And They're Off...

The bags, uniforms, shakos, and banner are packed - and the Rompin, Stompin, Raider Band has left to march in the Citrus Bowl Parade in Orlando, Florida. Shelby spent most of Christmas night packing and organizing her carry-on bag. She was up bright and early, quite eager to catch the bus. We remained in contact throughout the day via text messages and she called when they reached Florida - sleepy and tired of McDonalds! She is really looking forward to checking into the hotel and getting a decent night's sleep.

The Citrus Bowl Parade will be shown in a one-hour edited version at 12:00 PM (noon) on KMBC on January 3rd (after the kids get back so they will hopefully get to see themselves). Shelby is carrying the banner. If they show the start of the band, we will get to see her on TV.

Christmas at the Byrnes'

It is now Christmas evening - the presents have been opened, a wonderful dinner cooked and consumed (still have dishes to do). The kids are playing NCAA trivia, Shelby is packing for her Florida Trip, my mom and dad have gone home, Tim is laying down as he has to work, and both dogs are passed out from all the excitement. We truly had a wonderful day and are all very thankful for so much! Here are some pictures from Christmas 2008.

Shelby, looking ever so grown up.

Terry and Tama's daughter, Corey (with Chef Tim in the background)

Hannah (she overdid the food today)

Grandpa Byrnes and Missy

Tama and Terry (recovering from his shoulder surgery)

Tyler, Corey and Hannah

Brenton lounging with the dogs

The wrestling starts

Dueling wedgies

Brenton watched a bit too much "Kung Fu Panda"

Luckily, no one was injured (and thankfully, nothing was broken). Now I am off to finish the dishes and clean up the kitchen.

Seems Like Old Times

It was deja vu at the Byrnes house tonight when Reid, Abby, Carly, Pat and Brenton had movie night. It was a regular occurrence last year for the SM South grads of 08 (plus Pat - Bishop Miege grad) to congregate at chez Byrnes and eat everything in the kitchen. It was great to see everyone (even if I did need earplugs to fall asleep). "Raiders, we ever shall be!"

Christmas 2008

As I am waiting for my Christmas cards to be delivered, I thought I would post a picture of our tree. Tim picked it out, Tim and Brenton put it up, I put on the lights, and Shelby and Brenton decorated. Truly a family effort. Hannah and Missy have both removed ornaments on a regular basis, but short of putting them in the middle of the tree only, we've grown accustomed to redecorating daily.

We are having Tim's brother, Terry, his wife, Tama, and their children, Tyler and Corey, Tim's dad, and my mom and dad over for Christmas dinner. Tim is preparing a standing rib roast. Can't wait!

Very Cute Christmas Video

Tim's cousin, Bob Byrnes, sent us the following link - if it was a Lab in the video, it would have been Hannah for sure. It seemed especially fitting since we got a lot of snow today (but not as much as the video, thank goodness!) Check it out at http://www.dogwork.com/dogsnow/

Another shot of downtown Ottawa.

Ottawa vs Cottey

Last night, my friend and fellow P.E.O, Debbie and I drove to Ottawa to watch the Cottey Comets take on the Lady Braves in a JV match. We of course had to cheer for Cottey and Ottawa as Brenton's friend, Sam, played for Ottawa. The Lady Braves were victorious in a close game.

I also took the opportunity to take half of my cookies from Debbie's Cookie Party to Brenton (Sesame Street might have changed the Cookie Monster to the Veggie Monster, but true Cookie Monsters are alive and quite hungry in Ottawa, KS).

I got a couple shots of downtown Ottawa too.

Tis the Season

It's December, so it must be that time again...Time for Debbie Vesel's Annual Cookie Party. For the past 21 years, I have been participating in the event (often times swearing while making preparations). This year I made Spiced Crackle Cookies (basically a gingersnap covered in powdered sugar) with no real complaint. I recruited fellow Procurement people Kelli and Emily. Kelli made chocolate covered pretzels and Emily outshone all with her packaging of her iced sugar cookies (overachiever that she is). We ended up with roughly 12 dozen cookies to eat and share (I know Brenton has already asked whether he will get any).

Great cookies and definitely a holiday tradition!

Ottawa Football Banquet 2008

Last night was the official end of the 2008 football season for the Ottawa Braves. The football banquet was held at the student center. The highlight DVD was shown (Brenton loved it and requested a copy) and the seniors were sent off (all are expected to graduate either this year or next). All players and coaches commented on the great 8-2 finish!

Coach Smith talked to Brenton afterward to set up a time to discuss SMS senior recruiting. Brenton told me after the banquet how happy he was that he was still playing football. He has finals next week and then will be home for Winter break.

If anyone gets to Ottawa - the downtown shops all have Christmas lights up - like a mini-Plaza. It really is quite charming.

Bowling Tryouts - Last Day

Today was the last day of bowling tryouts. After today, the coaches cannot instruct the kids until after the first of the year and the team cannot practice together until then as well. As a result, Coaches T and D wanted to work on form with the girls so did not count scores today. As Shelby has her timing and form down, she bowled with the boys and scored a 172, 158, and 149. She started and ended the week in 2nd place.

She is planning on spending the next couple of weeks taking a few more lessons and practicing daily to build up her stamina. The first meet is in Atchison KS on January 13.

Bowling Tryouts - Day Four

Fatigue and odd lane conditions resulted in lower than expected scores today by all bowlers. Shelby bowled a 152, 142, and 142 for an average of 145. Her four day average is 154. She is still No. 2 and still pleasing her coaches with her consistent scores. Shelby looks to end on a high note at the last day of tryouts. Coach announced he was planning on keeping all the girls trying out (as he did last year). Top six girls bowl varsity - next six bowl JV. Order can change at each meet as they track all practice scores. Go Raiders!

Bowling Tryouts - Day Three

Another solid day of bowling - Shelby bowled 155, 155, and 145 for an average 152. She was a tad sore and tired today after bowling three days in a row but is still in second place for the girls. Coach T continues to be impressed with her consistency. Good job, Shelbs!

Bowling Tryouts - Day Two

Another successful day of bowling for Shelby. Today she bowled 190, 130, and 182 for an average of 167! Way to go, Shelby!

Bowling Tryouts

Time for Raider Bowling Tryouts. Shelby has worked so hard the last few months in anticipation of the upcoming season! Her average has improved by close to 30 pins since last season and she has become a much more consistent bowler. Today was the first day of tryouts and Shelby bowled a 144, 148, and 164 for a 152 average. She had the second highest girl's score (at the time we left). Coach T commented on her obvious hard work and improvement. The boy's team looks really strong with 4 boys averaging over 200. Here is hoping for a competitive year of Raider Bowling.

Tim and I are so very proud of her hard work. We will update scores daily for all those keeping track.