Tyler's 6th grade class getting ready to perform with the bells to "Let there be peace on Earth".
Tyler is in show choir which also performed. A couple of weeks ago they held a party where they ate pizza and tie-dyed t-shirts. Here they are getting ready to perform "Ain't no mountain high enough".

Tyler and Yach showing off their Dodgeball metals.

Saturday Tyler participated in St. Mary's 3 on 3 "Icebreaker" tourney. Tyler's team of himself, Chad, Joe, and Adam won their 3 pool games.

vs. Storm Lake Public 8-6

vs. Galva-Holstein 15-8

vs. Sioux Central 13-4

They made it to the championship game vs. Newell. The boys got up to a quick lead of 4-1, played excellent defense against a team that the shortest player was over 5' and worked hard. The final score was 12-18 Newell.

Sunday Tyler's dodgeball team played and by the gold medals around their necks won the 5/6th grade division. They never lost a match all season long.

Last Saturday Steve and Tyler participated in the Annual Sara Lee Turkey Shoot. Each threw 15 free throws. Tyler made 8 and Steve made 14. That was good for 1st place and a turkey. Once again they will be putting food on the table this Thanksgiving.

As the smiles in the photo shows, with a little "Tyler Magic" ISU was able to pull off a victory against K-State.

Just as great weekends go with Uncle Rich this one was no exception. Tyler, while sporting his new ISU apparel enjoyed a day of good food, friends and fun. All while doing it in style in the new RV. On the way back to Ankeny Tyler even slept on the couch. This means he'll have no problem making the 10 hour drive to Sandusky in the spring.

Last night Tyler and his friends went trick or treating. Trivia question G'pa...which one is Tyler?

Yes the picture is right and your eyes are not deceiving you...Tyler does have on an Iowa shirt. A few weeks ago our neighbors (who btw are huge Iowa fans) gave Tyler this t-shirt. He didn't have the heart to tell them he's an ISU fan so he smiled, said "thank you" and accepted it graciously. His friend, Chase, who's also an Iowa fan was shocked to learn he even owned a black 'n gold shirt. Just to prove his loyalty to ISU, last night for church Tyler wore this shirt as Iowa had just lost to Penn State. Go lions!!!

This picture is of the NYFL 5/6th grade kids on their float for the homecoming parade Friday afternoon..

At the homecoming game Friday night with all his friends, but where is Tyler???

This past week has been a busy one. Last Monday was Tyler's grandparents day at school. Mom and I went to go see his final performance. Tuesday night Tyler's football team held a scrimmage game against Kingsley/Pierson. Tyler's team played the first half and outscored the opponent 21-7. Yesterday Tyler played his last NYFL football game against River Valley/ Aurelia. They lost 28-7. Tyler had a good personal game. He made 3 good passes, one ending in a touchdown. He also had some good runs which resulted in first downs.

Just so you know Dad, even though I had a busy week I still managed to get my 40 hours in.

Once again dad ran the chains, mom and I ran the clock, and Steve coached. Tyler tried out the wide receiver position in which he caught a long bomb throw from Yach. That got the ball down in the red zone where the next play Yach made a Touchdown. Tyler also played QB where he had some good passing and rushing yards. Then on defense he had some good tackles.

Last Saturday Tyler had a football game. As the score and the OT shows it was a nailbiter. We all had jobs this game. Dad was a part of the chain crew, Mom and I were the timekeepers, and Steve coached. After the game we headed to Sioux City to celebrate Gram C.'s 84th birthday. Tonight we're watching the show "Fieldtrip" that premieres St. Mary's. We also want to wish Rich a "Happy 31st Birthday" tomorrow. It is 31 isn't it???

As some of you may remember last spring Tyler's class won a free fieldtrip and school update from Dashboard productions. They are a small production company in Des Moines that will air its new program "Fieldtrip" on IPTV. Out of the 6 schools they filmed Tyler's school was the one school to get asked to be at there premiere. So yesterday we all loaded into 2 Windstar buses and headed to Drake University for the big show. They filmed, interviewed, and even fed us throughout the day. Tyler's big premiere show will be aired on IPTV September 26th at 6:30 p.m. For those of you who don't have that channel or can't watch it don't worry... They are selling St. Mary's the copyright and we're going to be selling DVD's and I plan on buying one to show all of you.

4 generation pic after celebrating an ISU vistory over IOWA

The score was not indicative of how the boys played. Tyler had lots of plays where he used the stiff arm to gain a first down on a sweep. He also had lots of good plays to get the ball down the field.

Tyler's #14 lining up on defense.

Grandpa's always been at a sporting event that Tyler and his team have come out on top. Today Tyler wasn't going to show grandpa anything different. Tyler's personal stats were one 20 yard touchdown pass, one fumble recovery, 3 QB sacks and a whole bunch of beautiful handoffs. Along with a whole team of good things we came out on top.

BTW, grandma was there too to cheer on the T-man.

Thursday night at 7:30 (under the lights) Tyler had his first football game of the season at Newell. Tyler played quarterback on offense and end on defense. He did a great job as qb handing and passing the ball off. On defense he had a few key plays where he ran down one of his good friends and tackled him to prevent a touchdown. Good job T-man.

In LeMars at the Wells Blue Bunny Ice Cream Shop Ryan and Tyler each got a triple scoop ice cream fudge sundae. Did they each eat their quart of ice cream sundae?

Ryan and Tyler toasting to a weekend of "fun in the sun".

"Look mom, no hands!"

Not for long.

At Arnold's Park. For those of you who know Ryan this pic is really true.

This weekend Tyler brought a friend along to the cabin for a day of tubing and fishing. Sunday we went to Arnold's Park to finish the weekend off. What a great time we all had.

This is at our highest point... 600 ft. in the air.

Notice the "happy face" on the sail?

Here we are descending.

Back to the boat.

The slogan "third times a charm" rang true for Tyler and I today. After attempting to parasail on two different days we finally got to go today. It was a fun ride in the air. It's funny how when you're that high how slow it seems your going, how not windy it is, and how high you really realize what 600 ft. is. We had a blast and would recommend it to anyone. Even those of you who are a little afraid of being off the ground.

This is the field where the movie "We are Marshall" was filmed.
Trivia question #1: What is the capital of West Virginia? This is a picture of the building.

T-man and the "Cornrow Cadillac"

Trivia question #2: Where is the "World's Biggest truck stop" located at?

Tyler spent a week on the road with Gramps traveling to Richmond, VA and back. Tyler had a good time eating beef jerky, fries, and Mountain Dew for breakfast. He kept in touch with his friends back home via MSN and cell phone. He played video games on the computer, surfed the internet, and listened to xm radio all week. He also had a good time "gambling" away grampa and Riley's money. Sounds like he needs to get back to Storm Lake and attend some good 'ol wholesome Catholic School!!!

This past week Tyler spent 4 days at a basketball camp in Orange City at Northwestern College. 260 boys ages 11-14 gathered for a week of "guy time". Daily awards were handed out to kids that went above and beyond. On Wednesday Tyler received the "Barnibus" award. That award goes to a player who demonstrates good teamwork and encouragement towards his teammates.

The above award was given to Tyler on the last day at the awards ceremony. Everyday all 260 kids shot 25 freethrows. At the end of camp the "Top 10" were recognized. Tyler earned 10th place by making 80 of 100.

What a nice surprise T-man received when his Aunt Hollie and Uncle Jason showed up to see him play his last regular season baseball game. He had another stellar night of baseball plays. He had a good bunt to get on base, played first base and got a player out, and pitched the last inning to go 3 up 3 down (striking the last one out). They had a perfect season, 10-0.

Trivia question #1

What famous NBA star has this guy for a younger brother?

with Rahshon Clark

with Wesley Johnson

Even at basketball camp there was still time for a photo with a wrestling legend, Cael Sanderson.

If planning on attending the camp next year and the smile on Tyler's face is any indication on how well they enjoyed the camp then it looks like the Father Son basketball camp at ISU was an eventful weekend . There are more pictures to share and lots of stories to be told, in person from Steve and Tyler!!!

Another great night at the ball diamond. Tyler played right and center field, 2nd base, and short stop. Tyler also had a good night from the batter's box. He went 3 for 3. One hit was a sweet bunt down the 3rd base line. Everyone was safe. We played through the top of the 6th inning just to practice.

Tuesday night we had another baseball game except this time we did it backwards. With mom getting off a 3a to 3p shift we headed for ice cream first then to the game in Rembrandt. It started at 830p and got over at 10p. Tyler had another good night. He played left field, short stop and catcher. He had a wonderful throw from short to home, walked to get on base, and scored a run. We have another game scheduled for tonight.

I know what you're thinking this picture looks like all the others. Wrong!!! Tyler is playing 2nd base and he's never played that position before. This time grandpa made it to the game and he has never seen Tyler lose before. Obviously, by the score Friday night was no exception. Tyler played 2nd and caught. Afterwards, grandma treated us to DQ to celebrate yet another victory.

Another ball night with a happy ending. Tyler started out catching for the first 2 innings. With a inning off to warm up Tyler came in to pitch. After 2 innings only giving up 2 runs, walking 1 and 3 strike outs the game was called due to run rule after the top of the 5th. Tyler also had a good night of batting walking twice and getting a good hit to shallow left only to have the ball caught by the 3rd baseman. Next game... in 3 hours.

Tyler playing 3rd base for the first couple inning. After that he was catcher for the rest of the night. It was a nailbiter until the last run. Ace was behind most of the night until the 5th inning when Tyler got walked and came in to tie the game. In the 6th they held Citizens Bank and with 2 outs got a run in to win the game. Afterwards in true grandma tradition she treated us to DQ.

Another baseball night of show stopping plays. Tyler started off in right field. For the next 2 innings he played catcher. With 1 out Tyler threw the ball to 2nd to attempt to get out the steal. After a missed catch and an over throw to 3rd Ryan threw the ball back to homeplate to get the runner out. Tyler caught the ball and got the runner out. Yeah!!! Unfortunately, while Tyler jumped for the ball the runner ran into him and knocked him over. Tyler landed on the ground with the runners shoe in his calf. After a minute on the ground Tyler spent the rest of the game in the dugout with an icepack on his leg. Once the game got going again Aaron was looking for the game ball. Guess where it was grandpa... still in his glove in the dugout. It's a bit sore but he'll be ready for the game tomorrow night.

On another note Tyler is a leader for 14 kids ages 5 to 9 at Vacation Bible school this week. Yesterday he had an exciting day of fending off a 9 year old boy who liked to talk back and a 7 year old boy who likes to eat rocks and apparently swallowed 8 of them while participating in an outdoor activity. At one piont Tyler said he had to tell the kids to "get in a straight line" because they were all running around and not paying attention. Only 3 more days left...

After a rain delay, a bag of popcorn, and some soggy shoes we were ready to watch "Ace" demolish the Sioux Central Rebels. Tyler started on the mound. After 2 innings striking out 4 batters and allowing only 1 run he took over 1st base. There he caught a foul ball to end the inning. Tyler's batting was improved also. He walked twice and had his first hit of the season, a single to the 3rd basemen. They only played through the top of the 5th since there is a 5 run rule per inning. They only play 6 innings. After celebrating coaches birthday with cake and pop we headed home at 10:30pm.

Sporting new uniforms again we headed to the ball field last night. Tyler played everywhere shortstop (pictured above), left and center field, and ended with catcher. After 6 regular innings it was tied 3-3. So they went into overtime where the kids rallied and made 3 runs and held the other team to none.

Tyler's first at bat. He walked and eventually made it home on an overthrow while he was stealing second base. It was the teams first run to tie the game 1-1.
Tyler's first position of the night was catcher for Luke. On a missed catch Tyler hustled and threw it to Luke to get the batter stealing home out. He also played first base for an inning. Last inning Tyler pitched. He threw 19 balls total. walked 1 batter and struck 3 out. ERA 0.00. Good job and win on your first night of ball Ace Hardware.

Last Thursday the 5th graders held a play. Tyler played the part of "old man villager."

On a side note:

Saturday night after mass Tyler bought a crucifix. A gentlemen from the Holyland was here to sell religious artifacts so the people over there can make some money. Due to the war and the safety issues in the Middle East people are not traveling and therefore unable to buy there souvenirs.

Trivia question #1

What's the difference between a cross and a crucifix?

Trivia question #2

What does INRI above Jesus head stand for?

Mrs. Smith announcing the members of Character Council: Tyler, Dimitri, Hannah, Tyler, and Diew
Mr. Smith announcing the Knights of Columbus Spelling Bee winners.
Tyler-1st
Urias-2nd
Dimitri-3rd


Father Bruce Lawler announcing the students who served as Altar servers this year.

Today at school the annual Middle School awards were held. Tyler received awards for the above 3 activities plus was recognized for his participation in Show choir and Honor choir for which he received his awards last week at the concert. Afterwards, Steve and Tyler enjoyed lunch together. I'd also like to add that he was on the Honor roll all 4 quarters for which I am most proud.

For those of you waiting for the results to our 5K run we did last Friday night here they are:

Out of 162 runners:
Tyler finished 91st with a time of 30:29:00.
I finished 139th with a time of 46:03:00.

For Tyler's birthday party Saturday afternoon we rented a 15 passenger van and loaded up Tyler and 9 of his friends. We drove to Sioux City where we stopped at Godfather's to eat pizza and open presents. Then it was off to the Tyson Event Center to watch the Bandits play. With a little time to spare the kids played a football game of their own while "tailgating". After that we headed inside to get all the kids set up with a hat and Tyler a football, where they got to go in the locker room to meet the players and get autographs. The Bandits won 36-29. While driving back to Storm Lake the kids took a vote and it was unanimuous: This was the best birthday party they had ever attended. Me too!!! After dropping off all the kids I finally got to bed at 1a.m. The boys favorite part of the game:

"the cheerleaders"

Friday night Tyler and I (he ran I jogged) in a 5K for ALS (Lou Gerrig's disease). For those of you who don't know the conversion that's 3.2 miles. It was a fun time. I will post our official timed results when I get them.

Yesterday was Tyler's 11th birthday. So Saturday we headed to Sioux City to celebrate. (Like we've been doing all month.) We started the evening with Mass at the Cathedral. Then we went to Applebee's for supper. After that we went to Lewis Bowl where Tyler did some go karting and batting practice in the cage. In true Tyler fashion he passed all the go karts, some even twice. After driving was over we capped the night off with a trip to Cold Stone Creamery. We spent the night at the Clarion to swim but with all the days activites we were tuckered out.
It's not hard to believe Tyler's 11, but that I'm the mother of an 11 year old.

Last evening the St. Mary's 5th through 8th grade middle schoolers held their annual Interest Fair. Tyler chose to do his project on what else...Go Karts. He worked really hard on it. During the day the school kids got to tour the fair and one of the questions on Tyler's board was on the scavenger hunt. What 3 famous Nascar drivers started in go karting? Do you know Grandpa?

The best shot I could get prerace of Zippy talking to Tony. He was probably telling him win the race because Brigett and Tyler are here to see you do something other than lead and crash.

Here we have our Nextel Fan View headsets on. These give you radio, announcer, and spotter talk and they don't bleep out the swear words.

At the Busch race with our ear plugs in. Later to be used to block out the alcohol inhibited gentlemen knocking at my door looking for his padre at 11p.m.

Thank you mom and dad for a wonderful "all expense paid trip" to Phoenix. The race, the food, and most important the company was a great way to celebrate your 35 years of togetherness.

We love you!!!

Josh (aka bloody knee), Arturo, Cole and Tyler

These are the 4 boys from the 5th/6th grade to get picked for the Northwest Honor Choir. They practiced for 4 hours as a big group yesterday and then performed in a concert in the evening. It was awesome. 150 kids singing 7 songs all by memory.

Earlier that morning we attended a mass with the Bishop at the Cathedral in Sioux City. We've attended mass before with him and just like the others this one was spectacular too. Mom attended with me and we even learned a trivia question, Dad?

Why's the church called the "cathedral"?

Sorry to hear of Zella's illness. I'm glad it's not the "other kind". Because shopping yesterday we saw a bright pink dog collar and leash at the "Coach" store that I think she NEEDS.

We're also excited for the race. This will be my 3rd race but my first night one. I hear Storm Lake is predicted to have rain all weekend, YESSS!!!

Joe, Chad, Ryan, Dakota, and Tyler all smiles after a fun day.

Okay so basketball season wasn't quite done. Tyler wanted to play in one more tourney. He got some friends together, had a practice, and ended the season on a win. The boys did an excellent job considering at one point they were guarding a boy with the last name of "KONG". (We think his first name was "KING".)