The madness has begun.....

Can I just say I have really grown to LOVE March Madness. Despite it being during spring break every year. Despite the fact that Lexi's birthday always lands during the games. Despite the fact my husband takes two of his precious vacation days for the first two days of March Madness. Despite kids running around, making messes and trying to yell over the games. Despite the fact that I spend much of my time cleaning up and preparing the food for the day. Despite the fact that we spend more money on our March Madness party than we do for our anniversary, birthdays, valentines....etc, etc. Truly, I am getting into the Madness almost as much as Jeff does (if that is possible).

This morning I got up early, quickly got the girls dressed for the day sporting the cheer leading outfits of the teams we were rooting for. I finished off the shopping list that Jeff made for me, and headed out the door. I gathered everything that we needed for the big games and rushed back home. When I arrive, the kids want food, my husband needs my help putting up the large bracket and we still have a load of groceries in the car. This is just a little sample of what my day was like. Let's just say, it will be like that for the next three weekends! March Madness is too literal around here.

Jeff goes all out. First of all. We get all 4 games at the same time. This is made possible to Directv and their March Madness package which we have to have.
Jeff also gets a bracket blown up to about 32'x48" for one of our basement walls. Everyone who comes to watch the game signs the bracket and a ball.

Our door is open to anybody that is daring enough to come over and endure the madness!! No really, it's not that bad. In fact below are some pics of family and friends who came over today (sorry Matt R. we were charging the camera when you came).

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We really could dedicate an entire blog to Marchania (that's what we call it in our home). Since, I have so much I could write about the games today I will have to narrow it down. I thought it was fun that the three teams we root for: Kansas, UNLV and BYU were playing today (I know you Mountain West Confrencers will not understand how you can like UNLV and BYU). Unfortunately, only Kansas and UNLV won their games. Of all the teams to face off against each other, these two teams will be facing off on Saturday. We will have a divided house. Most of us will be rooting for Kansas. Jeff, who was born and raised in Vegas will always be loyal to his child hood team. He roots for KU his Alma Mater but, will have a hard time doing that against UNLV. The last time I remember them playing in a tournament (a little over 10 years ago) we almost broke up. I remember Kansas beating UNLV and Jeff saying that the officiating was unfair (of course). I had to stick up for my team! I wont go into details but, let's just say it got heated!! A repeat of that night would not be fun, especially with guests!

Well, this is just a glimpse of our Cooper madness. Come see it for yourselves. Our house is always open for every game!! ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK.........