Lions, and Tigers, and Police, Oh My!

Amanda, Mia, Tight End Tony Scheffler, Jadon, Olivia, Dad, Elizabeth, James, and Asher after the big game

Okay, so there weren't any tigers, but I needed a catchy title. My dad has participated in a F.O.P charitable basketball game for over twenty years now. When I wasn't even in elementary school yet, I recall watching him fall off of a donkey attemtping to make a shot against local teachers. In recent decades it's been against the Detroit Lions. I know, they're football players, but they get a group together for charitable basketball events too. I'm sad to admit, that in all the years my dad has participated, this is the first time I have ever attended. It was so much more fun than I imagined. They truly get the crowd involved. An absolute family event. Even Mia had a blast and anyone who's ever seen me take Mia out in public will appreciate that. Sadly, Titus was home sick, so he couldn't make it and Jane stayed home as well.

Occassionally players would take off their jersey and put it on the youth in the audience. Olivia was one of the lucky ones, and her first response was, "I can't even dribble the ball!" But like the trooper she is, she went out, and as seen in the picture above one of the Lions made a hoop out of his arms for her to make a shot.

Jadon, Herman Moore, and Dad

Jadon, was the first of our group to get to see some court action. He made a few shots, without any assistance, but most of my pictures were obstructed by large football players.

The teams

Like mentioned earlier, Mia came out of her shell. She wanted to pose for pictures and did a gret job doing so. She was super social, talking to people, telling everyone she was three, dancing. It was like I had a little Olivia all over again. A side of her not often seen, but it's been coming out more and more lately, but great to see her changing and becoming the little person she is.

One last pose from Mia!

Of course this former Lion's name escapes me as I type, but he was super nice and funny. He now is a teacher in Michigan. How cool would that be to have a former NFL star as your teacher?

Tony Scheffler stole Mia's heart. He came over early in the game and sat with her and started up a conversation. I was quite impressed later when everyone was up getting autographs, and Mia had removed her recognizable sweatshirt, that he remembered her by name. All the players were genuinely super great guys.

Grandpa with his biggest fans before the game started.

Dad's mad basketball skills. Look at that air time! Ha ha. It's funny to watch my dad in all his clubs and groups he belongs to. Not that long ago, he always was the youngest in each group he belonged to. Now he's the only guy out there that has hair the color of snow. But when it was time for autographs, Olivia ran to grandpa for his. That was the most important autograph for her to get. Grandparents sure do hold a huge part in every grandchild's heart. Thankfully, my children are fortunate to have all of their grandparents nearby. What a blessing!