Basketball/Skills and Thrills

Basketball season is here again for the boys. This is their third year to play in a Christian basketball league for boys and girls called "Upward".
It's a very well done program for children. You can check out the details at www.upward.org

A church near to us is the one who has sponsored Upward for the past three years. I was so thrilled to have found it!

David had his first practice tonight and got his (reversible!) jersey. The boys weren't thrilled about this year's uniform being the Laker's colors, though. They HATE the Lakers.
Jonathan informed me that if his jersey number was "8"; he was trading! He can't stand Kobe Bryant. He also said he was going to ask to be traded if his team name was "Lakers". I'm getting the drift that he doesn't care for the Lakers much. :)
Fortunately, the basketball gods were smiling at Jonathan because he's on the Heat team this year (but mommy can't stand Shaq....oh, well). AND he's number 55. Shoooooowheeeeee.
David was nearly raptured to heaven when he heard he was on the Texas Longhorns team. He's number 35.
They are both really good players. David plays well as a power forward, and Jonathan does well as point guard.
Both the boys put their uniforms on right away--including their new basketball shoes and sweat bands--and were air-shooting around the house.
It's fun to see them so excited.

Then they held "Skills and Thrills" night for me, Jeff and Jenna.
What? You've never heard of "Skills and Thrills" night?

The boys set up an obstacle course in the living room (suitcases, wagon, cushions, etc.) Then they stood at the top of the staircase. My job was to turn off the living room lights and give an announcer-type intro for each of them. When they got to the bottom of the stairs, I would flip the lights on while Mom and Dad and Jenna cheered and clapped.
Daddy had a judge's table set up in a corner and they each got three attempts at some incredible obstacle-jumping feat. He would yell out, "OHHHH....That's a 9.5!!" Think dunk contest.
They even named their stunts.
As Jonathan jumped over the wagon LONGWAYS, he kicked his feet clear back to his rear. It was called the Double Butt-Kicker.
David wouldn't be outdone.
As he jumped over the wagon, SIDEWAYS, he kicked his feet clear back AND smacked his rear with both hands. It was called the QUADRUPLE Butt-Kicker.
It was a close competition, but they both tied. Imagine that! Thank you, Daddy!
What do tonight's winners get?
Burritos!!!!!
Jenna was anxious for her turn to be impressive. She jumped off of Daddy's lap saying, "Hey, wooky me! Wooky me!" as she ran circles around the suitcase. We all cheered!
She got a burrito, too. :)