Hurricanes game vs. Canucks

On Friday night, we took the boys to our annual Carolina Hurricanes game.  This year, the Vancouver Canucks were the opponent.  The boys were very excited to go to the hockey game.  They got to wear their Hurricanes jerseys.  They always want to know if the Canes won or lost.  Unfortunately, more often than not, this year they have lost.  But Mark always wants to know also if they scored a power play goal.  If so, he wants to go to Bojangles and get a free Bo-Berry biscuit.  He loves some Bo-Berry biscuits.

Unfortunately on this night, not only were no power play goals scored, but there were no goals scored at all. Ryan Miller had a shutout in a 3-0 win over the Hurricanes.  Even though the team lost, the boys had a real good time in some good seats.

Ready to go to the Canes game.  

Wolfpack 87, Duke 75

After church, we went to go see the NC State vs. #2 Duke at the PNC Arena.  State was a big underdog while Duke had barely shown any kinks in its armor.  But from the beginning of the game, it was evident that State was ready to play.  After a run to take the lead at the half, 37-33, the Pack pulled away with a 22-5 run in the second half in stretching its lead to 19 points before a Duke rally cut the lead to 7.  Just as the fans were awaiting another Duke comeback.  But then the Wolfpack threw down a couple of dunks to go with making lots of free throws down the stretch to win 87-75.  Jack and Mark were so excited.  We asked them if they wanted to get on the court and they said "No way!  Too many people on the court."  We said we would hold them and again they said "No way!  Too many people on the court."  Oh well.  At least the Wolfpack won.

Look how happy we are after the victory:

Go PACK!

Drew's Birthday Party

After we left the basketball game, we went to their good friend Drew's birthday party.  It was held at a bowling alley.  Jack and Mark were really looking forward to the bowling party.  They haven't been bowling much, but they really do like it.  They were there with Drew, his brother Ryan, and several friends from Children's House.

Jack and Mark really had a good time.  They bowled two games and we saw strikes and spares.  Mommy and Daddy also got into the fun and bowled.  While Daddy was really impressed with his turkey (3 strikes in a row), Mommy just laughed at it and went out and got a hambone (four strikes in a row).

Here are a couple of pictures from the party:

Which ball should I use?  - Jack

Is it my turn yet?  - Mark

The posse - Kaleb, Alex, Drew, Zachary, Mark, and Jack

Time to eat some ice cream.  One day, we will like it. 

Forget food.  Time to bowl some more.

Even though we had already eaten, there is nothing better than eating a banana with the banana man, Coach Mike.  - Mark

ACC game vs. Pittsburgh

A couple of hours after our first Upward game, the Pack was back in action.  This time, it was a conference game against Pittsburgh.  The boys were getting ready to see BeeJay Anya and the rest of the boys take on the Panthers.  We were in the middle of a busy day with their Upward game, this game, and then a birthday party later in the day.

State played really well and won in an uncharacteristically easy fashion 68-50.

After the game, we went down to the floor and was able to get a picture of the boys on the court.  With the birthday party next, the boys wanted to wear their Canes jerseys, even with it being a State game.  Maybe they should wear that to the next game...Duke.

Happy boys after a big win!

We enjoyed that win!

First Upward Basketball Game

On Saturday, it was time for the boys' first Upward Basketball game at church.  They were really looking forward to it.  Their team name is the Knights and they were ready to play their first game.  The team played much better than anyone could have predicted.  It was a tie game (20-20).  I was expecting a 6-4 final score.  Jack had 10 points and Mark played great defense and was a good point guard.  We were proud of both of them as they played with maximum effort.

Here are some pictures from the game:

Jack runs out of the tunnel.

Mark runs out of the tunnel.

Pregame.  Just sitting on the bench.

Time for some solid defense.  Let's get into good defensive position.

Bringing the ball up the court.  Solid point guard skills by Mark.

Coach Daddy works on getting our team in the right place.

Jack shows Austin and Mark how to jump when excited.

I am going to grab the loose ball.  - Jack

You are not getting the pass due to my defensive prowess.  - Mark

Good game!  Good game!

Play Date

On January 2, Jack and Mark had a play date with a couple of their friends from school.  We had told them before the holidays that they could each invite a friend over from their class.  Mark invited his buddy Sawyer (who is a fellow Volcano) while Jack invited his buddy Anders.  For a couple of hours, there were four boys running around this house having a blast.  One thing is for sure.  It was loud.  Everyone had a great time.  This time got them ready to go back to school and see their other friends.

New Year's Day Brunch

On New Year's Day, we were lucky to have Andy and Amy ring the New Year with us.  It was a lot of fun having them here.  The day before, we had ventured downtown to one of our favorite hangouts back in the day...Krispy Kreme.  We all love their doughnuts (except Jack who doesn't eat doughnuts...yet).  The boys had a good time watching the doughnuts being made.

Hey, I am trying to tell Jack how awesome doughnuts are.  - Mark

Andy and Amy are hanging out with us.  - Jack and Mark

We love this place! - Jack and Mark

Mmmm...doughnuts!

On New Year's morning, we went to the Lucks house for our annual brunch party.  Everyone had a great time.  Jack and Mark had a good time drawing on the chalkboard as well as having fun with all of the other kids. They were so proud as they drew not one, but two, football fields with the NC State Block S at the 50 yard line.  Eventually, they needed to rest a little bit so we wound up letting them watch a New Year's Day bowl games.

This is one of our favorite things we do with the gang.  It is always good to see everyone and hang out.