Rix = Future Jimmer??

This was Rix's second year playing basketball and he loves (loves loves loves) it. He loved practice. He loved games (and winning, mostly). And he loved it enough that he would come home after school and shoot baskets in the backyard, even if it was raining. Last year his coach was awful - he didn't really teach the kids how to play and he was all about winning, which meant that the kids, like Rix, who were new to the game didn't play often because the team probably wouldn't have won. However, their coach this year was awesome. He was patient with their meltdowns (all 1st graders have meltdowns, right?) and took the time to really teach them. He didn't care if they won or lost, he made sure they all played and did their best. I would sign Rix up to play any sport that he coached!

Rix is #6. He chose it because, well, he's six. And last year he was #5. And the year before...you get it. He got really good at dribbling this year. Last year he would bounce the ball once, pick it up, and then run with it. But this year he really learned to dribble well. It's amazing what a good coach can do. 

Rix and Olivia (who is "guarding", I just don't know who she is guarding). It was really fun having Hayden and Olivia on Rix's team.

Roman and Bryce hanging with Bryan. Bryce looks waaaay to comfortable. Note that Bryan is not sitting by me. Apparently I'm too vocal at sporting events for his liking :)

Rix shooting. He also got really good at shooting this year, and made quite a few points every game. During one game he made half of his team's points!

This is my favorite. Whtever he made a basket, he would run away and do this "fist pump". It was his signature mood and made me laugh every time. And I was so proud of him, because he was succeeding at something that he loved and practiced hard at.

Poor Cole. I'd cry if Kelli sat on me too! Haha! Actually, he thought it was funny until the moment Carissa got the camera out. I guess Cole was being a pest (shocker, right?) and Kelli threatened to sit on him, and dang it she is a woman of her word!

The coach and Rix at the end-of-season "banquet" at McDonald's. Rix was sort of being a weirdo, but when is he not?

Rix with his certificate.

Rix really excelled this year at basketball, which was awesome because last year he had such a bad experience with his coach. This year he really enjoyed the game and understood what he needed to do. He loved to practice and get better, and he even got to the point where he didn't care if they lost, because he felt like he had played a good game. Isn't that the most important lesson for these kids to learn? He just started T-ball and he's excited to start a new sport, and since this is his third year in T-ball he feels comfortable with the game and everything. He really wanted to do coach-pitch, but you had to be 7 by registration time. But still, with the weather getting nicer, I still hear almost daily the request to go outside so he can shoot a few hoops. My future Jimmer?? Maybe!