Family Fun Weekend

 Playing a game of dodgeball

 ...and he goes for a dunk!!!

Jumping in the foam pit.

This past Friday we headed to Ankeny for another fun family weekend. Friday night the Smith's took us to Sky Zone in Grimes. It is a building full of trampolines and alot of fun. Steve and I jumped for 30 minutes which was plenty while Tyler jumped with Jason for a whole hour. Saturday we did some tax free shopping at Jordan Creek before we headed over to Newton to tailgate with the rest of our family and friends. Steve got to see his first race. He was glad for the oppurtunity. Thanks for all the fun, food, and family time everyone.

Camp Award

Tyler spent the week at Northwestern Basketball camp with his team. There were 240 high school boys in attendance. Tyler made 86 of 100 free throws for 10th place.

Baseball Banquet

 Tyler has been at basketball camp, at Northwestern, in Orange City all week but came back for a couple hours to attend the baseball banquet.

Coach Eckstaine had a lot of good things to say about his move in Devo, as he's called by the team. He said, "If you didn't see him throw this year you missed out. He threw hard and has a great curve ball. He will see lots of playing time on the mound next year." He also said, "most of the time when a school gets a transfer you usually don't get a good player. Coach McCabe from Storm Lake said to Coach that you got one of my good top pitchers. Lemars got a good one in Tyler. 

Pleasant Surprise

 Chloe found just her size chair to relax in.

Saturday afternoon we went to Storm Lake to attend Steve's work picnic. Across the street at the cabins Steve spotted Jason and Chloe! The Smith's were right across the street! It was so fun to see my sister and her family. I got to hold little Cooper and Chloe got to go on a boat ride with us. It was such a fun time with a 3 year old on the boat. She told us how she was on vacation on the ocean and we looked for octopus and fish like they saw in Hawaii;)

Lemars Bulldogs Baseball

The team played their sub state game at Lewis and Clark Park in Sioux City. This is where the Sioux City Explorers play their games. I think their were more people there to watch last nights game than their are at an Explorers. HAHA

It's been fun to continue into the post season with the Lemars Bulldogs. The Varsity was undefeated in Conference play. Their first game they beat MOC-FV 14-6. Their second game they beat Spencer 6-5. This win enabled the team to become District Champions and receive a medal. The sub state game they played Heelan and lost 5-6. It's been a fun season to watch the kids and we've enjoyed getting to know the parents and kids.

Last game of the season

Today was Lemars JV last game of the season. They played Sioux City West and beat them 9-8. Tyler played shortstop the first 5 innings and pitched the last inning. It's been a fun season to watch the kids and see them grow as a team.

Our start to July

 Sunday before we left Ankeny we went to the park.
 We had such a fun weekend with family again! Our nephew/cousin baby Cooper was quickly born on July 3rd. He is so adorable and we love him so much. Saturday we hit up the best Farmer's Market around, did some shopping, and ate fro yo at Lemon Tree. At night, Rich and Andrea hosted a fun get together of family and friends. We love coming to Ankeny and you all are such great hosts! Thank you:)

 Tyler and Chloe doing some leftover "snakes" from the 4th.

Last weeks games they played Cherokee and lost 0-11, Glenwood lost 4-9, and in the 105 degree heat, Tyler pitched 6 innings vs Harlan and they tied 3-3. This game was by far the teams best performance. The defense, batting, and pitching was right on and they really worked as a team.

in at relief

Tonight vs Sheldon in the Varsity game,  Lemars was behind 0-4 in the 3rd inning, bases loaded, 1 out  and they bring in Tyler as relief pitcher. He pitched 2 2/3 innings. He had no earned runs. At the end of the 5th the score was 4-7. Top of the 6th they bring in Levi TeBrink for the save to win the game 8-7. Tyler had his first at bat in Varsity play. He hit a bomb to center field but unfortunately it was caught for an out.

The JV team won vs. Sheldon 10-4. He had 2 good scoops and throws to first for 2 outs. Monday they played Spirit Lake and  lost 1-13. Tuesday they played Spencer and lost 6-11.

Varsity Debut

Tonight the team played Sioux City North. The JV team lost 4-6. Then the varsity game came. Tyler made his varsity pitching debut against a 4A school. Colin Borchers pitched the first 2 innings and the score was 2-5. Tyler came in the third inning and pitched 4 innings. He allowed 5 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. They ended up losing the game 2-7 but Tyler did a phenomenal job his first time on the mound. Fortunately, Grandma and Grandpa were able to come and see him play. Afterwards, we went out to celebrate Grandma's birthday weekend. Grandpa treated us to pizza and drinks at Townhouse and birthday ice cream cake at Dairy Queen. What a fun Friday night!

Busy week

After a fun weekend we started right in with baseball Monday night. They lost to Central Lyon 5-11. Tuesday night, due to rain, the jv didn't play vs Storm Lake but the Varsity did. While Grandma was in Ankeny watching Chloe, Grandpa was in LeMars with us. He treated us out for supper at Monterrey's and then after the game we went to Bob's for ice cream. Thank you Grandpa. A night of no cooking is always a treat. Tonight the team traveled to Emmetsburg. They won 13-12. Tyler played second base, shortstop, and third base due to 3 different pitching changes. Tyler had 2 hits, 4 RBI, and the game winning throw to first base for the final out. What an exciting night of baseball!

Father's Day weekend festivities

Father's Day weekend we headed to Ankeny. We had a great time with our family. Hollie and Jason hosted the gathering and Rich and Andrea put us up for the night. We also saw a movie, went shopping, and out to eat at Cheesecake Factory. It was a great weekend to celebrate Father's Day, my parents 40th wedding anniversary, and put guesses on when baby boy Smith is arriving.

Briar Cliff tournament champions

Today the basketball team had a tournament at Briar Cliff. They won their first game against South Sioux City 71-50. Their second game they won against Sioux City East 35-43. In the championship game versus Heelan the boys pulled off a victory in double overtime 69-67!

More Baseball

Tyler pitched the game of his life today against Glenwood. He pitched the whole 5 inning game and had 11 strikeouts and one walk! Unfortunately, his defense behind him wasn't as grand and they lost their game 3-7. Last night they lost to Spencer 5-11.

Baseball Scoreboard

Two and a half months later and half way into the baseball season we finally got Tyler's first set of Lemars Bulldog gear. Better late than never;) Mondays game they played Emmetsburg and won 7-2. Tuesdays game they played in Okoboji and lost 4-6. Tonights game was against Spirit Lake and they won 7-2. Ty got a bat on the ball tonight and got his first RBI.

weekend fun

Saturday Tyler and the rest of the Varsity basketball squad participated in Dordt College's summer high school classic tournament. 15 teams from 4 states played in the tournament. They lost 2 games to Southwest Christian of Sioux Falls and Unity Christian. They won their last game against Boyden Hull. Sunday we headed to Sioux City and picked up Grandma along the way. We shopped a little at the mall and saw a movie with some friends from Storm Lake. It's so fun to just drop by and get her to spend the day with us.

Last night was Tyler's debut in his LeMars baseball uniform. The team traveled to Storm Lake to play the Tornadoes. Tyler played second base and also pitched the last inning to come away with a 7-2 victory over his old team. Going through the line his former Coach, Kevin Cone, gave him a hug. Let the baseball season begin:)

A couple of weeks ago I was getting my nails done. My technician showed me an art project from Pinterest that she was going to attempt. It is called "Melted Crayon Art." I loved the idea so much that I wanted to create our own project to fill up a huge blank wall we have behind the kitchen table. Our idea was to melt the crayons and have the chinese symbol for "family" painted on the canvas. This is our finished product. It took a total of 7 hours to complete the project from start to finish. Three of those hours was melting the crayons!

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day weekend was a fabulous one for this Mother. Saturday, dad treated us all at Bev's on the River for lunch. Afterwards, we went back to their house and had margaritas, visiting, and a delicious steak dinner. Sunday it was more of the same. Steve and Tyler treated me to flowers and a wonderful dinner at HuHot's. Thank you for making this Mother's Day a special one.

State large group contest

Friday night we watched the choir in the Iowa High School state large group contest held in Lemars. The group received all "1" ratings. Tuesday night the school held their spring music concert. They all sang so beautifully. Thank you Grandma Kneifl for getting our seats. It means alot to me that you support Tyler not only in his athletics but his other extracurricular activities too.

Activities

Tyler is on the Lemars tennis team. His first meet was against Storm Lake. He played 2 matches. The first one was against his good friend, Tanner Hoops. He got beat 2-6. The second match he won 6-0.

Monday Grandma came to watch Tyler play tennis. It is so fun to be so close to her. She sat with me while we watched Tyler play, gave us rides in the side car, and treated us for supper. Thank you sooo much! Then Wednesday night she came up with homemade banana bread and went on a walk with me. This is so much fun!

Tuesday morning I took Tyler to Sioux City to get his license. He can now drive anywhere he wants with no parents in the car. It is a treat for both of us. It feels like just yesterday I was getting him a motorized jeep to drive around in the yard.

Saturday we celebrated Tyler's birthday with friends of ours, the Krier's. He turned 16 yesterday! I can hardly believe where the time has went.

Our nighbor, Donna Holmes, came over to give Tyler a card and wish him a Happy Birthday.

I sold my house. I moved to LeMars with Steve and Tyler. We have been through lots of changes. All of you have been so supportive and we thank you all for that. For the next 2 years our address will be: 1053 3rd St. SE, Lemars,IA 51031

Sunday evening, after a wonderful weekend in LeMars, I met the girls from work for supper at Famous Dave's. A coworker, Cindy, is moving to Corpus Christi, Texas and we went out for one last hurrah before the move. I've known Cindy since my Methodist Manor days and have really enjoyed her friendship. I've wanted to vacation in Texas and will now have the perfect place to stay.

Just wanted all you fellow ISU fans to know that Tyler n Royce White r tight!
Twitter talk:
Tyler: "Realistically, where do you think yo're going in the draft?"
Royce: "Undrafted."

Then Royce retweeted Tyler today. They share April birthdays.

I hope that means when he gets drafted(like Tyler and I know he will) he will remember those brotherly tweets and send us a few free tickets. I know Royce has been snubbed in the news but what a good role model for kids to show that you can turn your life around and come out on top. I already liked watching him play unselfish basketball but I really like him as a father and future NBA star now.

Thursday at school a group of Freshman and Sophomore boys asked Tyler to be on their tournament team. Of course he said, "YES!" Friday night we drove to Hull to watch their first game. They won 64-49 vs Trinity Christian. Saturday noon we drove back to watch the second and third game. They lost the second game to West Lyon 34-54. The third game was a nailbiter back n forth game with rival Hull Western Christian. They came out on top with the win, 52-51. They got medals for their second place finish. As parents,it was very refreshing to listen to a coach be encouraging for the boys and have teammates cheer you on even when your losing by 20. He fit in very well with his new Bulldog uniform. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Kneifl and Grandpa Devos for coming to the games and watching Tyler.

Friday I came to LeMars. Friday night we went to the LCHS Music Boosters Spaghetti supper then went to Sioux City afterwards to see the movie "21 Jumpstreet" at the Promenade. Saturday I joined Tyler for a workout at the YMCA, got him a haircut at Sie Bella, then went to Sioux City again to watch the Bandits play. They won 70-30. Today we went to the Y again and watched basketball. He is making some new friends at school and everyone thinks he looks like the white kid from "Black Express." LOL

Tyler and Kallie Croker
Tyler and Erin Scheulke
The group: Ryan Gutz,Blake Overmohle,Alex Hudspeth,Nic Seaman, Trey O'Brien, Pel Deng, Tyler Devos
Brynna Richter, Sarah Hixson, Kallie Croker, Megan Miller, Erin Scheulke
The Guys
Kallie's parents hosted the preparty to the winter formal Saturday night. The guys were all gathered around the tv watching the ISU vs Kentucky game. Halftime came and then the boys were ok with taking pictures. Being a mom of a son who is a "one and done" type in front of the camera I was amazed how many pictures I got to take of all the kids. The boys were real troopers. Us girls sure like to take alot of pictures!

Saturday morning Tyler was in a 3 on 3 tournament with Yach Deng, Chase Lange, and Tanner Hoops. They got third place but more importantly had fun with his SL friends.

This last week has been an emotional one to say the least. Wednesday Tyler started LeMars Community High School. He likes his classes, met some new friends, and is starting baseball practice with the team this week. He has joined the YMCA and is able to continue improving his basketball skills, lift weights, and spend time with Steve.
Thursday we buried my Grandma "C". It was a sad day to say goodbye to such a wonderful person who had a lot of impact in my life. Her wit, sense of humor, and love of her family was evident by all of us that gathered that day. It was nice to reminisce about the good 'ol days with family and friends. I'm so very blessed to have known both of my Grandmas in the capacity I did. They are very special ladies.

Tyler receiving his certificate of participation from JV Coach, Noah Wilson.

Coach, Bob Grant, handing out the awards and certificates to the Varsity squad. In addition to receiving his certificate of participation the team also received The Excellence in Academic Acheivement Award for having a team gpa of 3.0-3.24. This is always my favorite award.

Tyler made both of his free throws. He had the highest free throw percentage on the Varsity squad with 83%.
Tyler bringing the ball up the court.

The post season ended at Substate for the boys last night with a loss to undefeated MOC-FV. Tyler thought it was neat to play @ BVU for their final game.

You are looking at the 2012 Boys Basketball District 4 Champions. They beat Algona Monday night and Webster City last night. Each player received a medal. They did a great job playing as a team.

Friday night was the last game of the season. The team has shown so much improvement from the beginning to end. It has been fun to watch them play and grow as a team.

The boys had a rough go of it but they were able to show improvement from the last time they played the Bulldogs.

Catch up from Tuesdays game in Spencer JV lost by a 3 point buzzer beater 36-38. Varsity also lost. Fridays JV game was great as you can tell by the score below. Tyler played a solid game and had many assists to Yach. It's so fun to watch those two play. The above pic is of Tyler making it into the Varsity game in the first half. He played good defense and had 1 assist. He also played some in the second half.
Hollie and Chloe made the trip up to watch Tyler play. Grandma and Grandpa also stayed the night and spend the next morning with us. Grandma brought along her homebaked chocolate chip bread while Grandpa made us smoked bbq ribs and beans. Thank you all for coming to watch Tyler play and spend time with us. It means alot to me to have my family here for us.

Alex and Tyler-Our cousin, Alex, goes to college at Iowa Lakes in Emmetsburg. He spent the whole night with us watching Tyler play and visiting with the rest of us. Thank you, Alex:)

Tyler had a big game Friday night. He scored 15 points! Which is impressive but even more so since the starters racked up the score to be 20 points ahead and the bench got a lot of playing time. The Varsity game was also a great game with SL winning with a last second buzz beater to win.

Tyler getting in the Varsity game last night.

No pictures to show since I took my camera out and the battery was dead:( Tuesday night the boys traveled to Hull. Both the JV and V boys lost.

After the game we headed the other direction to Ankeny. For date night we went to Jordan Creek and ate at Charley's, a sub shop, that Tyler's friend recommended. It was good but we are still partial to JJ's. Tyler also needed some new tennis shoes...size 13!!! I couldn't believe it. I'm anticipating another growth spurt very soon. Chloe was such a good sport that she deserved a treat and picked out "Frosty." I really enjoy spending time with Tyler and Chloe. They are quite easy kids to handle at the mall. Now when the next baby Smith comes it might be a different story for date night...
Tyler with cousins Devin and Dillon LaBrune

Saturday morning Dillon had a basketball tournament in Cherokee. He is a 5th grader at Westwood school in Sloan so to be able to catch a game this close to Storm Lake was great.