Last Basketball Game of 2013

We continued our tradition started last year of presenting the coaches with Golden Basketballs since again the Blue Devils were undefeated going into their last game.

 Since it was the last game it was on a school night so we headed over the court right after school

 The kids were pumped up and ready to go!

Bethany and Brock found the perfect seat at the top of the bleachers 

 While I sat at the bottom and had Ayden's team mates sign the game ball and card.

 Aunt Debbie, Cousin Paige, & Cousin Trudi even showed up for the game!
Papa Gator was sick, it was so sad he had to miss the final game but Grandma was there to cheer for them both.
Ayden warmed up

Huddle time!

 "Go Blue Devils!

 and let the game begin!

 This year again the final game was against the Terps.

 The whole team played great and they won 20 to 15!

"Good, game, good game"

 

 Now it was time for the part the kids had been waiting for all season.... Trophy Time! 

 To celebrate we all went out to eat for Ayden's favorite meal... Pizza!!!!
Aunt Jennifer, and cousin Mallory, Abby and Chloe joined us too!

 Ayden ate 13 slices!

A few weeks later the team got served Pizza again by the team sponsor Mr. Boykin

Ayden had another great year. The team won every game but not only that they were great kids. Last year Ayden was the minority on his team but those kids didn't see color, they accepted Ayden even though he was the palest one and least athletic one on the team. This year Ayden improved but still wasn't the most athletic and again they accepted him and rooted him on. The heart of the kids on Ayden's team was amazing. I watched as 6, 7 and 8 year olds looked out for each other not only physically but also emotionally. When Ayden didn't make a basket his team lifted him up, they genuinely cared about each other. The coaches again were amazing. This year Ayden's coach did something really special, he bought every player the high socks so they could all match. This was just one of the many reasons I was so excited for Ayden to play for the Blue Devils again. Ayden just went out there and had fun but as a mom, I saw so much more going on, I saw memories and bonds being built that would impact Ayden for years to come. The team may have won every game but I won't remember that. I'll remember the time last year when Ayden went out there as a clumsy kid and danced around on the court and then this year coming back with a few "skills" (but still pretty clumsy) and was still cheered on by kids that could shoot three pointers like it was nothing!  When Ayden would block or try to shoot the ball they would cheer him on like he was on fire. I'll remember the grin on his face that first day back when he was put in the game instead of sitting on the bench and then put in again, and again. I'll remember the joy that he had playing a sport that he'll probably never excel in but he made many friends in. So for now the basketball shoes will retire... 

but maybe they will be pulled out again, maybe not and that's ok because the imprint has been made and made and that's what's most important. 

Here's some sweet moments from basketball

 The day our cousins came to see Ayden play

 Ayden and "little baby" this year called "big baby"

Grandma and Papa Gator, Grandma made sure Ayden looked top notch with shoes for his games and they were at every game except two because of sickness.

 "Itshugrandma" made it to a game

 Ayden's biggest fan (even though we had to tell him to calm down a little sometimes) he was at every practice and every game, no matter what it took!

Picture Day... of all days Ayden forgot his shoes!!!!! Who forgets their shoes when going to a game, like how do you walk out of the house in socks on the way to your game lol!!!

The first game and learning "defense" 

"the socks"