Spontaneous Fun

James is coaching again this year. Same age group as last year 9-11 year olds, I think. His team is off to a great start this year. They have won their first two games. I remember after his first practice this year he came home thinking his team was going to be the underdogs. He has 3 girls on his team and he had none last year. (Not that girls are bad, just two of the three don't come off as athletic. One even asked to stay on the bench. (I would totally be that girl.)) He only had seven show up to that first practice and he had a team of ten last year so he could put in a whole new team when the other guys got tired. He has players who are scared to shoot, some don't dribble well, some aren't agressive enough and some take the ball and foul anytime someone is near them with a ball. 

Saturday was his second game. Somehow he now has a full ten players on his team. The team we were playing only had five show up. I don't know if thats how the league works or what. Anyway, I am so impressed with him and his team. They played great. It was actually one of the first games in that age group that looked like basketball was being played. Most of the time it just looks like crazy kids running up and down the court. One of the kids who almost always passes the ball and hardly takes a shot scored the first point of the game. The next point he scored most impressed me. He rebounded the ball, surrounded by the other team, took a step away from the goal, turned around, focused and made the basket. It was beautiful. He is developing into a great player. He also did a fabulous bounce pass. For that age group they are just learning about those. It is great to witness this team grow. James is an amazing coach. He gets excited for his team. He encourages them and he teaches them. 

Another kid who is afraid to take shots almost made a basket. He actually tried to shoot not once but twice. James was so excited. He called the kid over to the bench and asked him "Do you know what you did?" 

The kid hung his head, "No."

"You almost got a basket. You went for it twice! I was ready to jump up off this bench and call a time out to give you a hug."

The kid smiles. "Yeah, I almost got a basket!" He smiles bigger now.

It is just so fun to watch and see James being so fulfilled. I love it. 

After the game we went home. James changed and then we went on a mystery date. James was taking me to a surprise lunch. When we got to the town though he ended up being surprised. We went to Mobile Alabama. We forgot that it was Mardi Gras. So we are in downtown Mobile, can't go anywhere, stuck in traffic parade. "I've never seen a Mardi Gras parade." I say. 

We park the truck and go stand next to the parade. It was pretty fun. We got lots of beads, (no flashing required. Where does the flashing even come in?)  We got a stuffed dog thrown at us. I had a whole sack of beads thrown at me that nailed me in the leg. We even got ice cream sandwiches thrown at us from one float. It was a pretty awesome experience. Also if any of you have an craft ideas involving beads, let me know! 

^^^^ Pretty Beads. :) 

Our Loot. >>>

Boxing glove, bag of beads that hit me in the leg,

Frisbees, cups, howling dog. (Yeah it really howls.) moon pies, and a paddle ball game! 

Oh, so back to the mystery date. James took me to this BBQ restaurant. It was featured on an episode of "Man vs. Food." They smoke the meat for a 25-30 hours! It was amazing and the next time anyone wants to visit us, be prepared to go for another hour drive to Mobile. We are so taking everybody. 

You would think that that would have been a complete day, basketball game, parade, BBQ. Nope, we had to stop in at Bass Pro Shop on our way home. We just love that place. 

And That my friends was our completed Saturday.