Levi's State Basketball Tournament

Two weeks ago we made the drive to Pendleton to cheer on Ben's youngest brother, Levi, at his State basketball tournament. We were thankful that it was only a 4 hour drive this year (compared to six to Baker City last year), that Josh didn't have a fever and the flu (also like last year), and were also excited to rendezvous with my parents there. My parents graciously offered to come up to Pendleton from Lakeview to spend some time with us before we leave for Mexico, because they knew it was going to be difficult for us to make it to both Pendleton and Lakeview. It was so fun to have both sets of parents together; I love having those I love all in one place...we're so blessed!

Unfortunately, Levi's team lost their first game. It was so sad to see the players' dreams of the championship game gone. They came back and won their next two games, however, earning them the fourth place trophy. On his last game as a Columbia Christian Knight, Levi made five 3's. It was so fun to see him end on a high note. 

Brothers and their kids

The whole family was there to support him

The boys look so sweet in their "knights jerseys" and are so proud of their uncle!

Best moment of the tournament (beyond Levi making five 3's in a game, of course) was given to us by Josh and Ellie. Those two when they are together are nothing but trouble. In fact, Jeff finally coined a nickname of "Bonnie and Clyde" for them on this weekend. After Levi's first basketball game, we were all talking while still standing towards the top of the bleachers. Holly and I were chatting a couple rows above Nate and Ben, when suddenly we saw both our husbands booking it down the bleachers. I assumed that they saw Levi and wanted to catch him before he left the gym. Nope. Josh and Ellie had made their way down the bleachers, past the scorers table and to center court where a rack of balls stood. Picture two teams warming up on the court and two little kids stealing balls off their ball racks. And two dads clamoring across the court to stop them from heading to the hoops. HILARIOUS. How they made it all the way to the balls without any of us noticing we will never know, but I cannot think about that story without laughing. Nothing but trouble, those two.

They spent the games taking off their shoes, trading beads, tackling one another on the bleachers and generally causing trouble. 

 Thank goodness my mom was there for some extra reinforcement

The kids all had fun playing in the lobby after the games and thankfully no one split their heads open hanging from the staircase railing

 This was all Ellie's idea. The girl has no fear (just like her daddy!)

 Cousins in a train

 We had some good times outside the court as well. We explored some of downtown Pendleton with my parents. It's such a neat little town. We visited an old saloon called Hamley's that has a copper roof and beautiful saddles; the twins loved it because they want to be cowboys. 

Seth and Josh

We went the Pendleton woolen mill as well, but unfortunately were 10 minutes too late for the last tour of the day. So we looked at the blankets, tried on cowboy hats and were shell-shocked by the prices (so expensive!!)

We found the coolest restaurant for dinner. It was such a sweet time with my parents.

 Caleb joined us as well and indulged Seth and Sam in a game of Mad Gab while we waited for food.

 We enjoyed some family meals at Jeff and Diane's trailer. They had the most beautiful view of wide open spaces and blue hills, and it was nice to hang out in a place that wasn't a restaurant or a gym.

Sam of course, found a climbing tree there.

I love this picture of Josh...he's such a rascal

But, in the end, the majority of our time was spent at the gym cheering on Levi. Which is right where we wanted to be. 

I wish I could have gotten a video of all the brothers' reactions when Levi started making his 3's in that last game. They all love him so much.

Ben is the best big brother to Levi

It was a great ending to our six years of watching Ben's brothers play high school basketball. We're so thankful that we didn't have to leave for Mexico before Levi's season ended. We wouldn't have wanted to miss it for the world.