Three boys and three seats

Last Friday, I took my three boys to watch the Naches Valley-Goldendale basketball game.

We do this everyone once in a while. It sounds like a boys night, but in reality, it’s a girls night for mom – no sweaty boys, no fighting over the remote. Just a little peace and quiet.

OK, now back to the game.

When we get there, I am ready to unload my wallet for admission, hot dogs and pop. And once dinner is paid for, it happens. The running begins.

When you started to read this, you may have pictured me and my three boys in the stands eating hot dogs and cheering on the home team.

Well, not exactly.

My 16 year-old takes off to hang out with the band. He’s not in band, but has a lot of friends who are.

My 11 year-old is off to hang out with his basketball buddies on the other side of the gym.

And my 1-year-old hangs out with me – well, because that’s what 1-year-olds do.

So, there we are – four guys in three different places watching the game.

After a while, the baby gets squirmy and I take him to the lobby area where he does his own running. I follow him around to keep him out of harm’s way. He’s attracted to this orange ball everyone is passing around. We eventual head back in and watch the remainder of the game.

Yes, my kids all have their own personalities, their own friends and their own idea of a good time.

Being one of five kids myself, I’m sure I did the same thing “back in my day.”

• An editor by day, Scott Mayes is also dad to Matthew, Micah and Nathan. He’s a high school parent, a youth basketball dad and changes diapers. He likes a high school basketball game as much as the next guy, but his 3-point shot needs some work.