The Accidental Boilermaker

 Nate and I each had to take a kid and split up today. Evelyn had the elementary school tournament at the same time Jameson had his last upward game. Honestly, I did not want to be at that tournament semi final; I told Nate you have to take her. Croninger played Weisser Park, a team we have played twice and beat twice, but they were close and physical games. I even said I don’t really want to know the score. The only time I asked was once Jameson’s game was over and I needed to know do we hustle to make the consolation game or did they move on the final which was later in the afternoon.  Nate said don’t hurry, they’re going to win. And they did! But Jameson’s last game was fun too.  He had a couple baskets.  He practiced what his coach told him to do. And even though upward doesn’t keep track of records, his team was undefeated. Jameson and I made it to the tournament with plenty of time to spare. The final game was a little stressful because it was against a team Cr...

 Today was our busy day. I met a friend for a run in the morning. Evelyn and Jameson had their yearly check ups in the afternoon. The doctor said they both looked and sounded healthy. Jameson is 55 lbs (67th percentile) and 50 in tall (80th percentile). Evelyn is 66 lbs (55th percentile) and 53.25 in tall (63rd percentile).  They each gained exactly 8 lbs in a year.  Evelyn grew 1.75 inches but Jameson grew 3.25 inches. The doctor did think Evelyn was just late for a growth spurt.  Then it was straight back to school for  basketball practice for Evelyn and home to finish up Jameson’s science fair project. We picked up Evelyn, ate dinner and then to church for upward basketball practice. Jameson’s project was to test what product - soap and water, just water, baby wipes or hand sanitizer - best cleans your hands.  We each washed our hands using a different technique and then touched a piece of bread. Then Jameson waited to see if any mold would grow. Surpris...

 Of course we had upward basketball.  Jameson and Evelyn both looked good and both their teams won. Next weekend is the end of basketball for both upward and school.  It’s been a fun, but I am ready to take a break. Tonight we went to a Komets game. Normally we wouldn’t attend a Sunday evening game, but there’s no school or work tomorrow for Presidents’ Day.  They handed out the boom sticks to all kids. So that was super fun.  Really though they weren’t that bad. It was an exciting game. It was 5-5 at the end of the third and then the Komets won in overtime!

 Evelyn had her last school basketball game of the regular season. And they won! Croninger went undefeated. Honestly, it would have been nice if they lost a game or two. I think it helps normalize everything. There are important lessons to be learned in losing too. The season officially ends with a tournament on the 25th. Evelyn played the 5th quarter and she was put back in later in the game for a few minutes. Evelyn and Jameson had fun at their school Valentine’s Day parties. I made sugar cookies as a special treat at home.

 Today we drove to West Lafayette to see the Purdue womens basketball team play Northwestern. We stopped for lunch first at Arni’s in Lafayette. A long time ago , we took Evelyn to Arni’s so today Jameson got his first taste. They have the best pizza. After lunch it was on to Mackey Arena. When we bought the tickets, it looked like there wasn’t many open seats but at the game, there were open seats everywhere. We had room to spread out in our row which was nice.  Evelyn loved every minute. Her favorite player was no. 23, a point guard from Australia. Jameson enjoyed himself too. He made the comment he wanted to see a technical foul (why I don’t know). We told him that probably wouldn’t happen, but as it turned out, Northwestern had 6 players on the court at one point and the ref called a bench technical.  So that was funny.  The best part was Purdue won! 61-76.  Jameson slept the whole way home so of course I had to take a picture.

 Evelyn had three basketball games this week. Weisser Park was on Tuesday. It was a nail bitter with Croninger winning 21-20. Evelyn only played the 5th quarter. Wednesday was a rescheduled match against Washington Center. I thought it was going to be another close game but as it progressed, Croninger dominated and the final score was 35-7. Evelyn played a decent amount which is a nice perk to lopsided games.  Tonight was against Glenwood Park and it was another physical, close game but Croninger pulled ahead and won 18-8. Evelyn again only played the 5th quarter but she did steal the ball and score a basket. She was fouled on the play but missed the free throw.

 Evelyn is 9! There was no school today which was disappointing for Evelyn.  She wanted to see her friends.  But she did bring a class treat to share yesterday and got to bring treats to basketball practice today.  Evelyn chose donuts for her birthday breakfast.  She opened a few presents in the morning. Two new books from Jameson and some fun new socks from the Hilldores. I had Bible study at 9 and Evelyn had basketball practice at 10, but thankfully Oma and Grandpa were here to help with transportation. In the afternoon I made a chocolate cake and we played a game with Oma and made a craft with Grandpa. Nate came home and Evelyn opened a few more presents. Jameson also got his sister a new basketball.  Evelyn (and Jameson) got a new Purdue shirt to wear next weekend when we go see a women’s basketball game, Evelyn’s gift from Nate and I. Evelyn wanted Steak ‘n Shake for dinner but it was closed for in person dining. So we ended up at Applebee’s which was ...