Let the Madness Begin – It is that time of the year for the best college sport event of the season. “The March Madness Basketball Tournament”. With four boys I am usually at some type of sporting event, whether I enjoy the sport or not. It’s all part of being a “boy mom”. I have learned how to better appreciate baseball, hockey, soccer, wresting, football etc… but basketball happens to be near and dear to my heart.
I always enjoy this time of the year with my husband and boys. As a mom, I am always looking for fun things to do with my kids that are different and this time of the year enables that for our family. Everyone in the family gets to fill out a bracket (even Andy my 3 year old). While he doesn’t really know the teams, it doesn’t matter, b/c he feels like he is part of the family fun. When the kids were young, my boys wouldn’t pick teams based on standings, but rather which mascot sounded cooler. It was fun to see them rooting for their team, especially because many times they would pick the underdogs. The excitement in the family is so much fun, as the kids get creative and build out brackets on large posterboard to keep score.
This year the family is driving to Kansas City to watch the tournament live. (Hence why this blog is being sent out early.) We will be out of town with no computer as our family enjoys our first ever live tournament together.
Six live basketball games, sounds so exciting. The boys (and mom) can’t wait. As part of the annual fun, we have found basketball and college trivia to keep the season even more exciting. Here are some links to some fun ideas to make the tournament that much more fun. http://www.sporcle.com/games/tags/ncaatournament
Eating healthy is going to be an interesting challenge these 5 days, but planning ahead, setting expectations and giving in just a little, will make the trip so much more enjoyable. I went shopping last night and the boys made a list, apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, peanut butter and celery, nuts , bottles of water and of course a bag of cookies and chips to share. A mom’s gotta give in just a little, especially when the boys were the one’s who made the list with all the good stuff for the road. They will most likely end up having hot dogs, nachos, pretzels etc… at the game, but as long as its balanced, mom will be happy. I am hopeful that setting expectations and giving in just a little (not being a complete food nazi ) will minimize any complaints or meltdowns. It’s refreshing when the boys begin to make better choices without mom hovering over them.
I know everyone’s spring breaks are at varied times during this time of year. I hope you are all able to enjoy time with the family, stay healthy and splurge by giving in just a little.