Beaver Basketball

I meant to record Noah's basketball season right after it happened and it was fresh in memory.

This wasn't Noah's first season to play basketball, as he'd been in Upwards for a few years, but it was his first time playing for school. Upward and school ball are very different, keeping score being a big change!

We saw such growth from Noah during this season. He was a little apprehensive at first, not really knowing how to play his position. Once he learned his size was an advantage and he could intimidate other players, he was unstoppable! His accuracy on shots improved each game too and soon he was racking up 3 pointers like they were nothing!

One game we sat near the front but close to the other team. I could hear them and the coach when they would huddle. It was funny to hear them complain about Noah's defense...."I can't do anything with that #40 on the floor! He is everywhere!"

We fondly nicknamed him "Brickwall Blair" as a result. :)

The season was a little chaotic, with snow changing the schedules and a few sprained ankles, but we enjoyed cheering him on. I can't wait to see my brickwall play next season!

Flathead

Noah let me straighten his hair this past weekend.

He often comes in the bathroom while I am putting on makeup, fixing my hair, etc. and we chat. Sometimes he'll pick up a pair of tweezers, blush brush, etc. and question me with a scrunched up face, wanting to know what it is and why I need it. Noah knows how curly my hair is out of the shower so he's always been amazed at how the flat iron can transform my look. (when I don't straighten my hair, he calls me Princess Lea - from Star Wars!)

Anyway, last Saturday he was watching me as I straightened my hair and I asked if I could try it on his curls. He was reluctant at first - and even during the process - afraid I was going to set his hair on fire or burn his forehead. I wasn't sure if it would even work, the top of his head is so wiry and curly, but it did. ...see photo below

Tim and I were both surprised with how much it changed his looks. He looked so much older, like a teenager. Of course, when we told him that he puffed up his chest proudly and his attitude changed the remainder of the day! I think he enjoyed the change though because he asked me to do it again this morning. ...He's still hesitant, every sizzle making him take a step back and a view in the mirror to see if any flames or smoke appear!

not the Jr Prom

Noah went to his first dance Friday night. For months we've talked about it, me urging him to go, him adamantly saying no. As the time drew closer, he decided he would give it a try. I picked on him, asking if he had plans to ask a girl. He said no but that a few had asked him, to which he declined. At one point though (that he told me about) he actually had a date but they changed their minds before the big day.

The week of the dance I asked him if he'd like to have a new outfit or what he planned to wear. He looked at me, as if I had three heads, and said, "Mom, it is just a 4th grade dance - not the Jr Prom!" ...excuse me! :)

In the end, I did talk him into buying a new shirt. He was insistent on wearing blue jeans and tennis shoes though. I think our compromise was pretty cute.

Noah left the house wearing one of his hats, which he looks adorable in. As we drove into the school though he chickened out, saying he didn't want to be the only guy with a hat.

I sat in the parking lot for a few minutes, watching other boys strut to the door and little girls with hair bows and high heels enter excitedly and wished I could hide away somewhere in the gym. How I would've loved to watch him from a distance!

He didn't say much about the dance when I picked him up, other than that he had a good time. And he said he stuck to his guns about dancing...or rather NOT dancing! I just wonder how many girls stood near him wishing he'd ask.

Dinner with my Valentine

We took Noah to Patty's Restaurant near Kentucky Lake for Valentine's.

He had been to Grand Rivers a few times from previous vacations and had visited Patty's to play mini golf and visit the petting zoo but never to eat. We thought it would be a special treat and surprised him Saturday morning with a road trip.

He had no clue where we were going but he knew we had reservations so he said it must be "someplace fancy!" We arrived quicker than we expected so we spent some time driving around viewing the lake in the Winter, which we'd never seen. It had been four or five years since Noah had been there and he didn't remember much. He was excited to see the Dam, lighthouse, and our favorite muffin shop. We also spent some time exploring the antique stores downtown.

Watching Noah experience the meal and atmosphere at Patty's was the best part of the trip for us! He ate everything so excitedly and with such enjoyment. I asked him during the meal if this was a good Valentine's present. He commented, "Less talking, more eating!" I guess that answered my question!

He loved the fried pickles, cheese sticks, and flower pot bread. Against my suggestions, he opted for the chili burger, which ended up being bigger than his head! Surprisingly he ate 3/4 of it. His fork also roamed into my plate several times during the meal.

I don't know how he had room but he wanted dessert as well. We sat near a display and he could not get over the mile high meringue. Noah chose the Mint Boatsinker....and in the end it sunk him! About halfway through the pie, he gasped and said, "That about took my breath away!" As much as he tried, he just couldn't quite finish it all.

Even though it was snowing outside, we walked the grounds, including a quick game of outside checkers. Noah left happy as the ultimate champ. All in all, I think it ranked up there among the top Valentine's presents ever!