State Basketball 2015

The first weekend in March I had the opportunity to go watch my baby brother, Kennan, at state basketball. I had told my mom when I went to his last home game that if they made it to state, I wanted to go watch him. Since dad has a "Gold Card" for coaching for 500 years, his family gets in free to all state events. I was super nervous the week of regionals, then super happy when they took 3rd at regionals.

So the next week, mom came and picked me up on Wednesday after work so we could head out Thursday morning for Casper.

I didn't know, but my little sister McKenzie was also coming. Party!! We got all festive and painted our fingernails orange.

The next morning we picked up Grandma, who I also didn't know was coming. It was bound to be a party now! I sat up front with Dad, while Mom, McKenzie, and Grandma acted like teenagers in the backseat.

It's been a while since I took the forever long trip to Casper. I forgot how long and boring it is. It was still fun. I love traveling, so the only thing I could complain about was my sore butt.

We got into Casper and checked into the motel, then went to McDonald's for dinner, then up to the Event Center. Oh boy. It's been forever since I've been there. First thing both Kenz and I noticed was that they changed the seats. They are blue instead of red.

Oh, being back there, though. So many memories! Mostly volleyball memories, but a little basketball. It was fun to be back. I can't believe my baby brother is a senior. He's the last one, so there's no one to watch anymore.

Kennan didn't know Kenz or I were coming, so it was fun to surprise him. He has always loved the game of basketball, and has turned into quite the ball player. I was glad I got to watch him one last time.

They played Upton for their first game. They started out really good, but then slowly lost their rhythm. Kennan ended up fouling out, which was super sad. I really wish I could have sat next to him on the bench and tell him to keep his head up. Unfortunately they lost that first game, but the good thing about State is that it's double elimination, so he had at least one more game.

Brady and Ashbee also came. I'm serious when I say after that weekend, I'm quite convinced that I am adopted!

Kenz and I shared a bed, and she totally cuddled with me. Brady and Ashbee were in the other bed, so we had some fun talking about funny things, and apparently some old boyfriend I didn't know I had. Lol, good times....good times...

The next game was the next day. If they won they would have another.

Kennan did awesome! Hit quite a few three's, and can dribble and has major ball control. It was so good to see him play so well.

Casper College...Some more great memories there. Volleyball mostly.

We also got to watch the girl's play. It is so fun seeing them run the same offense I did when I was in high school. They have a good team, and made it to the state championship game.

Saturday was the last day for games. Kennan played again at Casper College. They were playing Snake River again. Kennan played really well again, however, they were not able to win that final game. It's always sad to see that, but I couldn't have been more proud of him. He's such a hard worker, and I'm sad I didn't make more of an effort to watch him throughout his high school years.

We stayed to watch the girls play in the championship game. It was a super intense game throughout. Finally in the 4th quarter they started to play better and come back. They ended up winning. It was so exciting. I was so happy for those beautiful girls and their amazing coaches! I love the coaches that I grew up knowing. They are such amazing men. I'm glad to see them still coaching.

We headed home after the game and got home about 3 in the AM. It was a really fun weekend, and I'm so glad that I was able to go. I don't know when/if I will ever go back for state basketball, so I'm glad that I got to go at least once more.

Since we got home so late, Dad said, "Maybe we'll just sleep in and tell people that we didn't come back until today." So naturally I slept in. I was the only one. Everyone else went to church.

February Happenings

February was another month that just kind of flew by. There wasn't a lot that happened, but the things that did happen were kind of tough at some points.

First things first though. Valentines day and Greg's birthday. We kept things pretty simple, like we always do, when it came to Valentines day. I had to work, then we got Texas Roadhouse to go. We had a gift card so we went big and got the prime rib and an onion blossom. It was very delicious. I'd give it a 9/10. Then we just chilled at home and watched movies and TV.

Kandyce asked me if I could make some Valentine's cards for a little exchange she was taking Liam to. I made him some Mickey Mouse ones, and she said that he wouldn't put them down.

Greg's birthday fell on the Sunday after Valentines day. We were lucky and got to speak on prayer. We spoke with a missionary in our stake who recently returned from him mission. He took up a lot of time, then I spoke for about 10 minutes (even though it didnt feel that long.) Then Greg spoke last. It went well.i dont mind speaking anymore, not sure why. I just don't have that fear, however, I do dislike preparing the talks. But its all good. That was only the second time I have had to speak since being married, and 4th time in my life. I cant complain too much.

After church we had cake, and Greg blew out his trick candles that he picked out. Then we ate cake, and later had dinner. Again, pretty low key. Crazy that 10 years ago me and that then 23 year old were planning our wedding. We are so old now (especially him!) Happy 33 to Greg!

I'm going to skip the depressing parts for now, but don't you worry. I will share them. Oh, trust me, I will!

I was able to take off on a Thursday afternoon to go to Cokeville to watch Kennan's last home basketball game. I have only seen him a handful of times, which is quite sad, because he is quite good. Kandyce, Liam, & Myka were there too, so it was fun to be able to spend time with them.

Silly boy "eating" my sandwich. He's such a stinker!

Then we headed into town to watch the games. We got there halfway through the girl's game, so it was a lot of fun to be able to watch them play. They are all such amazingly beautiful girls. I love being able to see them play and compete. Plus their coaches are my same coaches, so it's always fun to watch them in action and see them yelling at someone else for a change.

And then the boys played. Baby bro is a captain, which is awesome. He has played varsity since he was a freshman, and I couldn't be more proud!

Also funny, his coach was my volleyball coach. I think seeing him yell/swear at the boys fits him more, though he was an awesome coach, and I was lucky to play for him and my dad. I just think boys can take the yelling/swearing better than girls (and yes, yelling & swearing went hand in hand with him! :)

It was a great night, and fun to watch them play well. Kennan did so awesome, and I loved being able to watch him play.

As far as the good things that happened in February, that was about it. I'll post the not-so happy February stuff soon. It just goes along with what's happening now, so I can't jump ahead just yet. Too much life to cover first!

Thursday Three | 02.19.15

• Today was a MUCH better day. Yesterday didn't exist. The best thing about bad days is you only have to have them once.
• Got to go to my hometown and watch my baby brother play his last home basketball game. So crazy he it's all growed up. He did awesome. #airball @kennan_thompson5 
• I have darn cute nieces and nephews.

Thursday Three was developed by Kristin from RUKristin. You can read more about it {here}, then play along over on Instagram and follow me @bre11414.

The Rest of February

February is almost over. Crazy! It's been an interesting month, but good all the same.

We had our enrichment/Relief Society activity on the 13th, and we played the "Not-so-Newlywed" game. We wanted to something on love, but be able to reach out to everyone, so we thought this would be fun. We invited the sisters to bring a loved one (spouse, friend, etc.) and we had a decent turnout. We got the questions from The Dating Divas, and then invited each of the Priesthood leaders and their wives to be on the panel. We even got our Stake President and his wife (they're in our ward). Then we had the 1st counselor in the bishopric, High Priest group leader, Elder's Quorum President, and the Young Men's president and each of their wives. There were some great laughs, and we ended the night with brownies and ice cream. It was loads of fun.

The next day was Valentine's day. We worked, then headed off to Star Valley so we could spend some time with Greg's sister Adrienne (who lives in Virginia) and her almost 2 year old (his birthday is today. Happy Birthday Jax!) It was a good day, and a good trip. There is a ton of snow, and was pretty cold. But it was fun to see family. We haven't seen Adrienne and Jax in about a year, and then Shaina and Jesse came up. We don't get to see them as much either since they moved to Bountiful area. Plus it was nice just to hang out.

My Valentine from Greg...I think he stole it from some kid at school.

Road trip food (Arby's), the fun bumpy bridge outside of Grace, raining almost the entire trip.

Road trip selfie!

Greg & Jax...I think Jax wore Greg out.

Greg's birthday was the 15th, and we just enjoyed a fun, relaxing day in Star Valley. He is 32 this year. I got him a few shirts, and some chocolates. Love him.

On Monday the 17th I got a text from Kennan letting me know that his last home basketball game was on Friday, and that if I wanted, they could come pick me up. Since I haven't seen Kennan play EVER, I thought it would be fun to go. It was fun, and Kennan did awesome. I can't wait to watch him again next year. Hopefully I can make it to more games.

Papa & Liam, Uncle Donald, they block off a section just for the Thompson family.

I can't believe he is already a junior! It is so crazy.

It's so crazy seeing all these kids. There was a section on the opposite with the little elementary kids, and I kept looking over there expecting to see Kennan. I can't believe it.

It was a fun game, and they came out on top. Good luck at regionals this week!

I stayed the night and was woken up early in the morning by a snow plow! It was not even snowing the day before, I was not expecting it. It was coming down pretty good when I finally got out of bed. I spent the morning with the family. Mom and Kandyce helped me make some pizza pockets, and then we watched Ender's Game (SO good! I really liked it.) It was a lot of fun, and good to spend time at home.

Dad doing the dishes, Liam being a stinker, and mom making the chicken pillows.

There are like a million cats, and all that snow came down that morning.

Liam being a bit dramatic.

Bucket List 2

Before I got married, I wasn't much of an NBA fan. Sure, I went through my phase in like 4th/5th grade where I was kind of obsessed with the Orlando Magic, but once I got older it didn't really appeal to me a whole lot. When I got married, however, I realized that my husband is kind of obsessed with sports. He couldn't use that term, but I sure would. He is a major Miami Heat fan (since he was little, not a fair-weather fan). I became obsessed with the Phoenix Suns, and their then point guard Steve Nash (back when he won his two MVP's). My little brother Kennan has been obsessed with the Lakers since he was little, and he kind of got me liking them too. Then Steve Nash signed with the Lakers, so it's only natural that I follow him there, even though he hasn't played a whole lot this year. (BTW, Kennan also got Steve Nash's autograph! What? Totally not fair, right?)

Therefore, another item on my bucket list is to attend an NBA game. Preferably one of those three teams, or the 76ers, because that's who my cousin plays for. (Yes, I have a cousin who is an NBA player. It's kind of awesome! Love you Brandon! It's way cool seeing him play on TV. Bummer he's injured...)

Anyway, and if I'm really dreaming big, I'd have to be sitting fairly close to the floor so I can actually see the players. But really, I'd take anything. I just think it'd be awesome.