I decided that out of respect to what has been ruling our lives for the past months, I would change my template to basketball. Oh the glorious world of being a coach's wife! At least I have plans every Tuesday and Friday!!

So, I am sure everyone is oh so interested in what it is like bringing two little ones to basketball games...here it goes.

The evening begins about 1 and a half hours before we have to leave. It takes me all that time to dress, pack and feed the three of us. This is an event within itself. There is always the shoe meltdown with Riley...or the "my shirt is hurting me" meltdown. These two only occur on game nights, but it seems that it is every game night! After all are dressed and fed, I then try and dress myself. I must wait and dress right before we walk out the door or I will end up having to change after being thrown up on or wiped with dinner. So, I have come to the realization that the only thing I could possibly wear to a game and be comfortable in is my swimsuit...but...no one wants to see that so I try and dress as cool as possible. It really doesn't seem to matter...anything I wear I end up sweating and looking like I ran a marathon after wrestling my two through a game. As for packing...I pack two bags. One for Brooks with the essentials...and a few toys. But, from past experiences I have learned that as much as he loves balls, they are not a good toy to bring because I end up running like a crazy woman to catch them before they roll on the court. Riley's bag consists of numerous items to keep her entertained and a million snacks. When in doubt...feed the girl! Candy canes are great because they take almost an entire quarter to finish!!!
So, out the door we go.

We arrive at the gym and the first thing is the seating issue. See, where I sit is a very vital decision. I can't sit too close to parents (don't want to hear anything yelled at "the coach") can't sit too far up the bleacher for fear of falling, but can't sit too close to the bench...I am sure Justin doesn't need to hear "daddy, daddy, daddy" a million times during the game. If I am lucky, I can find a nice secluded spot, close to the middle, and close to a nice person who won't steal my stuff during out 15 bathroom breaks.

Game starts...
Usually the kids do great the first quarter. Then, it is time to pull out the tricks. I usually end up with a mess of colors and trash all around me. I am the parent whose baby is crawling all over the floor. By halftime we have usually made at least 3 trips to the bathroom. When I am lucky, there is a nice woman in the bathroom who will hold Brooks so he doesn't have to crawl on the floor while I help Riley...Gasp....I know, I put him on the nasty floor!!

By the 4th quarter Brooks is usually pretty tired and Riley has gone through my complete bag of toys and is usually emptying my wallet or applying my lipstick all over her face. It never fails...during the last 10 seconds of a close game I hear "mommy, I have to potty!"

Game over and hopefully we won. According to Riley, the cougars always win!
We wait to see daddy and "his boys" and give hugs and kisses. Then we head to the parking lot where I change the diapers and put them in pajamas and pray they will fall asleep on the way home. Brooks is usually asleep before I am out of the parking lot...Riley....you never know!
Once we get home, I put them in bed and collapse on the couch...but then I remember the huge mess in my car and drag myself out to clean up.
So, anyone out there who has ever been to a game and helped me with my kids THANKS! You do not know how lovely it is!

It might sound like a crazy night, but it is all worth it when I see Riley run to Justin after the game. I figured if I am going to be a "coach's wife" I might as well make the best of it...

Here are a few pics..

A little coloring sprawled out on the floor...hey, whatever works!


Any seating area with bars is a plus! Brooks can hang on and bounce all he wants!


Doing a little dance to the music.


My tired girl when we get home.