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.