Last Upward Basketball Game 2008

This morning was Hayden's last basketball game of the 2008 Upward Season.  He had a great time.  This was not our most offensive of games, however, we hustled from start to finish and never quit.  Just watching the difference in all the guys from the beginning of practice in early December to now is amazing. 

These fellas played start to finish with no substitutions and were playing just as hard at the end of the game as the beginning.

Bringing the ball up the court is absolutely one of our favorite parts of the basketball game.

Being ready on defense all the time 

Having Poppaw there - the BEST part!

After the game, we asked Hayden if he was sad that basketball was over for the season.  His response was "Of course not, now baseball starts!"   Guess basketball was just a filler until the important sport begins.  I asked him if Poppaw was going to come see him play baseball.  He said "yes, every game".  I bet Poppaw hopes gas gets a lot cheaper.  :-)

 

 

 

Thursday February 21, 2008

Hayden had his last basketball practice of the season this evening.  This season has really flown by.  It seems so odd that it is ending on Saturday.  His team has really come along and he has as well.  As we pondered that this was his 4th season (yes 4th) playing basketball, we began to think about the Coaches that he has had.  He has been so lucky to have Coaches that have cared about the kids and have enjoyed being there with them and teaching them new things.  It just seems so impossible that Hayden began playing basketball as a 3 year old at the YMCA.  We never really notice how much he has grown until we look back at photos of the previous years.

 1st Season 3 years old

 2nd Season 4 yrs old

 3rd Season -- 5 years old

 4th Season - 6 yrs old

 

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Sunday February 17, 2008

Today was another great day for Hayden.  As you can see he dressed in his red for church today.  As a family, we went to Lakewood Methodist again to see if this is the church to which God is leading us.  Hayden is really enjoying the Sunday School program at Lakewood.  Harold and I have definitely enjoyed the wonderful music and the Pastor. 

Aren't my fellas handsome in all their red?

After church, Aunt Sara brought cousins Mattison and Amelia by to play for a while.  Nothing makes Hayden happier than seeing his cousins.  They played together very well.  It is absolutely wonderful to hear Hayden's laughter when they are all together and playing.  You can just tell how happy he is. 

Disneyland February 7, 2008

Today when the morning session of my conference was over, Harold and I took Hayden to Disneyland and California Adventure.  What a great day it was!  Hayden had only one meltdown and it was just because there was so much to do and not enough time to do it all.  It is so hard to make decisions on what to leave out when you are 6! 

 

The only time Hayden slowed down enough to have a picture with Mommie was at lunch:-)

How cool is this fella?

Dad and Hayden hanging out in California Adventure

Playing in Brother Bear campground.

Talk about a pooped puppy after a big day at Disneyland.  Sweet dreams!

Tags: Disneyland

Valentine's Day 2008

Today was Valentine's Day!  It was a great day.  Hayden had a Valentine Party at school which was a lot of fun.  (You will just have to imagine how all the children looked in all their red, because Mommie forgot to take her camera to the party).  Whew, Hayden got loaded up on sugar and had a wipeout on the way home.  We took a nap together in the recliner (although Hayden was not tired at all) for over an hour and a half before basket ball practice.  One could really tell that all the kids had been "sugared up" before practice.  They were out of control.  :-) 

Coach did a great job keeping them halfway interested in basketball.  During basketball practice, the kids learn a Bible verse and today they talked about loving Jesus and obeying him.  When Coach asked the kids why we celebrated Valentine's Day, Hayden raised his hand (wouldn't Mrs. Parker be so proud?) and answered "Because we love each other and Jesus loves us and he wants us to share love with everyone"  Wow, how proud do you think his Daddy and I were of that answer from our precious 6 year old.  He just "gets it" so much (probably more than us most of the time).  From basketball practice, we went to Gardner Memorial for a Sweetheart Banquet.  (Again you will just have to imagine how beautiful fellowship hall was decorated and how great everyone looked in their Valentine red because I forgot the camera AGAIN)  We loved the friendship and fellowship (not to mention the great food).  Hayden got to play with his friend Drew and really liked that a lot. Here are a few photos from practice

 

 

Tags: basketball

Upward Basketball Game Saturday February 16, 2008

 

Hayden had a basketball game at 8:15 a.m. Saturday morning.  Yes - 8:15!  All of his games have been at 8:15 so we are about to get used to it.  Next week is the last game so our little guy will probably be a bit sad.  He does love sports.  This picture was taken after he scored 2 of his 6 points.  Can you tell how proud he is of himself?  He also had 2 steals and was quite tenacious on defense.  :-)  I am sure you just cannot image that.  His little team has come so far this season.  Even though we are a bit biased, we would have to say that they have become the best team in the 1st grade league. 
Tags: BasketballHayden and this little guy went at it hard for most of the game.  Doesn't it look like Hayden is telling him "Bring It"

We may not be very tall but we are getting really good at stretching it out when passing or shooting.

We even stretch pretty good when trying to intercept a pass.

Our Little Point Guard!

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