A Trophy and an Announcement

Domino effect

Spring fever is a real thing, you guys. The snow that was too deep to sled less than two weeks ago is pretty much all gone (Mike and I agree this may be the fastest melt we've ever seen). The sun has been out all week and it is glorious outside! We've been outside every day after school, polishing up our bike and scooter skills and remembering how fun it is to play with the neighbors. The fresh air has been restorative - and we are already struggling to maintain hygiene. Who wants to shower when it is so nice outside?!?! [answer: no Vannestes do. That's for sure]

Before we fully transition into spring (while knowing full well that it will snow at least one more time because it is Minnesota after all), we had a great weekend closing out the winter activities. We spent the weekend at Dec's very first Mites Jamboree (hockey tournament). He played four games in two days and let me tell you that the boy was TIRED. You know who else was tired ... Fiona. Of hockey.

Channeling her inner Gma J

Auntie came down on Saturday to watch Dec play. The girls were super happy to have her in the stands with them. The jamboree was just for the Shakopee hockey teams (they played each other), but they did the experience up right. Before the first game, the lights dimmed and each player's name and number was announced while they skated out from the bench. D thought this was the coolest thing ever. They all must have thought that - because his team played harder than we've seen all season.

Dec had a 30 minute break between games, so we got him a gatorade and a snack, hit up the bathroom, and sent him back out on the ice. He really focused on skating this year and has improved greatly. Now we need to focus on his stick handling skills and awareness of where the puck is on the ice. He'll get there. But right now, he is happy as a clam skating around the ice for his shift, regardless of where the puck is. He did get a few good touches in. And most importantly, had a blast.

Mike had to leave for his own game before D's second game was done, but the rest of us stayed and cheered. We got to keep Auntie for a bit after the game and then met the Ps at McD's for dinner before Jack and Coop headed back to the rink for their own game. I had everyone in bed at 7:31 and I think Dec was sound asleep at 7:32. Mike got home before 8:00, so went to say good night to the gang. The girls were still awake, but he said Dec was already snoring.

With his Jack

We headed back to the rink right after lunch on Sunday for games 3 and 4. Dec was super pumped because his very favorite person came to watch him. Jack is original Ms. A's 15-year-old son and he and Dec have the sweetest friendship. Dec invited Jack to his birthday party last year ... and Jack happily came and played with a pack of 4-year-olds for two hours. He is just the sweetest boy and was so happy to cheer for his little buddy. He even asked Dec to teach him how to skate! [I sat by the Jack during the game and laughed at how often he commented on how good they were at skating for being so small]

We had another break before game 4 to hydrate and carb load. Then after the game, all three rookie mite teams hit the ice to get their trophies (again, with an announcer). We headed home and the kids begged to play outside. We let them do that for a while, adding muddy to the sweaty, and then plopped everyone in the tub to close out the weekend.

Oh - and one other item of note. While eating lunch on Saturday, Quinn casually asked if she would get to play in the jamboree "when I play hockey next year." Every other Vanneste was like "wait. what?!?!" Leave it to Q to casually drop that major piece of news! She cracks me up. So to Fiona's deep chagrin, time at the rink looks like it will double for next year. I may have to buy her something shiny!

Dec is super sad that hockey is over, so he and Mike have been discussing summer hockey options. Since Quinn is a bit behind on skills for her age level (she'll catch up quick), Mike is thinking about putting her in a summer program too to help her upskill and give her confidence for next season. So that thing I said about hockey being over ... I think it's like snow here. It's never really done. And that other thing about Fiona being tired of hockey ... oh, Bugs!