Hallissey 2014

We made our third annual pilgrimage to Boise for the Hallissey Catholic Basketball Tournament.  This is an 8th grade tournament, so Nicole is now too old to play, but Ellea has been on the team since 5th grade.

Last year, they lost their first game, then had to scramble to win their next FIVE games in order to make it to the championship game.  That was a total of seven games over 40 hours.  Needless to say, the girls were exhausted and the team we played in the championship round were tough competitors.  We were thrilled to go home with the 2nd place trophy.

This year, they managed to win their first game and every game thereafter, to make it into the championship round after only three games.  That was a total of four games over 40 hours.  Much more manageable.

And our "little" team of fifteen 7th and 8th graders pulled off winning 1st place in the tournament.  That meant they were undefeated.  It was all very exciting, and fun, and fabulous.

Baseball in Winter

Morgan talked his dad into playing baseball the other day.  We have a little too much snow and cold for playing outside, so it was Wii time.

I should have got out my camera, but I didn't.  Nicole's iPod is never far from her, so she snapped some pics for me.

Glenn has great form, don't you think?  The Wii didn't like the timing of his swing, though.  Kept saying he was swinging too early or too late.  His boy won the game, but maybe that was all part of the plan!

Coach

This man is quite the coach.  He started coaching the girls' basketball teams when they were in the 4th grade.  He just recently started coaching Morgan's little peewee basketball team of 2nd through 4th grade boys.

At this level, they don't do practices, just some Saturday games that are pretty casual and he coaches them through it.

They've played three games now, and haven't won on yet, but the scores have all been close and they're doing a great job.

Coaching is serious business, and this guy is up for the job!

Youth Rally

The boys stayed home alone last weekend, as the girls and I set out on a trip to Coeur d'Alene for a Youth Rally.

My kiddos are on the far right.

We had 24 kids from 13 to 18 and a fun time was had by all.  I'm not a big fan of driving, or of sleeping on the floor, but I did it anyway, and I'm glad.  What a group group of kids!

Pefection

 The 7th grade volleyball team has two games under their belt now.  Won the second one, and Ellea got a lot of playing time.

She hasn't decided yet if she loves volleyball, but she's doing great.

She has great control.  If she makes contact with the ball, it usually goes right where she wants it.  Trouble is, she's too hard on herself.  It's that perfectionism she inherited from me and my father.  It serves her well most of the time, but sometimes you just gotta smile and know you're doing your best.  We're proud of you, sweet girl.

Volleyball Official

Nicole got her first paying job.  She's babysat a few times, but it's really not her cup of tea.  She found out that the high schoolers could be paid to be the junior high volleyball officials, and she signed right up.  Did a good job, too.  Of course, the job's over already, because other students are reffing the remaining home games, but she reffed both games last week and came away with $60 for her effort.  Pays better than babysitting, too!

There's always one ref up on this platform and another ref standing on the floor at the opposite end of the net.

She didn't hesitate to take the "up" position the first night when the other student said she didn't want it.  I love how confident she is.

She's now done both positions and I'm sure will do it again for next year's season.  She's also shown an interest in doing some reffing for basketball.  I think she's found another niche.  Especially if it's a profitable one!