Jacob had his first basketball game on Saturday.  He loved it.  At one point during the game Jacob was running down court and the coach asked him if he was having fun and he said "oh yeah".  Jacob is on a first and second grade team.  The coaches stay on the court, they don't keep score (until the last game), they don't call traveling, double dribble, etc and players are not allowed to steal the ball.  So once a player has the ball, they keep it until it is passed.  I totally get the rules and for most kids they are probably fine, but Jacob really struggled with it.  He is by far the most aggressive on his team.  I took lots of pictures at the game but only 1 action shot was not too blurry. (I need to change my camera settings for the next game)

He is the tallest on his team and he got the tip off (although a coach was in the way so didn't get a picture)

He made 3 baskets!

This is the clearest action shot I got!  He truly is gifted with raw talent!

At Jacob's last practice, Joseph was on the sidelines practicing his basketball skills.  I think he will have some amazing moves too.  Joseph was able to dribble, alternating hands, while turning a 360 and he could also lift up a leg and dribble under it, without missing a beat - good ball handling skills.  He is already asking when he can play basketball.  The league Jacob is in starts with first grade but if Joseph plays a lot over the summer, I might see if I can get him in a year early.

Benjamin starts his twice weekly basketball training this week.  They will go a full 3 months of learning ball handling skills and shooting.  He is not totally motivated but I know that will change once he gets there.  Mom will probably be outplayed this summer.  (I will still have the height advantage for a while though)

Last week was my birthday.  The night before my birthday the boys headed to the grocery store with JR.  When they came back home, I loved listening to them talking downstairs about how things were going to go in the morning.  They all split up the 'wrapping' detail.  I was so encouraged to hear them working together.  The next morning they woke me up singing happy birthday with lighted candles on a birthday cake.  They had all cooked breakfast (with Dad's help).  After breakfast, we had cake and opened presents.  Birthday cake for breakfast was a huge hit...might become the norm!  (So much nicer having that sugar in the morning, versus at 8pm)

The last 2 days have been 50 degrees.  Seems we get some good snow and then a week later it warms up and melts.  The boys have not gotten out on the snow yet.  Hoping to take them in the next week or two.  JR scored some free passes where he works, so hopefully it will work for him to take one boy at a time!