A Court for Aysen

Our home is full of basketball arenas.  Each with its own unique characteristics, dimensions and obstacles.  The hoop is found in our bedrooms, the office, kitchen and even moves outdoors when others are using the basketball standard on our driveway.  Today Aysen discovered a new arena, my queen-sized bed.

I'm unsure who created this new court (would O.S.H.A. approve, the pillow does seem to be regulation plus?) but he is in love with his new found talent.  Dunking.

Aysen always wants to change up his game.  He shoots for distance.  He requests the basket to be raised to its limit and then becomes bored and needs the hoop lowered.  Dunking adds an element I'm sure he's only dreamed about.

He has also began to practice his own version of dribbling, complete with imaginary defenders.  His mouth is shaped into an O and he makes the cutest little who-who-who noises while working on his offense.  Andy has tried to capture this on film but any time the camera comes out his serious, conquer-the-world-game vanishes, replaced with his I'm-showing-off-for-the-camera game.

Andy has tried to teach Aysen the correct form when shooting a basket -- he shoots baskets the same way a soccer player inbounds the ball -- from back behind his head.  My father's theory is he learned this watching Keanna and Kyler play soccer.  Soccer was clear back in September.  He became passionate about basketball in January.  I'm not willing to put any money on my dad's theory correct or incorrect, but . . . the fact of the matter is . . . he is content with his shot.  He can score eight feet back from the hoop - five shots in a row.  It works for him.  He is 2, the serious training can wait until 3.

If a hoop is not available for his shooting pleasure he asks for human assistance.  He uses both verbal and non-verbal communication until the lucky participant realizes they are to make a hoop with their arms and let him use their face and chest as his backboard.  Most family and friends have been willing to participate, it takes a shot or two before they become aware of the forthcoming bodily injury.

And in true NBA fashion, he celebrates when he makes a shot -- proud

as punch of his accomplishments.