Last night was Tyler's last regular season basketball game. Tyler did another good job of having great vision on the court and getting the ball to the open man. Afterwards, we headed to Legacy to celebrate Tyler's success in basketball and in school. We had a fun evening visiting with Boun, talking ISU, and watching football.
Tyler and his "not so frumpy" mom;)
Tyler had a good game of ball. He had some good back door dishes, fakes to score a bucket, and lots of aggressiveness on defense to get some turnovers.
Today Tyler and I mourned the loss of our "other Grandpa Bill" at his funeral. Bill was a great nieghbor to both of us. Tyler and him shared the love of ISU Cyclones, fruit, and playing games. Bill loved watching Tyler serve mass. For one final hurrah to Bill, Tyler served at his funeral mass. He's definitely looking down and smiling. Either for serving or ISU making it to a Bowl game. Which ever one it is they both are doing a thumbs up.
Tyler had a stellar day. He passed a test in gym without even studying, had his favorite lunch of cheese pizza and salad, and got invited to try out for the basketball tournament team. Not bad for a first day of school. After school, we went and cheered on his new basketball teammates. Tyler starts practice with the team tomorrow. He had a great time getting reacquainted with some new (old) school friends.
Today we were in Rock Rapids for Tyler's Mock Trial event. The teams did very well in their first ever trial in the Regional event. Tyler personally had 2 lawyers (that were judges) come up to him after the hearings and congratulate him on how well he did. Their team was unable to make it to the next round at the state level but learned alot of valuable lessons that will be able to be used in future mock trials or endeavors in life. It most certainly has helped Tyler learn to plead his case with me at home, as if he needed anymore help.
Tuesady night was the NWIJH Honor Choir in LeMars. Tyler and 7 other students from St. Mary's were selected to spend the day learning music and then performing it at a concert in the evening. The Choral Director is a professor at Luther College, coming from Dominican Republic, and was a neighbor to Sami Sosa. Tyler enjoyed his day reuniting with friends from basketball camp, eating taverns at Bob's and ice cream from Blue Bunny, and learning different kinds of music.
This morning St. Mary's held their fall festival. As room moms we are in charge of the snacks. We brought apples n caramel, popcorn mix, cookies, fruit rollups, and water for the kids to enjoy.
The kids enjoying their goodies. Boy, they sure can eat!
After the snacks the class wanted to play a game called Apples to Apples. It is a fun game to play. The kids laughed practically the whole time.
The "nice" pic. 2 girls are missing. Their home sick with the flu:(
The "crazy" photo. I'm doing a lot of "lasts" this year. Being room mom is one of them. It's sad yet a happy time for Tyler and I. We've made lots of happy memories and look forward to the good times to come.
Tyler on the kick return team. He caught the ball and ran it back for 20 yards.
Coming off the field after playing defense. Tyler started defense today at the defensive end position. 
We headed to LeMars this afternoon to cheer on the 8th grade football team. Tyler's on the side lines in his black jacket and khaki SHORTS! It was 40 degrees and wind speeds about the same but we bundled up and weathered through it. 
After the game Grandma treated us to supper at Mr. P's. She's such a great grandma to cheer on the team when her grandson is on the sidelines.
On the hill overlooking the parking lot and stadium
The Chiefs going out onto the field.
Rich and Tyler at halftime of the ISU vs. K- State game.
Tonight we went to the football game for Homecoming. Here's Tyler with his friends Chris and Roman. He didn't want me to take any pictures of him. So I didn't. I had a friends daughter do the dirty work. He said that was "SOLO" of me. That's the new term for kids when they talk about there parents "so low". Yeah, that's ok. Someday he'll have kids...
Tyler and his Physical Therapist, Russ. Russ also is a family friend. His son, Roman, is a friend of Tyler's. Tyler enjoyed the summer boating and tubing with them.
After his 45 minutes of therapy Tyler sits in the chair with an ice gel pack on his knee for 15 minutes. It helps with the inflammation that happens with his intense therapy. He also gets a bottle of water and an apple to replenish himself afterwards.
Today Tyler had his first physical therapy appointment. He did a great job performing his exercises. The therapist even commented on his "good form." There were a few exercises he had trouble performing and couldn't do. That will come as his knee heels and becomes stronger. Overall, he did a great job. 
No crutches!!! No immobilizer!!! No surgery!!! His meniscus is torn and he has cartilage damage to his knee but the blood flow is good. He's got rehab to do for the next 3 weeks. He should be fully recovered by then. He will need to wear a knee brace for organized sports from now on. We also found out this week he's anemic. So he's started iron and vit c pills. He also got strict doctors orders to get plenty of red meat in his diet. Grandpa and Uncle Rich will be glad to help Tyler comply with those doctors orders.
Even though Tyler can't play football he still goes to practice everyday. He also travels with the team to games. He's #11. He said tonight, "He wanted to be out there so bad." He did a good job supporting his teammates with pats on the back and words of encouragement. That's an all around good team player.
