Home again, home again, jiggety jig

I had about 19 hours at home after my New York trip and then it was off on another adventure! Glenn decided a few months ago to put together a 7th and 8th grade girls team to go to a Catholic basketball tournament in Boise.

Now, Boise is a four hour drive from Cottonwood, and driving is not my favorite hobby. I was still running on Eastern Time when we left, so I was grateful for my finely tuned napping-in-the-car skills. And incredibly grateful that the kids could watch a movie with headphones making the car blissfully quiet. Not so much fun for Glenn, but that's the kind of great guy that he is.

The tournament was great fun. The motel we stayed at was very nice. Much nicer than the New York Hilton, and a fraction of the price! In the front row of this picture you can see the "Littles" that were on the team. (Ellea's to the left of the girl holding the ball.) That's what the older girls named the 5th and 6th grade sisters that were on the team for emergencies (injuries, fouled out players, etc). They got to play a little bit.

They lost their first game. The other team was all 8th graders and very tall (according to the program, two of them were 5' 11''!). With just a couple minutes left, Glenn put the Littles in the game since we were so far behind. They played very well and even made a couple of baskets. Ellea had a clear path to the basket at one point, but she stumbled and looked like she was going to land on the floor. She managed to right herself and continued to the basket and made the shot!! It was the best part of the whole tournament for me! She typically acts like it's no big deal when she makes a basket, but not this time. She loved all the attention and congratulations she got after the game!!

Needless, to say, we'll be going to this tournament for the next few years. Nicole isn't a big fan of basketball, but she enjoys doing the stats and Ellea will be able to play until she's in the 8th grade, so we're in it for at least three more years. Probably longer, if Glenn has his way!

I'm okay with that. I'm just happy to be home again. Although, I wish my house came with maid service! That part of being gone for 9 days was truly delightful!