Post Up

It's that time of year again. Basketball has landed in our midst. Sophia prefers soccer, but she is probably a more naturally gifted basketball player. She likes the rough and tumble aspect of being one of the bigger kids on the floor, down by the basket.

Even though these girls are in 5th grade now, it's still so fun to watch them play. Each time they get on the court, they learn something. And they are so lucky to have one another. The team is made up of fantastic and fun girls. They also like to be competitive. The coaches have their hands full during practice with all the secret handshakes and silliness, but they do get serious when it counts.

It's a good way to spend a cold, dreary weekend afternoon.

Royal Gem

Sophia is almost halfway finished with basketball season. The third grade girls are determined and fierce this year. And Sophia realizes, about half the time, that she is five feet tall. Lots of rebounding and a couple of baskets have made her very proud of her effort.

We've had a lot of fun going to games with all our friends. One of the best things about basketball this year is that we've been at it for three years now with the same families. The girls on the team are Sophia's friends from school, and we all know each other well. That means we know when to cheer. For one girl, we might cheer if she passes. For another, we might cheer if she goes after a jump ball. It's just great to watch these kids learn about themselves, the game, and about being on a team.

Five more games to go, so I may be feeling less joyful about the season in a few weeks. For now, though, it's very fun.

"Every Shot is as Good as Gold"

Sophia is still playing basketball. More or less. With her cough and flu, she has missed a couple of games and practices. She was able to play in this weekend's game, and she had a wonderful time with her friends, as always. 

We've also been watching the Olympics. So much discussion of effort and excellence. 

During Saturday's game, Sophia did as she normally does, and she passed each time she got the ball. Her coach's advice to her (and to pretty much every girl) is "Take it to the basket when you get it. Then shoot." We have lots of great teammates on that team. Most of them prefer passing (and cheering one another on) to shooting. 

With just a little time before Sophia was coming out, she got the ball. I expected her to stop halfway and find someone to take it, but she...took...it...all...the...way. Shot. The ball kissed the glass. Girl Power scored!! All the parents cheered for her. She turned around with the biggest smile on her face and did the tiniest victory dance.

When we talked about it on the way home, we talked a lot about how she loves to pass. She told us that she loves to give other kids the chance to make a shot because, "for a kid, every shot is just as good as a gold medal." 

Girl Power Strikes Again

Going on the court is scary. But it gets better.I was scared to.

 As I said  it gets better because my team just scored a point.

At the end of a game we give high 5s.I was so happy for my friends.

By sophia.

First Grade Basketball

There is something that I've been getting more and more okay with as the school year goes by. First graders just don't have the "Awww" factor that Kindergartners (and younger kids) do. Of course they're awesome. No debating that. They're learning and stretching their minds and their wills and doing incredible things! They're awe inspiring more than aww inspiring.

But here's the thing. Last night, Sophia went to her first basketball practice with her team of first grade girls. I have not seen this much cuteness in one room all year.

These girls are so excited! So serious. Determined. Happy. Attentive. They have such a desire to please, improve, excel and dribble that damn ball.

It was ADORABLE.

I just don't know how to describe these girls. Or explain why it was so cute. They're not even unskilled. They're just cute. Really, really cute.

Saturday, they're naming their team. That will be entertaining. Sophia's preference is the Dragons. Why? I don't know.

Plus, she seems pretty pumped about having a "coach." Of course she loves having a new adult in her life. When we got home, "Should I call him 'Coach,' or should I call him by his name?"