GSL "Chairs"

It is the tradition at St. Charles West that the parents (family) "Sneak in" before the last practice for GSL (Greater St. Louis Band Competition - at the Dome on Saturday) and decorate the chair of their band member. This year Kyle is the man of the hour! We snuck in and decorated his chair in the "Gator Bowl - Disney" theme. Their band will be travleing to Disneyworld and the Gator Bowl over winter break this year. Here is a picture of his chair with and without his special Senior banner.

Breaking News. . . . This Friday night is the last home football game for SCW. It is Senior Night and Kyle will be marching in his final football game. The game begins at 7 pm at SCW and the senior festivities at 6:00 pm.

An amazing amount of balloons (this is a small portion of the room)!

Colton was on the "other side" tonight as he helped to decorate Kyle's chair.

GOOD LUCK KYLE AND THE ST. CHARLES WEST MARCHING WARRIORS!

Happy Birthday Darlin' Marlin

Happy Birthday today to Marlin Dean! Wishing you a happy birthday and a special year! We love you!

Marlin at Pre-Camp at Camp Ne-O-Tez, Summer 2008. Marlin loves Camp Ne-O-Tez!

OUR Football Star . . did he ever tell you about the time he played against Johnny Unitas and won!?! Marlin played football for Murray State University.

Flying with Tom Chaney(J.D. and Colton)

East St. Louis Flyers Football Field

Page Extension Bridge

Downtown St. Louis - Arch

Our Street - click to enlarge - house with red car in drive (you are looking from back of home) Eric is in the street!

Click to enlarge - back side of home - red car in drive (second one)

Sunday Afternoon Colton and I got to go flying with Tom. We took off and flew over Mid-River Mall then headed towards our house.we could see Kyle and Eric outside,then we went to Grafton,IL ,downtown to see the Arch. After that Tom said "Lets go see Camp NE-O-TEZ". We could see Big River Heights Road but the trees in the valley protect you from seeing the cabins and buildings from the air!

Thanks Tom for a fun afternoon.

Matt and Basketball Showcase

Matt went to Chicago past weekend for a basketball showcase for the classes of 2013 and 2014. Here is what they had to say about Matt:

Matt Kruse
6'6" Center
Champaign Monticello
Class of 2013
Great size! Very mobile. Very nice all-around floor game. Does an excellent
job of establishing position inside. A strong finisher and rebounder in the
paint. Punishes smaller opponents inside. Very much a player to keep an eye
on as he continues to develop over the next few years. Could very well
develop into a high level prospect with his size and skills.

Matt has tryouts in a couple weeks for the Monticello 8th grade basketball team - he is excited!

Watching Jack Play Football!

Eric and I went to see Jack (cousin Susan's son) play football yesterday. It was a riot! The other three kiddos had come from soccer games and joined us all for the second half. It was great to see everyone.

Happy 22nd Anniversary JD and Carla

Still in love 22 years . . .

and Three boys later . . .

Happy Anniversary - may you have many more years of happiness together! We love you!

PS - Happy 30th to Angie Lingua Earnhart who at age 8 was none too happy to celebrate her birthday at JD and Carla's wedding!

Vice Presidential Debate - Nancy

Last night Mother and I did something we had never done. We went to the VP Debate Watch Party at Chaifetz Arena. It was a blast - no matter which candidate you support it was history making! Before the debate there were a variety of speakers and music. The crowd favorite was Andy Benes. We watched the debate on the big screens and the big draw of the evening was that Sarah Palin came after the debate and spoke to the crowd. Governor Palin arrived in her Straight Talk Bus. Mother and I were seated in the area where her bus came in (they pulled into the arena) and we had thundersticks to make noise. It was quite a night!