Ryan's Last Tackle Football Game

And, finally, we are at Ryan's last tackle football game.  The season went by so fast, and before we knew it they were playing in their final game.  The boys practiced and played hard.  They had a lot of fun, and learned a lot.  All the new players seemed to get over their tackle "shyness" by the end of the season.  It was really neat to see each player grow during the season - and the team got better and better with each game.

They did have their difficulties though.  I think we lost four players during the season.  I lost count after a bit.  And, we also lost a coach.  That was a pretty strange situation.  He happened to quit coaching during the one week that Coach Alex (whom I considered to be head coach - and all the boys liked him a lot) was out of town.  He was going to miss one game.  And the other coach quit during that week and informed the parents that we would have to find a parent to step in as head coach or the game would be forfeited.  A couple of the dads volunteered.  And then when we showed up for the game, there was Coach Alex.  He came home early from his business trip to be there for the team.  You could tell that really meant a lot to the boys.

And so, here are a few pictures of the final Voltron game.

Breaking the huddle for the play

Ryan holding onto his defensive player

Both teams taking a knee for an injured player.  He got up and
left the field on his own.

Ryan listening to his coach during halftime

Doug's Trip

In April Doug had to go to Vegas for a couple weeks - training for work.  And since, we lived in Vegas many years ago, the casinos and gambling in general just aren't that appealing to either of us anymore.  I mean for me, every time I spent money on gambling I would just imagine how many pairs of shoes I could have bought.  Instead he visited a certain store featured on one of our new favorite shows - Pawn Stars.  If you can get past the way they talk to each and how mean they are to one person in general, it is a very interesting show.  I'm amazed at how much history gets brought in there. Doug was able to visit their real store location Gold & Silver Pawn.

With Ryan having a new iPod (from his birthday) Doug set them up on messaging and we were all able to video chat every night he was there.  Isn't technology cool?  So, he got to hear about all the ins & outs of what we were up to while he was gone and he got to keep us updated on the antics going on in his training class.  Other people sure are strange sometimes.  It made his trip go by much faster.  I just didn't like having to look at my image in the corner of the screen while chatting.  It was a little strange to me.

The outside of the building - as they show it on TV.

The store is run by a family.  It's three generations.  And the
youngest generation's best friend works there too.  His
nickname is Chumlee.  He's not the brightest guy in
the world and they are pretty mean to him about it.
It is frustrating to watch - until you realize they are
mean to everyone just about - especially "the old man".
He's just a grump.

Part of an ad campaign for TV features these bobble head
dolls talking.  I think it's so funny that Chumlee's bobble head is
sold out.  Serves them right for talking so mean to him.  One
of my favorite episodes involves Chumlee and a pair of
Nike Air Jordan's.  He taught them all a thing or two that day.

A Dinner Treat

One evening, Doug gave "the boys" a treat for dinner.  We had had bacon for breakfast, and saved the bacon grease.  Doug added the dog food to the bacon grease and heated it up.  It actually kind of smelled good.

Dog food fit for a couple of beagles.

"The boys" love the smell of that food cooking
just for them.

And now, for a new kick returner

Another Saturday . . . another game.  In this game, the coaches decided to put Ryan in as a kick returner (is that a word?).  Each time there was a kick, Ryan and one other player were the two designated to return that ball.  On the first kick off, Ryan got the ball, and off he went.

Ryan waiting for the kick off.

Ryan on his first kick return.

Talking over the plays on a timeout.

The Huddle

Halftime

Ready for the play.  Ryan is the second from the right.

July Calendar Page

July 2010 - Fireworks with Ben, Brittany, Baylee and Payton