Des Moines Tournament, Games 1 & 2

The day started off great with a Notre Dame win over Navy in Dublin, Ireland (50-10), and a Junior Patriots win over the East Iowa Riverdogs (9-6) at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines.  

Wolf, #18, Captain of the Defense, played well and had a nice reception.  Game 2 under the lights tonight at 9 p.m.

Captain of the Defense, on the right, gives the defense directions.

Wolf is wrapping up the ball carrier.

Zach was enjoying the nice overcast weather for the game and helped videotape.

Wolf, in the middle of the photo, holds off a defender so our ball carrier has an open route.

We are glad Head Coach Glab can lean on Wolf.

I love this sequence of Wolf's reception.

The second game didn't go so well.  Played again Sunday at 1 p.m. and placed 4th in the tournament.

Happy Bacon Day to Zach

Here is a little known fact about Zach - he loves bacon.  I don't just mean love either.  He is basically obsessed with bacon.  We got him the bacon sundae at Burger King when it came out (I know - gross!).

But tomorrow is Bacon Day and in honor of Zach, we may have to find a breakfast place in Des Moines that has a slice for him.

Thursday Night Football

Millard South played again tonight with a decisive win over Bellevue East, 50-17.  The boys are just ecstatic over going to the game again.  Jayson and I headed to the tailgate party ahead of time and had dinner with a nice couple.  We watched Wolf practice for a little while and then headed into the varsity game.  We ended up sitting behind him where there were some open seats.  The girl on the right is his "lady friend."  We left Zach and Mason to their double date which, from the reaction at home, was a really great night for Zach.  It was a school night so we had to leave at 9 p.m. to get some homework done and get ready for the football trip tomorrow.  We are looking forward to the tournament this weekend.  Bring on the football!!

Katie & Beth

I had my adorable twin nieces spend the night this past weekend.  They started school the week before and this is a photo of them in their cute uniforms (Katie on the left, Beth on the right).  We had fun going through the pictures I have of them over the past few years and making them each their own special flash drives and DVDs to take home.  We had pizza, watched home videos, had pancakes for breakfast, and talked a lot.  Girl time is so fun!!!

The Other Side of High School

Well, I finally broke down and decided to be without my camera for a few days.  It is a killer, but the camera needed to be cleaned so desperately after a dusty baseball season.  So no pictures to post :-(

Wolf had his second scrimmage tonight and did AWESOME!  He was 2-2 with 60 yards and a touchdown reception.  It always seems that when the camera is not on is when he makes the best plays.  We are just happy he played well tonight and was on a high after the scrimmage.

Wolf is in High Ability Learners (HAL) and we completed his application form tonight, indicating which activities he is most interested in attending.  Science was a big winner here!  I am hoping to be able to help facilitate a trip to the Strategic Air & Space Museum for an engineering activity!

Zach had his friends over on Saturday night for movie night and evidently it was a big success.  They asked if they can come back next weekend...I think it was the free food!  They were all so nice and polite - a great group of kids.

Zach had big news today.  He was invited to apply for National Honor Society and had an informational meeting today!  As a candidate, he has to complete an application packet, have three teachers complete evaluation forms, and write an essay at a closed essay session at school.  We reviewed the material with him tonight and think he will be very competitive.  We will be busy helping him prepare for the essay session by studying the history of NHS and helping him really think about why he wants to be in National Honor Society.

Zach's other piece of big news that I hope is okay to share is... he is taking Claire to homecoming!  We are excited to help him get ready for this big day as well!  Ordering a corsage, taking pictures, where to go for dinner, what friends to go with, how early or late to go to the dance, and the post-dance party.  Such an exciting time!!!

This week the high school football game is on Thursday night against Bellevue West, the school the boys would have gone to had they stayed in Bellevue schools.  Both the boys are looking forward to going early and hanging with their "ladies" at the game.  Jayson and I really enjoy going and seeing all of our friends there, and letting the boys hang with their friends.

After attending the pep rally last week and seeing the insanity of hallways during passing periods. seeing the drama of the girlfriend/boyfriend situations, watching the kids at the games, etc. it is great to be there as a parent and not as a student.  It reminds us of our times in high school, but it is so much more enjoyable to help Zach and Wolf navigate these waters with our years of wisdom and experience to pass on.  This is definitely a very rewarding time for Jayson and I to see them mature.  We could not be more proud of the men they are becoming!

Wolf's Football Scrimmage

Wolf's team, the Millard South Junior Patriots, had their first scrimmage yesterday against the Omaha Jackals at Westside High School.  It was a nice warm and sunny day for the scrimmage.  Wolf played a LOT and was asleep on the couch at home not long after his shower.  Here are some photos.  He is number 18 in red and wears black/red Nike cleats (helps with finding him in the pictures).

Wolf is the second red from the left pushing through the line.  He blitzed most of the game.

Going until the whistle blows!

Red on the left standing.  Getting ready to blitz...again!

Number 18.

He is in the center of the picture here, trying to break away from #62.

In the center of the photo again, you can see the Nike logo on the bottom of the red/black cleat.

Lined up at tight end (Jayson can correct me if I am wrong here).  Second red from the right.

Last one coming off the field.  I just realized these photos did not upload in order :)

Number 18 in center of photo

In center of the photo, playing tight end.

State Journalism for Zach

Millard South won State Journalism in 2011-2012.  They took a photo that gets displayed with the state trophy in the permanent school display case.  Here is the photo below.  Zach is on the top left. We hope to get a photo of the trophy and picture in the display case as soon as it is ready.

Football

The first Friday night football game of the year is here.  Millard South Patriots vs. Millard North Mustangs, and in case you can't tell from the school names, it is a big rivalry.  The boys are looking forward to hanging with their friends at the game, and  Jayson and I are looking forward to seeing if Millard South, the number 2 ranked team in the state, can prove worthy of its ranking.  Of course, it has barely rained in July and August, and we are forecast to get some showers this evening and overnight.  Hoping it holds off!

Last night Wolf received his jersey for the Millard South Jr. Patriots.  He is number 18 again this year, but now that Manning is with the Broncos, it means more to him!

Will get a better picture posted soon as he wore his jersey to school today with all of his team.

Teaching Kids About the Value of Money

I am so glad Zach is taking Personal Finance class this semester. Is this not a perfect example to teach kids about interest rates? Jayson pointed this out to me about a month ago. I had never read the fine print on the commercial. 89.68% interest!! So a $10,000 loan costs you $62,495.

Zach's Good News Continues to Roll In

Millard South held a Pep Rally today where they unveiled the State Journalism banner from last year.  Zach and his fellow staffers were called out to center court in the gym as they unveiled it.  Very cool!  I forgot how LOUD high school events can be when you gather that many students in one place.  Another highlight: when the band played Sweet Caroline!!!

In homeroom yesterday, Zach was invited to apply for National Honor Society.  You have to be invited in order to apply so we are proud of him for this achievement alone!  He has an informational meeting this week, and then has to compile an application packet which is due in early September.  We are so proud of him!

The boys also had a package in the mail.  Grandma Pam & TJ sent Zach & Wolf Cubs shirts.  They are excited to cheer on the Cubs to another World Series... :-)  Oh how we love to kid Wolf about that one!

The Eyes Have It!

Messing around on Fall Break.  Thanks to Dad for the title!

Back to School Week

There is always lots going on with back to school activities.  Wolf had a half day for his first day.  He was asked by the teachers to be a 40 Assets Leader - a big deal at his school. (You can always click on the photo for a larger version)

Zach is driving to and from school with Wolf and his friend Mason.  We had to set down a few rules, but I think it is going to be great...until the snow comes...YIKES!

Zach started sparring at karate this week.  Luckily he has a lot of gear to protect him!

Wolf started shaving!  We were watching videos from 2010 and 2011 and he has grown up so much!!

Last night was Open House at Zach's school where we go around and meet all his teachers.  Of course it would NOT have been cool to take a picture of him while we were there.  He has awesome teachers this year and we are looking forward to him excelling!

I had two of my nieces, Ellie and Chloe, spend the night Sunday night.  Air Force One flew into Offutt and we got to see the President!  We couldn't take pictures until after the Secret Service cleared out so here are a few photos from the day!

At Ease Luncheon

Medal of Honor recipient Sal Guinta

Flowers

I have been sick and this is what my wonderful husband brought me!

Alaska!

Florida

Discovery Cove

February 2011

We had a great time on our Stay-Cation in Omaha and were sad to see it come to an end. UNO basketball games and tailgate parties. Mason spent the night. Alaska at the zoo IMAX. Taco Thursday at the GI Forum. Movie: The Dilemma. Rock Band concert at home. Lunch and courthouse jail tour with Uncle Danny. Coco Key!! Buffalo Wild Wings take-out and watching the UNO hockey team beat Wisconsin. Aaron spent the night. High altitude balloon launch. Little King. Durham Museum for Lincoln's birthday. Lancer's game. No snow tubing as too muddy :( Party at Aunt Maggie's. Laser tag!! Mason spends the night again. Allison's baptism. Creighton Bluejays basketball game. Whew!!!

Here are the boys on the courthouse jail tour.  With friend Aaron.

At the Durham Museum.  Grandpa Dan, does this bring back memories???

At the Durham Museum old-time Soda Fountain.

Kayla is / loves Mary Poppins.  After all, she is 'practically perfect in every way!'  She took her Mom and nieces Kaylee, Madalyn, and McKenna to see Mary Poppins the Broadway Musical when it came to Omaha at the Orpheum Theater.  What a great time!

Wolf and cousin Tommy at Alli's Baptism.

Beautiful Allison, Godmother Kayla, and Mom Julie.

Neil Diamond Night!!!  About once a year, my wonderfully crazy family gets together for Neil Diamond Night.   We grew up listening to Neil.  We still go to his concerts and all the kids know the songs as well.  Anything goes on Neil Diamond Night: sequins, wigs, ladies clothing, dressing like figure skaters or Disney Princes and Princesses - anything to get in the spirit of Neil!  Mike's Lounge is Dad's workshop in the basement and the little kids (and the big kids) like to get on top the workbench and sing.  It is always a late night and always a great time!