Yesterday was Tyler's 11th birthday. So Saturday we headed to Sioux City to celebrate. (Like we've been doing all month.) We started the evening with Mass at the Cathedral. Then we went to Applebee's for supper. After that we went to Lewis Bowl where Tyler did some go karting and batting practice in the cage. In true Tyler fashion he passed all the go karts, some even twice. After driving was over we capped the night off with a trip to Cold Stone Creamery. We spent the night at the Clarion to swim but with all the days activites we were tuckered out.
It's not hard to believe Tyler's 11, but that I'm the mother of an 11 year old.

Last evening the St. Mary's 5th through 8th grade middle schoolers held their annual Interest Fair. Tyler chose to do his project on what else...Go Karts. He worked really hard on it. During the day the school kids got to tour the fair and one of the questions on Tyler's board was on the scavenger hunt. What 3 famous Nascar drivers started in go karting? Do you know Grandpa?

The best shot I could get prerace of Zippy talking to Tony. He was probably telling him win the race because Brigett and Tyler are here to see you do something other than lead and crash.

Here we have our Nextel Fan View headsets on. These give you radio, announcer, and spotter talk and they don't bleep out the swear words.

At the Busch race with our ear plugs in. Later to be used to block out the alcohol inhibited gentlemen knocking at my door looking for his padre at 11p.m.

Thank you mom and dad for a wonderful "all expense paid trip" to Phoenix. The race, the food, and most important the company was a great way to celebrate your 35 years of togetherness.

We love you!!!

Josh (aka bloody knee), Arturo, Cole and Tyler

These are the 4 boys from the 5th/6th grade to get picked for the Northwest Honor Choir. They practiced for 4 hours as a big group yesterday and then performed in a concert in the evening. It was awesome. 150 kids singing 7 songs all by memory.

Earlier that morning we attended a mass with the Bishop at the Cathedral in Sioux City. We've attended mass before with him and just like the others this one was spectacular too. Mom attended with me and we even learned a trivia question, Dad?

Why's the church called the "cathedral"?

Sorry to hear of Zella's illness. I'm glad it's not the "other kind". Because shopping yesterday we saw a bright pink dog collar and leash at the "Coach" store that I think she NEEDS.

We're also excited for the race. This will be my 3rd race but my first night one. I hear Storm Lake is predicted to have rain all weekend, YESSS!!!

Joe, Chad, Ryan, Dakota, and Tyler all smiles after a fun day.

Okay so basketball season wasn't quite done. Tyler wanted to play in one more tourney. He got some friends together, had a practice, and ended the season on a win. The boys did an excellent job considering at one point they were guarding a boy with the last name of "KONG". (We think his first name was "KING".)

The team waiting to see who they'll play in the pool. They ended up with a record of 2-1 on the day. This ends the basketball season. They ended with a season record of 9-6.

The team. They finished 2-1 today.
Steve presenting Tyler with his 2nd place tourney metal.

After a long weekend of snow we headed to Cherokee yesterday for the Regional Spelling Bee. The top 13 spellers in Northwest Iowa competed for the top 2 spots to head to Ames for the Statewide bee. Tyler competed very well. Half way through Tyler got the word "carrot".

carrot

My friends call me carrot top because I have orange hair.

carrot

The audience laughed and afterwards Tyler admitted he did too. He got the word right but later on missed a word. He ended up receiving 7th place for his efforts. He did a very good job representing St. Mary's.

After 3 days of no school and being cooped up in the house Tyler went outside to brave the cold temps, wind, and snow to play. I took this picture standing at the kitchen window. Tyler's sitting on a snow drift that had settled right in front of the house. It's no New York but it's enough.

Today at school the Annual K of C Spelling Bee was held. Tyler won for his class. Once again he will be heading to Cherokee on March 4th for the regional spelling meet. Wish him Luck!!!

Two weeks ago Tyler tried out for Honor Choir. Honor Choir is a special group of 5th and 6th graders that travel to Sioux City and perform at Morningside College to an audience. They only take four 5th graders (two boys and two girls) and Tyler was one of them picked. He's very excited to be chosen.

During the halftime of the boys game the team got to play a 5 minute game of 3 on 3.
With Dimitri setting a screen Tyler drives around to the basket.

Tyler playing point guard yelling out play #5.

With ISU on a 5 game losing streak Rich and Tyler (in full ISU gear) headed to Ames. Fortunately, with a little "Tyler magic" and a Wesley Johnson dunk to get the party started, ISU came out on top over Baylor. Afterwards, Rich treated to Chili's for a celebratory dinner. Before we left we had to get in a few rounds of foosball in and playing catch with Rambo and Zella.We left Sunday morning to get back in time for bball practice.

With his finger unwrapped ready to play some ball we headed to Alta for another tourney. The boys won 1 and lost 2. Tyler had a personal best with shooting 55% from the field. Dad you'll be happy to know a lot of them were driving to the basket, in the paint, and layups the old school way (arms straight up using the backboard).

Good job Tyler! Way to go!

After a week of me writing Tyler's homework, classmates carrying his books, and the doctor giving the OK: his wrap is off. Just a yellow green bruise, a good x-ray, and an odor coming from between his fingers to show me he's ready for another basketball tournament this Saturday.

Then to end the day we took a trip to the ER. There we found out he fractured his ring finger and will be wearing this make shift immoblizer for the next week.
During the last game of the day, with an unknown broken finger, Tyler show good defense. The boys ended up 2-1 for the day. They really started picking up the pace and playing together as a team. Good job boys!!!

To start the trip to Pocahontas at 8 a.m. Dimitri, Cole and Tyler sing "100 bottles of gatorade on the wall to loosen up." Their music teacher would be so proud.

With Steve sporting his coaching skills and Tyler his new 'do we headed out in the snowstorm to play in the St. Mary's tourney. The boys played well and worked together as a team to bring their record to 2 wins and 1 loss. Next Saturday we head to Pocahontas for another tourney.

Tyler and Chad participated in the National Elks Hoop Shoot this afternoon at the Middle School. Both boys did a great job representing St. Mary's in the 10 & 11 year old division.

Christmas break has been a fast and adventurous one. First, I had 16 for Christmas dinner. Then Tyler had a wonderful hunting trip with his grandpa and Uncle. Go to "My Uncles Blog" and check out the pictures. The rest of the vacation will entail getting ready for his first basketball tournament which will be on the 13th.

The first annual St. Mary's Icebreaker 3 on 3 tournament was held yesterday. The team was divided into 2 groups: black and white. Each team won 2 games and lost 2 games. This is their first 3 on 3 tournament. The boys did a good job of playing together and Steve did a good job of coaching. They have a month to practice before the tourney season begins. Good luck boys!!!