Today Tyler had another terrific day. We started the morning off early so he could go with some friends from Newell and watch them play basketball in a tournament in Denison. When he got home he tried out his early Valentine's gift from G'ma and G'pa the WII sports pack. He said it was hard but just like anything else I'm sure he'll have it mastered soon enough. Then tonight I took Tyler to the Storm Lake Public Swing Show. It featured middle and high school students in jazz and orchestra ensembles. They also featured a W.A.C. (women's acapella choir) that was our favorite part of the night.

Tonight the Panthers had a sweep. At halftime Tyler took a timeout with the LADIES.

Tomorrow night for the homecoming basketball game it's "white out" night. Here's a preview of Tyler's apparel.
Tyler and Dimitri buying their "white out" clothes.

This afternoon we headed to Ames to watch the #3 Cyclones take on the OK State Cowboys. It was a great day to watch another ISU victory. Tyler's friend, Cole, is a wrestler and commented on them using the basic moves he knows to win a match.

Tyler wanted no pics of himself tonight so you get this. First off, last night we went to the public school and watched a couple of good ball games. This afternoon we watched ISU play Kansas where Tyler heard his funniest quote of the day that he wanted to share with all of you. The announcer was talking about Collins momentum at the beginning of the game and how to stop it. He said, " Find his mom's name, step on his shoes, or scratch his leg because he is hot."

Tonight we went to mass to kick off Catholic School's week. Father recognized all of us parents that send our kids to St. Mary's. I want to thank all of you who support me in sending Tyler to St. Mary's. Whether you buy scrip, save box tops, or help with homework your dedication is greatly appreciated.

After mass we headed to Aurelia to see St. Mary's play basketball. Here is where Tyler heard his second favorite quote of the day. Coach was talking to the kids on the bench and said, "Is it just me or are they jumping on our backs like Superman?"

Good night Tyler.

After 2 intense days of tackling the half pipe and trails Tyler finally unlocked the door to the secret world of snowboarding with Shaun White! Can you believe it? His chest was pumping and his heart was beating so fast from excitement the only thing he could do was call his fellow Christmas co-snowboarder, his Uncle Jason. Tyler can't wait until our trip to Denver and share the excitement with him in person. His next duty on the roster is to master Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009.

Tonight was Tyler's last basketball game of the season. Tyler started a new tradition this year by having her treat us to supper after each game. Tyler and I want to say "thank you" to her for making it to every single game this season. We love you very much.
Tyler's getting an inbound pass from Moses and bringing the ball up the floor.

Kyle taking a timeout with the team. Tyler sunk his 2 free throws at the end of the game. The last 2 points for St. Mary's to keep the lead and win the game!

This afternoon I got off from work to go to Tyler's school mass and I'm so glad I did! The homily was a great one about spreading a smile to everyone around you. We've been so fortunate to have so much to smile about. The 30 point buck story, the prank call from Halie (aka Macy's store clerk), and Tyler's 3.74 gpa (gold honor roll.) Now it is our turn to make someone else smile.

While the rest of the world was watching football, even Chloe was, Tyler thought it was more important to tend to his school work. I, of course, had no problem supporting that decision. Tyler had volunteered to make a questions box for his class D.A.R.E. program. Today we went to Payless and he asked for a shoebox. When we got home he decorated it. This was the finished product.

Tyler playing great defense.
One of the few times during the game that coach took Tyler out to talk to him about the game.

Once again Tyler had a good night. He made some fast, easy layups to start the game. Throughout the game he had good dishes to the inside and played smart. Afterwards, grandma treated us to supper as we hunkered down to watch the BCS game. Tyler was exstatic this morning to learn his team had won. Go Gators!!!

This weekend Tyler and I headed to Ankeny so Tyler could have some "guy" time with Uncle Rich. Tyler got a Wii for Christmas and had purchased a game for it..."Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009." Rich bought a zapper so they could "hunt" all weekend.
They also went out to eat at Tyler's favorite restaurant Buffalo Wild Wings before heading to the ISU game to watch Tyler's favorite player, Craig Brackins. Since it was Christmas break Rich got tickets for them to sit in the 10th row of Cyclone Alley. A couple minutes into the game they scooted down to the 2nd row to watch the rest of the game. Tyler got on the Jumbotron 3 times. A feat Rich has yet to complete. They both had such a great time that they are already talking about going next year over break.

ISU's mascot, CY, recently won the 2008 mascot of the year award. Here he's pictured with ISU's #1 fan.

Thank you Rich and Andrea for a great weekend. We always have a great time when we head to Ankeny. Both of you are very special to us. We love you.

If the old wives tale rings true about who you spend New Year's Eve with, you can look forward to a good year ahead with them, then ours was and will be gggreat. Tyler and I headed to Sioux City to try our luck with G'ma and G'pa for a Musketeers hockey win. Unfortunately, the Muskies lost 2-5. Tyler on the other hand had skill and a little luck on his side. After downing a 36 inch pixie stix he "chucked a puck". #595 landed on a $10 gift certificate to the Siouxland Humane Society. It doesn't expire until 08-09 so he's got some time left to convince me to use it towards getting a dog. Like I told him...we'll see.

We'd also like to send birthday wishes to our favorite twin cousins, Madison and Maggie. They turn 3 today.

Trivia Question:

What "New" year is it?

Hint: It's not 1994 like the fashion mogul is sporting.