It's hard to tell how tall the snow is at the end of the driveway due to the incline but it's actually 7ft. tall. My new snowblower has come in real handy this winter. I never thought I'd say it but I'm actually looking forward to mowing this summer.

I started with 1.5 TBSP. of hickory wood chips at the bottom of the smoker.
I seasoned the wings with mesquite rub.
Waiting for the first wisp of smoke to come rollin' out.
After smokin' the wings for 35 min. I smothered them in Dead Eye and baked them for 10 min.

On Monday, the start of my birthday month, Rich asked what I wanted for my birthday. I had been thinking of investing in an indoor smoker for the last 6 months. So I told him what I thought. Since Rich is well aware of the "Kneifl women get what they want" rule I had a Cameron indoor smoker delivered to my house 5 days later courtesy of Rich and Andrea for my 35th birthday. Today, Super Bowl Sunday, I thought would be a great day to test it out. Per Tyler's request I made chicken wings. They turned out super! His next request: smoked BBQ ribs. Thank you Rich and Andrea for a fantastic gift. I love it! I will be taking orders for anyone that comes to visit. Yes, Dad, I am standing by with a pen and paper to write down your request;)

The first game of the Sioux Central Tournament was against Cherokee. They lost 40-47.
The team sitting around relaxing before heading over to the "old" gym. They played Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn. They beat them 39-27.

The last game of the day was against Graettinger-Terrill. They beat them 60-47. The team took home 3rd place. Tyler had the moves of the day. Great fakes, nice post moves, and good wing shots.

The second rounds Tyler wrestled E. Wise from Spirit Lake. He lost 0-8.
Tylers first match he wrestled C. Potter from Spirit Lake. Tyler won 7-6.

Tyler's third match was against D. Trucksess from Spirit Lake. David put the "banana split" move on him which is an illegal move. Tyler won by default. He has a sore left groin. He said it's the "tied for second" worst pain he's ever felt.

Tyler lost his first match vs. Dustin F. from Sheldon 2-4.

Tyler won his second match vs. Eric K. from South O'Brien by a 20 second pin.

This was the teams first meet of the season. It's also Tyler's first time wrestling since 4 years ago. He did a great job his first meet back.

After the second game the team went to Villager for dinner.

Tournament Team
front row: Mitchell, Tyler, Ross, Grant
back row: Coach Noah, Charlie, Chase, Yach, Fernando, Caleb, Coach Dave

First game: SL 25 vs. Manson NW Webster 26
Second game: SL 17 vs. Spencer 39
Third game: SL 25 vs. Schaller 24

Last Friday at school the boys decided to have "dress up day." This is what they came up with. They were quite the hit at school. Kids, teachers, and even the principal gave them high fives and thought it was great they had a little fun with the dress code.

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;)

Trying to get open on the in bound.
Another in bound play.
Lining up at the end of the game to shake hands. The team showed good sportsmanship.

Tyler had a respectable game. He had great passes down to the posts from the one spot. He had a dandy move on defense to draw the charge (no acting either.)

While I spent the day getting used to my new snowblower Tyler enjoyed his first day of snowmobiling with his friend, Justin.

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.

For the last 2 days I've been hearing how Tman's feet hurt. I finally took it upon myself to actually "see" for myself if his shoes were too small. They were. He now wears an 11.5.
Tyler wanted to take this pic to see who has the "upper eye." Mom does, but not for long.

Tyler's first basketball game for the green n white was this afternoon in Odebolt. He played half the A game and all of the B game. He had 4 points in the B team game. 2 were free throws that were the clinchers at the end of the game.

We spent Thanksgiving in Sioux City with the Reinert clan. Tyler got to eat a feast, play football, basketball, and spend time playing with all his cousins. It was a blessed day.

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.

Tyler and Steve participated in the annual turkey shoot. They won the 8th grade boys group with Tyler making 11 of 15 freethrows and Steve making 8.
Tyler receiving his certificate and turkey
All the winners

Today was Tyler's first game of his 8th grade basketball season. He's the starting point guard. He had 2 beautiful layups off of fast breaks.

In Tyler's Science class they are talking about renewable energy. Today, Steve spoke with the kids about wind as a renewable energy source.
Trivia question: What state is the windiest?

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.

Tyler and Caden ready to cheer on the Cyclones!
Justin and Scott came to the game and over to play some football of their own with Tyler while tailgating.
Sunny and 71 on November 7th? Sunglasses, tshirts, and shorts? Can you believe it???
The reason Tyler loves ISU games: "guy time."

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.