The Wheels on the Bus...

They're a taking us to New York City! We are thrilled the Hoos are heading to NYC, and even more so that we get to go too. The team flew Wednesday, Mike bussed up with other staff Thursday, and families bussed up Friday. (I don't think we would have gone if I had to drive.) the boys are big fans of their basketball team, but even bigger fans of their friends, so 8 hours in a posh bus with friends and all the movies they could watch was pure heaven. 

Yep, four to a row, because we can't leave anyone out! With our besties, Cameron and Austin. 

Playing trains with EJ between shows. 

All Disney movies, all the time. Plus all the Gatorade we can drink AND a bathroom on board? Thanks, KP!! 

He can't contain his excitement. 

We have arrived. 

Our hotel was the posh Conrad Hotel, just two blocks from the new World Trade Center in the city's financial district. Our bus ride there took us past some great sights, then we had just a couple hours to unwind in the rooms before another dreaded 10:30pm game. We got wired on chocolate shakes and fries for dinner, but secretly hoped another game time Lucky Nap was in our future- we wanted a win! And a free Saturday to explore the city. 

Madison Square Garden was nothing short of amazing. It was re done in the recent past, and looks great.

We got to the arena in time to see the second half of the first game, and quickly the boys started to fade. 

Alas, the lucky naps seemed to have lost their magic, as UVA tried their best but couldn't quite pull out a win. 

A more subdued bus ride got us back to the hotel after 1am where the adults just wanted to crash but the kids (who had napped) had other ideas. 

We walked in the rain to a little breakfast cafe and only had time to pack up before it was back on the bus again for 5 more Disney movies. 

(Yes, they've both switched to Badger gear for the ride home, to cheer on our still-standing team.) 

Bless the bus driver who navigated the trip home flawlessly even though it was raining buckets the entire trip. 

Here's hoping for a return trip to the Tournament next year, and an even deeper run! With Tony and these guys, it's entirely possible.