Basketball and Boy Scouts

The Blue and Gold Gala

Owen's Tiger Den friends were all advanced to Wolves.  This was a pretty big deal  The Blue and Gold Gala was quite a production.  The cafeteria was decorated and everyone brought food to share.  I'm not sure why it happens at this time in the year; I just got an email of all the spring events that will be happening and that's about every other weekend.  I see no end in sight.

Nick and Owen waiting to eat

I think we know who brought the best dessert.

The tiger cake even tasted great!

Nick with his Tigers

I think this is most of the pack.  

Gymnastics, wrestling, basketball, and now baseball & softball!

There has been a lot going on in Mizzou Athletics.  We have gone to all of these different sports within the past month.  That's just Mizzou stuff!  

Owen is not thrilled to be at gymnastics.

A little happier at baseball.  The first baseball game we went to was beautiful!  Mizzou is starting the year off very well with a 15-1 record so far!  This has so far been the only game we've gone to.  I'm not a big fan of sitting out in the cold and the past week has been pretty chilly.

We also went to a couple softball games that weekend, which weren't too bad.  Nick has been pretty busy with everything that's going on.  The new softball stadium was opened and was barely finished in time for their first tournament.  I also took Owen to a men's basketball game and we went to the women's last home game.  Oh!  We fit gymnastics in there, too.  We had an awesome win over Kentucky last Friday.

Gracie and Owen are wrapping up their basketball season, as well.  Owen played his last game on March 4 and Gracie's last game will be this Saturday.  They have both improved a lot in the past couple months.  Sometimes it is brutal to watch, but I try to find some entertainment in it.  They're both pretty aggressive and play hard all the time.  Gracie actually scored over 1/2 the points in the last game, I think.  However, when the team only scores 14 points in a 36 minute game....  They don't keep score in Owen's league.  

Owen is making sure he has the ball.

Chillin'

Gracie taking the lead

Gracie playing defense

Gracie taking a shot.  Yes, she almost always wears crazy long socks and shorts that don't match.  She seems very comfortable and uniform shorts aren't provided, so...whatever.  As long as she's happy.

Gracie taking the ball out.

Another shot of Gracie

And finally...Owen playing in the snow.  He was so excited on Saturday morning when there was a little bit of snow on the ground.  Of course, it was gone by afternoon, but he got to play for over a 1/2 hour.  We haven't had a lot of snow this winter.  I haven't minded at all, but I think the kids miss it.

We went to see family at the Lake last weekend, which was good.  We hadn't been down there since River's birthday.  My parents, Chad, and Annie have been up here to watch the kids, but it's been hard to get away with all of the activities.

We closed on our construction loan for our house on 3/1, but there is still no hole in the ground or driveway.  It's very frustrating, and I'm not sure what the hold up is.  I know the builder had to get permits, but wow, it's taking forever.  It's been almost been two weeks ago and I think he had said that a foundation would be poured within two weeks.  I don't think that's going to happen.  At this rate we might be moved in about a year.

Moving on...Softball and Baseball are on the calendar for Owen and Gracie next.  Gracie has been doing group hitting classes once a week with a former Mizzou softball player.  She has been asked to join a tournament team that has five scheduled weekends.  We'll see where that leads us.  Owen and Gracie will both be in the same league that they were in last year.  They loved it.  Owen will move up to machine pitch this year and will have the same coach.  Gracie will stay the same in her rec league, which is player pitch, and will have the same coach, as well.  The tournament team would be extra games.  Nick and I are planning to help with both teams as much as we can.  So, we're looking forward to spring ball and warmer weather.  

Gracie is continuing to dance and tumbling on Monday nights and they have started working on their recital.  So far she has perfect attendance, but next week she will have to miss some of it because of her basketball awards night.  She keeps asking to do gymnastics again, but I'm not sure how that would fit in with everything else.  She has been asked to play on an AAU basketball team this spring, but I think softball will probably trump that. 

Gracie and Owen have been staying after school for New Haven Elementary Choir once a week.  I'm still not sure if Owen is actually participating or just waiting for Gracie to get done after school.  It's supposed to be for grades 3-5, but I think younger siblings can participate if they want.  The communication from the music teacher is not always very clear.  They will have a performance at the Multicultural Night in April.

My job is going really well.  I like what I'm doing and stay really busy when school is in session.  I just go a little nuts when there is a break from school.  I would still love for it to be full time, but that's out of my control.  Recently, however, my boss was diagnosed with brain cancer.  So she has been out for almost three weeks now.  She is only a few years older than I am.  Things have been a little hectic, but we seem to be adapting well.  Hopefully she will get to come back soon.  She was directed to not work while undergoing radiation treatment and recovery from that.

Spring break is just around the corner, although this week sure does not feel very springy.  I think the high today was maybe 30 degrees.  BRRR!  Kind of crazy that last week at this time we had 70 degrees and threats of tornadoes.  We will make a trip to Iowa to see my grandma and hopefully be working on building a house by then!  We also have a baby (horse) due in April.  Fun times ahead!