Braves Win First Down Classic

The Ottawa Braves defeated the McKendree Bearcats (or Bear Rats as Shelby liked to call them) by a score of 31-21. Brenton spent the game in the press box, assisting the defensive coordinator, but Shelby wanted to see her "other brothers" so she made the trek with me to Platte City. It was a really good game, with Ottawa leading the entire game (the Bearcats mounted a comeback, but it was too little, too late). Ethan Haller threw for 4 touchdowns and 437 yards (he is so fun to watch). Bill Rasmussen (the founder of ESPN) presented Ethan with the offensive player of the game award and Coach K with the First Down Classic Trophy. Shelby has decided she really likes college football. Go Braves!

Brenton on the sideline, pregame. Brenton's suite mate and Shelby's other brother, Max.

Award time.

Ottawa Fall Scimmage

Tim and I travelled to Ottawa to watch the first scrimmage of the season as the Braves gear up for their first game next week (Shelby stayed home to catch up on her sleep as she attended the T-Bones game last night and got in late). Brenton got quite a bit of playing time while sporting his new number 54 (he's not too crazy about the number change). He didn't make any spectacular plays, but he didn't mess up either, so he was pleased. Carly came in from Lawrence to watch. After the scrimmage, we all went to Applebees (213 crew and families). After lunch, we made a run to Wal-Mart (note to anyone wanting to send a care package: Brenton's favorite is Parmesan & Garlic Cheez-Its - he loves them). Classes start on Monday so the coach actually gave them some much needed time off (to eat Cheez-Its and sleep). It was great day (and great weather too).

Brenton's 2009 Football Mug Shot

The Ottawa Braves had their pictures taken Saturday and they have been posted on the website. Lucky for Brenton, he quit his job at Sonic early enough to grow some facial hair (that was the worst part of his job - he had to shave every day). Oddly enough, I met the girl taking the pictures the week before in OP when I was having my oil changed in the van. I commented on her Ottawa Braves license plate and she told me she use to teach photography there but was moving to Colorado. However, she was sticking around long enough to take the football mug shots. I'm sure Brenton doesn't like his picture, but dear old mom loves it (those years in braces paid off - his teeth look great). Go Braves!

Brenton: Sophomore Year

Well, we managed to get the car loaded up, made the drive to Ottawa, sat through an hour meeting with the coach, unloaded the car, and fed the boy. All in a mere 5 hours. The football team will get their equipment and then head out to their breakaway camp. The coach is going to confiscate all cell phones so I am quite sure the withdrawal with be serious (we can only hope they can survive without texting). Now I can spend tomorrow cleaning his room at home and see what is growing in it (I did notice some old fruit snacks in his closet - eek!). Everyone has high expectations for the year and we will get our first look next Saturday at the first scrimmage. Shelby stayed home to mind Missy and Hannah but posed for a couple of pictures with her daddy.

213 Crew

Band Camp 2009

Shelby survived a very long and hard 2 weeks of band camp. As the Rompin, Stompin Raider Band won the Festival of Champions last year, Mr. Adams wants more wins and worked them quite hard. This year the music is Disney's Fantasmic (I don't like the name, but love the music). It has contains numbers from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Fantasia, and my favorite, Night on Bald Mountain (which sound like Night on Disco Mountain for all you disco babies). Can't wait for the first home game.

Win for KC Triathlon 2009

Shelby, my friend from work Emily, and I joined P.E.O. sister Lynn McIntosh and friends at the Win for KC Triathlon at Smithville Lake yesterday morning. We got up at 5:00 a.m. (much to Shelby's chagrin) and drove in the rain to Smithville. Luckily, the rain stopped and it turned out to be a nice morning. Emily's friend, Sara, participated (she came in 17th in her age group I think) and Lynn's business, Kansas City Chiropractic, sponsored a team that included fellow P.E.O sister, Laura Antonic. Chapter MO members, Susan (and future MOer daughter Isabelle), and Anita Odle, joined to cheer Laura on as well. There were over 600 participants and it was just inspiring to watch all the different women compete - they youngest looked about 14 and the oldest looked about 70. I think I could have done the swim part if I had a floatation device - I could have biked (if my brother-in-law, Larry did all the pedaling) and I certainly could have walked the 5k run. Of course, I would have probably finished at 10 p.m. (instead of 10 a.m.). It was a great day though and I will have more pictures of the event in the next few days!

Laura on the home stretch!

Susan, Isabelle and Anita
Emily and Sara
Laura's Medal
Team Kansas City Chiropractic (Laura Antonic is on the right)

The group shot