More Basketball

As you know, the boys basketball season has been over for several weeks now. Since the season was so short the boys did not have much of an opportunity to learn from their mistakes. They ended the season on a winning streak so I can imagine how well they would've done if their season was a bit longer! Here are some pictures of the last game BJ and I were able to attend (6 of their games were in a tournament in the capital city that BJ and I didn't attend).

Once again, another outdoor basketball court.

One of my favorite photos highlighting the differences between here and the States. This is a time-out huddle. I love the fact that some of the crowd felt the need to join the huddle. I guess it takes a village to coach a basketball team....

Right next to the basketball game was an impromtu cricket match. Heads Up!

And now for some pictures of BJ during the ball game :)

BJ practicing his dribble.

Cheese! (Notice the mosquito bites on his face! The poor kid got eaten up the night before!) The man in the background kept on smiling at BJ. After the game he brought his school-age son up to us to say hi.

Although they could not understand each other, BJ and this little girl had a sweet little time of passing leaves back and forth.

February Family Fun

Here are some pictures of our family fun from February!

Flowers from my honey and a homemade Valentine from BJ

BJ sporting his new golf set. He LOVES to look at himself in the mirror!

Hello Lincoln Logs!!

On the swings at the practice basketball court.

An after-bath mohawk.

BJ's custom crib (a.k.a. the jail).

Wearing daddy's watch and glasses! He's not supposed to touch daddy's glasses but he was so cute that we had to take a picture!

A lincoln log tower (that he proceeded to kick over right after this photo).

Hiding under our furniture.

BJ's new car.

Daddy and BJ going for a drive.

Taking his turtle for a ride on the scooter.

All warm and snuggly in mommy and daddy's bed.

Hiding in the floor pillows.

Let's Go Eagles!!

The boys basketball season started in February (and is already over! Sorry for posting so late!!). The season was 9 games long with 6 of those games during a tournament in the capital city. BJ and I only saw the first three games since we did not travel with the team. Since I am still posting news about February events I have only included pictures from the one game on February 29.

It has been a long time since BJ and I have seen a basketball game that Brian was coaching (I really don't remember bringing BJ to too many games last year!). It was definitely an experience trying to entertain a 2-year-old and watch a game at the same time! There were numerous differences in this game compared to a game in the states...and Brian can tell you all about them. From my un-sporty background here's what I noticed: the game was outside, the referees were NOT professional, and there was no clock. Yes, I know that Brian could tell you so many more differences but I really didn't get to watch too much of the game :)

Stretching before the game. The basketball court was surrounded by trees!

BJ stretching with the team (he is so stinkin' cute!)

Still warming up. (BJ enjoyed watching them warm up. Or maybe it was the snack I gave him. Either way, I have tons of pictures of pre-game!)

Pep talk before the game.

Let the game begin!

The scoreboard. Yup...it is two dry erase boards! I heard they do it this way because the electricity constantly goes out so an electronic score board (and clock) are not worth the hassle. I miss the clock. We had no idea how much time was left in the game.

BJ brought his own basketball.

Playing with a student.

BJ loved this blue planter with the rocks.

It was SO windy. It had POURED earlier in the day and they almost cancelled the game. But the rain held out and the temperature was gorgeous because of the wind.

While the fans were watching the game...BJ was playing with sticks.

Our fans.

It was good to see Brian in his element again. Although basketball is not the most popular sport here it was good to see the athletes giving it their all. More pictures to come!

Play Date

One of the things that we miss from back home is companionship for BJ. At this time is only 1 American family (that we know) that has a preschool aged boy. Kellen is 3 years old and has been here with his mom and dad for almost two years. It's good to pick his mom's brain to see how they have managed with a toddler in a place that is so unlike home. BJ and Kellen have had a couple of play dates and seem to enjoy each other's company :) It is good to see BJ having fun with friends again!

Kellen and BJ

Playing with Legos

What a nice hat!

Reading Curious George (one of BJ's FAVORITES!)

Lining up pizza toppings on the table.

Anybody hungry for pizza?

BJ has also been having playdates with 2 other little boys - Chinu, a 2-year-old boy from Korea, and Shubho, the 3-year-old grandson of our house help. We see Chinu about twice a week (at church and on a play date) and Shubho 2-3 times a week (whenever his grandparents bring him!). More pictures of playdates to come!

Mommy and BJ's Day Out

Up to this point BJ and I have only been venturing out of our home when there is someone with us. It is finally time for BJ and I to start venturing out on our own. And when I say "on our own" I mean reserving the office van to take us to places that I feel comfortable going to (aka English speaking places!). Our first outing consisted of: visiting Daddy at work, going to the bank, and shopping at Aarong. Here are pictures of our day!!

BJ and mommy in the van. BJ kept saying "whoa" because the road was bumpy and the driver kept changing speeds!

Family photo at Daddy's desk.

Enjoying a cookie from the cooking class (which is right across from Brian's office!)

Next stop: the bank!

And finally Aarong. At this point BJ was running in between the clothing and apparently forgot his listening ears back at the house.

I tried to take a photo of BJ and me at Aarong to document our day. Can you see me gritting my teeth? That's because BJ was a crazy man and I was grabbing his t-shirt from behind so he wouldn't run away again! We were both ready for a nap after this!

For the record, I never intend to walk anywhere just BJ and I (or take a CNG rickshaw). We just do not feel comfortable with that. However, going out on our own in the school or office van is perfectly safe. The driver drops us off at the store front and waits for us til we come out.

The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree

Back in February the school put on their annual drama production. This year they choose "The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree." Let me tell you...it was fanTAStic! Brian and I went on opening night (yeah for date night!) and we sat in the VERY front row. The high school students did an amazing job. The students put in a lot of working learning British accents and sword fighting. I was also very impressed with the costumes. Every single costume had to be hand made, which takes a lot of work but the plethera of fabric choices paid off. Below are a few pictures from our evening.