Surprise, surprise

Grandma Billie has a book that we loved to read when we were little called "Surprise, Surprise." That has nothing to do with this blog, but I just remembered it as I typed it.

Anyhow, on Thursday afternoon we were all outside playing PIG: Alexis, Louise and I. Alexis was kicking butt as usual and Louise was struggling to keep up. She has one great shot from the middle of the yard straight on that she always makes, so she uses it often. Usually she just gets frustrated and starts trash talking to Alexis after he gets the hang of her one and only shot. But on Thursday, she asked me if we could do an hour basketball lesson a day because she wanted to improve. I said sure, in a bit of shock that she'd actually take that initiative and disbelief that she would follow through.

But, today on our ride home in the car, she said, "wanna do the basketball thing today." Once again, I said sure. I was so excited that she was actually still thinking about it and pumped to do it. We only had a few minutes, but I taught her bounce passes, chest passes and the BEEF formation. Her shot's not actually that bad. With some work, I think she'll be fine. She kept messing up a little and saying, "oh, see, I'm terrible." I just answered, "Louise, we don't have to do this, it's up to you." So, we continued to play. It was amazing how she lit up when I told her good job and nice work. I've never seen her actually want to practice something before, it's great.

Still, she ruined it a bit... in the car on the way home from picking ip Alexis, she told him how her shot is now better than his. I've gotta get that part of her personality to go away! But, she's 12, what can you do?