Basketbal, Basketball!

Brandon is playing in the Matsu Comp Spring league for the Wasilla team. He usually does not get the chance to play ball during this time of the year and was really excited about extending what is his usual season every year. He is actually playing for a different school (his rival school no less... haha) but just smiles whenever he has to play his home Colony team. He has been playing well and it is exciting for me to see how his skills continually improve. Donovan is finishing up his 3 month basketball clinic at the gym and is dying to take the next class. He cracks me up because he keeps a running total of all the baskets he makes during his practices. He always gives me a daily tally and a total for the season as well. Cute kid.

Easter and Donovan's 6th Birthday

We celebrated Easter, and Donovan's sixth birthday together this year. All the snow was melted off the ground and it was an excellent day to be together and enjoy the day outside. Donovan had chosen a spiderman themed party and Tysen even dressed up in his Spidey costume for the event. We hunted tons and tons of eggs in our yard then came inside for cake and presents.

Native Dance videos

The first Aluutiq dance was about a long-haired woman who had five sons: #1 the eldest, #2, #3 the rubbernecker, #4 the carver, and #5 the baby. It also talks about the three chiefs in the village.The second dance was the Aluutiq traveling song, "Ayadonga."

The third dance was a Yupik dance about a bird walking along who saw thunder and lightening in the sky. It was scared so it ducked into a hole, leaving it's tail feathers in the air, shaking with fear.

The last dance we did was a Yupik Lullaby for little boys. It means "Go go sleep. Don't be afraid. Dream of seal hunting."

Native Dancing

The boys and I joined the MatSu intertribal dance group a few months ago and we have learned about 6 dances. We learned 2 Aluutiq songs and then somehow I became the Yupik instructor. Anyhow, we meet every Tuesday and last night was the boys' first performance. We danced at the MatSu diversity celebration. I spent the day making Ty a new kuspuk (red one) and making the boys their dance fans. They looked adorable. So much so, that the superintendent had to make his way over to introduce himself to us. The boys have been practicing their dances here at home, practically shouting each and ever word to each other, dancing every move but somehow they danced much differently when we were actually onstage. I don't know if it was stage fright or if they just forgot what we were supposed to be doing but they said they still had a blast. Afterwards, we gorged ourselves on yummy fry bread, did some beading crafts, and learned NYO events like the Alaskan high kick, one-foot and two-foot high kicks. What a fun day!

April 14 - A busy Day

Today was an exciting day in the Kelly Household. Brandon received a high honor roll recognition and Donovan had his first (singing) concert. Unfortunately, both happy occurances were scheduled at the same exact hour. So, Dad and Tysen turned right to go support Brandon as he received his reward at Colony Middle School, and Mason and Mom turned left to go to Cottonwood Elementary to watch Donovan.

Brandon received recognition, a new CMS knight t-shirt and a well deserved ice cream treat afterwards.

Donovan learned a song for every letter in the alphabet and performed all 26 songs alongside his classmates and other fellow two kindergarten classes. It was a very cute performance. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

We are so blessed by our children and so proud of their accomplishments..... great job, boys!

Last night Brandon's Colony team played Wasilla first, then the Eagle River team. He played well; scored 17 points, 3 being foul shots. Here he is making one of them.

Donovan is infactuated with Basketball like his big brother. Phillip and I just signed him for for a 12 week session at the club. It doesn't start for another month but he is soooo excited! He wants to be just like his big brother and is going to learn how to dribble, shoot and pass like a pro!

Mason is such a big boy now.

As much as I'd hate to admit it, gone are my baby days with Mason Zayne. He is such a big boy now and gets irritated with me whenever I try to feed him. So much that, he will often clamp down till he is able to feed himself! haha. He loves oatmeal and cereal for breakfast. Here he is enjoing a bowl of Rice Chex (Gluetin free! haha) this morning.

Bring it on!

Well, this is Bradon's 7th year in basketball. He started playing for the YMCA in Kindergarten, and has played basketball for different organizations every year since. He finished up with his Colony Middle School team in December and now he is playing in the Valley Competetive League again. He really loves it and I just can't hardly wait till Saturdays when I get to watch him! He is really developing as a player and his ever-increasing height helps too. He is CONVINCED that he will be playing in the NBA one day... hahaha. I will wish him luck and cheer him along in the meanwhile. Cuz I'm #24's Mama! Woot Woot!

I MISS THIS....

Hawaii was so beautiful = not that Alaska isn't the most beautiful place on earth. But I miss the waves crashing on the shore, the warmth of the sun on my shoulders and the gentle breeze that brought hints of the sea to your senses.

Family pictures from Hawaii