Basketball, Kendal, etc.

Casey had a basketball Jamboree on the 7th where his girls did well. He has a team of ten girls (his biggest group so far as a coach) Most of them are freshman with a few sophomores in the mix. He had his first official game on the 11th in Jerome. The girls lost by 15. Casey's getting a better picture of his team this year as time goes on. (Overall the girls are decent players, however there are some who don't listen, some who think their above the c-team, and a few over opinionated parents.) Casey's practice schedule has also been thrown off, so he's had very little time being able to practice his girls full court and at decent scheduled times. (I feel bad, but such is the life.) Casey is almost half way through no shave November that he's doing with his fellow middle school guy teachers. He grows a beard well I'll say that much; however he's received a lot less kisses from me, and the kids think his "ruffles" are funny.

Kendal had parent teacher conferences on the 7th. She got really good reviews from her teacher. She's doing exceptional in spelling, math, and reading, and doing very well in everything else. Her teachers have had her do extra work, let her help fellow classmates, and read a Junie B. book when she gets her work done early. She's loving school and all that she gets to do and learn. She enjoys having two teachers and has made new friends this year. Kendal's first basketball practice was on the 8th. She was so excited to be there that she was pretty unfocused, but she practiced well and got a couple of shots in the hoop. She can dribble well (when she takes the time to do so), and she tries her best at shooting (she's had little practice with no hoop at home) mostly she's very active, and talkative when her partner / opponent is a friend ; ). She is on team Magic this year with seven other girls; all but three are second graders, however it's about half of the players first year doing basketball. Kendal had another practice Friday night, she focused better, but is still my social / active little girl. Kendal's first game was on Saturday. My parents, Katherine, David, Anica, and Elliot got to come and enjoy the day with us and watch Kendal's first game. She played defense for about 80 % of the game (even when her team had the ball). She let her new earrings and loose tooth distract her a bit during the game, but overall she played well and had a so much fun! Her team won too.

We decided since Kendal's birthday would be full of school and basketball (her practice + Casey's game) we'd get her present early. Which meant we went Friday when Casey and Kendal had school off we took her to get her ears pierced. I felt we prepped her for what would happen but it still took her twenty minutes to get her questions / concerns out, and have moments of freak out over getting it done. (Flash backs to pulling her first tooth, Oy!) Casey ended up with her on his lap to hold her still. After the first ear she realized it wasn't a big deal. She's proudly showed anyone and everyone her earrings since.

I love the look she's giving in the first picture, it sums up her initial feelings over the whole thing;

 however she was determined to get her ears pierced and was thrilled with the results!

Peter is missing his almost daily Becca time, but we've still managed to have the kids together quite a bit since the wedding is over. We also watch Grady once a week and it's been fun seeing Peter in a "big brother" role with him. Peter and I have been working hard on his preschool goals. He's pretty much got the days of the week, months of the year, numbers, and free writing of his alphabet almost down. He's pretty stubborn which makes all learning on his terms, and when he's done trying for the day he's DONE. It's been a very different experience with him than with Kendal where things came easier, but I'm channeling a lot of patience and appreciating the little victories. He's truly smart and has a wonderful mind that I see come out as he plays and creates, he's just not one to sit down and learn from Mommy on demand. Peter had fun at Kendal's practice last week because Casey's team was practicing on the other half of the gym. He got to go over and hang out (flirt ; ) with Casey's players the whole time. He is such a charmer. At Kendal's game Saturday he was either playing with Elliot or standing on a ball to see over the rails to watch the game.

Me: To be honest most days I'm in pain - sciatic or pelvic, and some days just aren't great. I'm trying be positive and I know our little darlin will be here in roughly nine weeks so that's a plus (even if I'm not looking forward to a c-section and recovery). Baby girl is growing and doing well. She's not overly active, but compared to Kendal and Peter she's our most active little one and she's doing a good job of finding ways to make mommy quite uncomfortable. We still don't have a set name for her yet. Casey and I both have our favorites, however nothing has made our absolute favorite so far.

We've had a lot of celebrating this weekend. My family was here on Saturday to celebrate Kendal. She got a art projector and AG outfit from Grandma and Grandpa, some books from Aunt Katherine, and a Mini Mouse sticker picture from David, Anica, and Elliot. We got to cheer her on at her game, spend some time together, and got to eat out at Pizza pie cafe for dinner. Sunday we had the Darrington's over for our monthly dinner. This week is Kendal and Keegan's birthday so we got to celebrate them and spend an evening together with many happy kids playing all around us. Kendal got some cute Lego's and barbie clothes from Grandma and Grandpa, and Terry, Sarah, and their boys gave her some cash to enjoy. We got to eat cupcakes Saturday and Sunday and I'm sure we'll eat leftover cupcakes again on her birthday. It was a wonderful weekend. I'm so grateful my family came up to celebrate and that we got to have some quality time with them and the Darrington's this weekend!