The Harlem Globetrotters Experience

Saturday was all about basketball for Britt. And there is nothing he loves more than basketball! Every year, when the Harlem Globetrotters come to town, we miss out, and I kick myself and wonder why I didn't buy tickets to go see them. I remember watching their cartoon as a kid myself, and I saw them when I was in college at Gonzaga. I admit it - I have always been impressed with their tricks and I love the comedy. This year, I made an executive family decision and bought the tickets. I did it all on the spur of the moment. You may think that Britt was excited to see them upon learning we were going to see the Globetrotters - he was not. However, let your heart not be troubled by that news, because he didn't know what he was missing out on, and after we got to the show, he was enthralled and we all had a great time! But first, he had his own basketball games, the last he will ever play with this Sheldon team. They had two fantastic wins, and were doing a little showboating of their own. It was a lot of fun to watch the boys laugh and be less serious while playing. We had anticipated being on a winter team with these boys, but it was not meant to be, and Britt will be on a different team. Sheldon is nothing if not political, and their sports rule the roost - once it was known that Britt is attending Harrisburg, he was off the team faster than a speeding ticket. What can we say? We were disappointed to begin with, but everything happens for a reason. We are thankful he at least has a team to play on until his middle school season with Harrisburg starts after Christmas. And we will forever be grateful to the coaches and kids who helped Britt so much over the past few seasons.
Back to my Globetrotters story, though... So Britt was not too excited to see them. He thought all they did were tricks and that he would be bored. I shared with him that it was a dream of mine to take him to see him, and the tender part of him changed his attitude and instead of complaining, he said it would be fun. The timing was perfect, except that we had free Meet and Greet tickets through the YMCA, but we couldn't take advantage, because of his basketball games. But we made it to our seats just in time for the start of the show. And wouldn't you know, he was pleasantly surprised with how much fun it was and how entertaining the Globetrotters were. He didn't realize they actually played a game. And his enjoyment of the experience made me really, really happy. Even Brady changed his tune and enjoyed himself - he was like Britt, and really didn't want to go, but was doing it for me. He ended up having as much fun as Britt and I - we all three had a great time! (In case you are wondering where Brailey was, she was off having her own fun with her best friend Nikki.)
Britt thought it would be fun to have a jersey that said "Too Tall." And number 7 is one of our favorites! The character Too Tall is actually the shortest Globetrotter ever to wear the uniform - he is 5'2". It is a great souvenir.
I got lots of hugs after I got him this jersey and headband. Ironically, on Sunday night, we saw a show on TV highlighting the Globetrotters and their biggest trick shots. It was fun to see after having just watched them perform live. And so now you know the backstory and pretty much everything in between - how a childhood dream I had for Britt was fulfilled. It was a win-win kind of day!