Basketball and Monster Jam

Usually in January we hope for a snow day. Much to our surprise, our wishes were granted in the form of a RAIN day. Last Tuesday, there was the threat of a big thunderstorm with flooding and high winds. All the schools in the area closed, and in Yadkin we had an Optional Teacher Workday. I opted to go in, and I brought along my two sidekicks to Forbush. Mommy got a little bit of work done, while the kiddos passed the time with some schoolwork, fidget toys, games, and lots of snacks. We've had a couple of two-hour delays since, which are always my favorite, but so far no actual snow. We'll see what the rest of winter brings! 

We enjoyed our 3-day weekend for the MLK Holiday. On Friday, Emmy was invited to a "sleep-under" for her friend, Casey. I was unfamiliar with the term, but it's a mini-sleepover, where the girls come dressed in their pajamas and do lots of fun girly things until it is time for bedtime. Boomer picked her up at 9:30PM, and Emmy couldn't believe that she was out so late. On Saturday, Emmy had her second basketball game, and Granny and Paw Paw came to watch. The Cardinals got a second win, with Emmy playing great defense and having several assists. After a short time at home to rest, we went to Monster Jam at the Greensboro Coliseum on Saturday evening. We had purchased our tickets shortly after Thanksgiving, and we went along with Grammy and Grandpa. We were all first-time Monster Jammers. There were four events where the drivers showed off their skills, tricks, and speed, and then an all-around winner was announced. We especially enjoyed the motorcycle show at halftime. It was a fun activity for the long weekend. The only downside of the weekend was starting back with a new semester of grad school. My weekly meetings this semester are on Mondays, and even though it was a holiday, I still had to be online and in front of my computer for an hour. The countdown is on until May 9th and graduation!

Emmy's team played again today and unfortunately had their first loss. But Emmy scored her first basket! Mommy may have been a little too excited! The Cardinals are now 2-1 and will hopefully come back stronger next week. Eli continues to enjoy playing basketball on Thursdays, so much so that he even wants to wear his jersey to bed at night. Have you ever seen anything cuter?  

Happy 2024!

Our 2024 is off to a quick start. We rang in the new year with our usual group at the Houstons'. We gathered around 5PM, and Zack did a low country boil. Just like on Thanksgiving, Zack proved himself to be a master in the kitchen, and we all enjoyed his cooking - it was delicious! And for the younger pickier eaters in our group, there were chicken tenders available, along with a spread of post-Christmas treats and desserts. After eating and playing some games, we arrived home around 9PM. I was the only Kennedy that stayed awake until the ball dropped, and right before midnight, I looked on the video monitor and noticed that Eli's bed was empty. When I went in to check on him, he was asleep practically standing up in his rocking chair. This is the first time that has ever happened. He must have been pretty tired, because he didn't even stir as I carefully moved him back to his bed. On New Years Day, after resisting his nap, he fell asleep briefly on my chest. And I certainly loved that! His naps are getting less and less; it seems that we are moving beyond that season of life. 

 

Basketball is in full swing now, with both kiddos having practices on different days during the week. Eli is so excited to finally get to play like his big sister. His first practice was this past Thursday, and he is playing in a "parent-and-me" league for 3- and 4-year olds. Boomer is his designated "parent," although there is one practice later in the month when Boomer will be out of town and I will have to stand in. For the first practice, apparently the first 15 minutes were a little rocky, when Eli became frustrated with not making any baskets. However, after finally making a shot, he was pumped and excited to play again. Is there anything cuter than a little boy in an oversized jersey?

Emmy's team had their first game on Saturday, and the Lady Cardinals looked good! Before her game, we watched Zander and Maddox play their games too. All three cousins had wins to kick off the season - yay! After watching the boys play, it confirmed for us that an all-girls league was a good idea. The girls are still learning the game and aren't as wired for aggressiveness. However, I was proud to see the growth in Emmy over the last three years. She was following the action down the court and had several rebounds and assists. No baskets for this first game, but hopefully she will score soon. Not every little girl is so lucky to be coached by her Daddy and Grandpa!

Coach Boomer, Assistant Coach Buzz, Raelyn, Bri, Avery, Emerson P., Emerson K., Brinkley