get to keep that as a reminder of what Justin thought about them this season. Even thought the season was a hard one for Justin (three teams turned into two due to numbers and he kinda lost his team), he is always grateful for the relationships that have been built. 

Justin's group of guys (JV/Freshmen Team) 

Christmas Recap: Spragues

So many adventures with the Sprague family during our time in St. Louis. Here is a picture documentary of them all :)

Braggin Rights Game

Other than the Illini winning in the final minutes, it was a great tradition that continued yet again. Maybe Macklin will have enough attention to attend next year! We ended the night with some STL's famous Cecil Whittaker's deliciousness. 

Kevin did miss this game for a special reason (find here). 

 

 

 

Christmas Morning 

There is something so fun and special about Christmas morning at my parents. Not sure if it is because of all of my childhood memories of waiting in the hall to run out and see if Santa came. Or if it is because of how talented my parents are at gift giving and the amount of presents for our growing family. Or maybe the way the house smells with breakfast being cooked as we arrive. Or maybe just the hugs of my sweet mom and dad. No matter what it is, I look forward to walking into my parents house for Christmas morning, pretty much all year (No pressure, mom and dad. If you ever want to change things, I will survive. I promise.)!

The kids opened their stockings while we awaited the rest of the clan. Macy snuck in a morning nap, but got a little behind in her stash. We really enjoyed our morning with the Sprague family as we exchanged more gifts and spoiled each other. I love when my family opens gifts that we gave them...I get so excited because it is so enjoyable to pick out something that you know they will like. 

Big Gifts - Bike rack for Justin and a bike for Macklin! 

 

Alex found the pickle! 

Outside testing the new helicopter.

Just Hanging Out

   

Time at John's House

Checking out John's Office

Pool Playdate at Lifetime

Practicing on the Bike

Playing at Mimi & Papa's House

 

Just Like Daddy

Fun Stories of the Night: 

***Macklin butted his head into a team huddle and said..."Hi Dad!"

***From the moment Macy and I sat down across the court from Justin, Macy took one look at him and said, "Hi Daddy" in her sweetest voice while waving at Justin on the bench. 

We have been back and forth on the time we get to spend at EVHS basketball games this year. Some days the kids are able to sit and watch a bit. Others days (most) they have trouble obeying, get distracted with everything going on, and just want to run around through the crowds. I know that showing up supports Justin and helps to continue my relationship with my high school friends, so most game days, we load up and walk over to watch. 

Tonight was one of our best nights yet! Trevor (in blue above) does a great job with Macklin and they even got to sit on the bench. Macy was being sweet. We lasted three quarters...that has got to be a new personal record for us! I will say that C-Team games are much eaiser than varsity games (due to the crowds). The Devils won their game and it was fun to be present for. 

This shirt is a hand-me-down from Justin's closet. Who knew that color block shirts from the 80s/90s would be so IN right now! I think this shirt is sweet and it was one of Justin's favorites as a kid! 

Wee Basketball

Macklin's first day of an organized sport - Wee Basketball! He was about a 4/10 on the interest scale. He would do one thing and say he was not interested in the next activity. I learned a few things about taking him as well (eat before you go to avoid hunger, do not take in toys/stuffed animals even if they are in your stroller to avoid distraction, put Macy in childcare so I can focus just on him). His favorite part was the high five at the end as they shouted our their newly decided upon team name - The Dragons! 

He will get to go to the Gypsum Rec Center for the next four Mondays in a row. We will see how next week goes! 

EVHS Basketball Season Begins

Justin's basketball season is under way! He is coaching the C-team again for the 2nd year in a row. It works well for Justin to coach this team as they do not have as many games as the JV/Varsity squads, their games are on different days, and the overall time commitment is less. One additional advantage is the freshmen always improve so much! So it is a joy to see how they grow as young men and players in their first year of high school ball. They have started off 0-2 but with a change up of the program (combing some teams and allowing guys to play "swing" on different teams), I think that will help Justin's winning percentage. 

A lot of my bible study girls are on the dance team, so it was fun to see them in action on Tuesday! 

March Madness

Training the girls early...black and gold is the way to roll! 

Last week we had a fun dinner with friends at the Brummers for a Selection Show Party. Any excuse to dress as a family has me hooked in a heart beat! We came wearing our Mizzou best. Too bad that didn't help them win in the first round...now to cheer on my bracket pics and beat Justin. 

What happens when your son gets mad that you have to leave???

You become a family of three for the picture! 

Mizzou vs Illinois but still buddies

The crew!