Starkville 2014

Over Columbus Day weekend, we went to Starkville for Auburn's game versus Mississippi State.  As many of you know, we've been taking this trip every other year since 1998, having only missed the 2008 game when Bode was less than a year old.  We love the trip to Starkville, and not just because we get to see Auburn play; rather, it's the easiest anniversary gift a man can have.

I was fortunate enough to not have any classes that day and was able to sneak off.  We left early on Friday morning.  Bode was his usual cheery self on the plane (really--he's amazing on these trips--never crabby or anything like that in the morning, not that the below picture supports this :-)

We flew through Atlanta.  We had about a four-hour layover.  To pass the time, we got some lunch and finished off with some ice cream and sprinkles.

We eventually got on our flight, arrived in Tupelo after a bumpy ride on a prop, and were greeted by Miss Meghan.  The hour drive to Starkville was fast, we arrived at their home, and then went out for pizza.  There was a bit of a street party happening in celebration of Halloween.  We didn't bring Bode's costume, but Jon and Meghan were kind enough to lend him a Clone-trooper's helmet.  Here's an interesting shot of Oscar, Elliot, and Bode in their gear.

There was a nice display in the center of the festival, so we posed for a family photo.

We woke up early Saturday morning.  The game wasn't until 2:30, but ESPN GameDay was on campus.  Of course, we didn't get up quite as early as Meghan and Oscar, who arrived at 0330 to try to get one of the coveted places right up front.  Sadly, they weren't there early enough, and returned home just as we were getting up.  Jon and Meghan live within walking distance of the stadium, so Ashley and I hustled over to GameDay.  Here's a nice shot of Ashley in her Auburn gear; note the abundance of maroon all around us.

The GameDay atmosphere is very exciting.  However, it's not very entertaining to watch after about five minutes.  I thought there would have been a better sound system, because we couldn't hear anything, and we weren't all that far from the stage.  After a few minutes of standing, we decided to walk around and see the glory and glamor of a football Saturday in the SEC.  I am amazed at the amount of tailgating--I probably should call it picnicking, as tailgating implies a bunch of rednecks with a keg of beer and a pickup.  These "tailgates" were ornate--tables, table-cloths, flower arrangements, and there were hundreds and hundreds of them (and it was only 8 am).  We wandered to the front of the ESPN set, and were surprised in that we could see the "talent" doing the show.  I don't know if you can make out Kirk Herbstreet in the background...

We were close enough to get this picture of Lee Corso during a break.

We continued roaming around and came upon the GameDay bus.  We think this is where the stars relax and prepare.  We were hoping to catch someone famous coming out, but the closest thing we saw was the MSU mascot getting on the bus.

After awhile, we headed back to Jon and Meghan's.  We grabbed a bite to eat, and then headed out for the game.  Bode, Elliot, and Oscar stayed home and entertained themselves (I was glad Bode stayed home, because the streets were packed walking home).  Here's a good shot of Ashley and Meghan...

and a good one of Ashley and me in front of the stadium.

Mississippi State's big thing is the cow-bell.  It's nice once or twice; all day, and it gets old.  I took the below movie but it simply doesn't do justice to the cacophony of 20,000 cowbells being rung.

The people behind us let us borrow their cowbell for a quick picture.

The game started, and before we could blink, Auburn was down by 21 points.  Yikes.  They came back and made a game of it, but they had far too many turn overs.  It also poured rain during the second quarter.  Note Meghan in the above picture--all white.  She mocked me at the start of the game because I was wearing my jacket.  She was thankful for it after she was soaking wet (no pictures--this is a family blog after all).  In the end, Auburn lost, but the MSU fans were very nice to us, and despite the loss, we had a great time at the game.

The evening following an Auburn loss is always tough, but Ashley was in good spirits.  We sat around the couch, watched football, and enjoyed being away from our jobs.  We stayed until Monday, so Sunday was a day to decompress, enjoy the fall weather, and go bowling.  The boys had a great time--well, we all had a great time.  Here's a picture, simply because it's really the only one I have with Jon (somehow he avoids the spotlight).

We made it back safe-and-sound, although the flights home are an interesting story, but not one for here, as there aren't any pictures nor is Bode really involved, and who wants to read something without the star even peripherally involved :-)  Pleasant day to all.

Track and Field Day

Bode's school had its fall track and field day.  The best part?  Certainly not the games; rather, Bode loved the face-painting.  Miss Heather really did him up well.

Of course, there were lots of activities.  Ashley took lots of videos.  First, here's Bode racing in a 50-yard dash.  Little man needs to concentrate on the race and not the opponent :-)

Next we have the sack race.

And finally, the tire roll.  I think he has the makings of a NASCAR pit-crew member.

As you can tell from the videos, it was a beautiful day, and Ashley had a great time (sadly, I had to work; darn job :-(

Track and Field day was last Friday.  Today (Tuesday) was Bode's final cross-country meet of the year.  I had planned on attending.  Sadly, I was unable to make it because (and no, I'm not making this up) the gates in the parking garage where I park my car malfunctioned, making it impossible for anyone to leave.  This was quite aggravating for a lot of people.  I spent 30+ minutes in the garage waiting for the problem to be fixed and was unable to make it to the race.  Fortunately, Miss Jeanice was there and kindly took a number of videos and pictures.  First we have the team walking the course.

This was the longest race of the year--1,000 meters!  Per Bode's usual strategy, he started at a good pace to conserve his energy.

This strategy paid off big-time.  Miss Jeanice said Bode was passing people left and right 3/4ths of the way through the race.  I must also give Miss Jeanice big props for actually running while filming--she went way beyond the call of duty :-)

Next we have a good shot of Bode coming down the home-stretch.  He was really fighting.

Finally, the finishing kick.  Bode did not win the race, but he was the first place finisher from his team.  He was so excited because one his teammates that has consistently beaten Bode had to stop and walk.  Bode ran the whole way.  We are all extremely proud of our little runner.

Not much going on here this week...Ashley said something about a football game on Saturday, but I think I might just work in the yard :-)  Pleasant week to all.

Bode's Cross Country

Bode has successfully completed four cross country races.  The first race was very short--it seemed like we started and then it was over.  However, each week, the races have gotten a little longer.  Bode is not a superstar--he's never been a big runner--but he tries really hard and doesn't give up (he's more of a swimmer :-)  Here are some videos.  This first one is at the start from a race two weeks ago.  Bode started fast.  He's the one on the far end of the line.

Next week have Bode coming to the line.  He ran the whole way and said he almost threw up :-)

Here's a nice shot of Bode and Miss Jeanice before the next race.

At this race, I think we over-advised Bode.  All of us were telling him to take it slow.  I've always thought better too slow of a start than too fast.  Below is a movie at the beginning of the race.  As I said, a bit of a slow start

As before, here's Bode nearing the finish line--maybe that slow start paid off!

Afterwards, Bode and his buddy, Levi, relaxed with a nice cold drink.

He had another race today.  Last week's distance was probably 800 meters (~1/2 a mile).  Today was probably longer--not a mile, but still long.  Per the usual, here's the start of the race.

and then the finish.

Afterwards, Bode and I posed for this nice picture.  We're so proud of our little runner!

Big upcoming football weekend for a lot of teams.  Should be fun and relaxing (hopefully Auburn can win :-)  Pleasant week to all!

The Soladas

A lot going on in Colorado Springs...sort of.  We've had some cold spells, which means the deer can be more prevalent in our neighborhood.  There was quite a herd in front of our house one morning before school started.

Ron and Nancy Solada were visiting this weekend.  They were on their way to California and decided to stop in.  They've known Bode since the day he was born and are quite fond of him.  They have three children, all in the mid-to-late 20's (Chris might be 30?), but none are married so they have no grandkids.  Bode filled that role for them this weekend.  We had wonderful weather, and Saturday morning, we headed out to the football field for Bode's game.  Note the beautiful blue sky.

Before the game, the team (called The Incredible Ninjas) ran through some drills.  Here's Bode going through the cones.

There were other drills, but the real action happened come game time.  When the whistle blew, the team took the field.

The other team--The Black Widows--struck first, and then got the two-point conversion.  We scored, but failed in the conversion, and were down 8-6.  We then had a pick-six (strange this league allows interceptions), to go up 14-8, and then we scored again, final score 20-6.  Bode had some great defensive plays, and a few good offensive ones.  Here's a two-shot action sequence.  We thought he was going to get the corner and go all the way, but the other little dude snagged his flag at the last second.

After the game, we went to Waffle House for a wonderful lunch.  Then, some football on TV while waiting for Bode's swim lesson.  I didn't take any pictures there (it's pretty much what you've seen before), and afterwards, we grabbed a pizza and headed home.  We had a lovely evening, sitting around the family room, talking and playing with Bode.  I would call the following "action" shots, but in reality, they are "inaction" pictures.

Like all weekends, this one ended, and Ron and Nancy headed off to California.  I don't think I did anything productive today.  Lots of sitting around, and when I got tired, I took a quick nap.  Very lazy, but sometimes, we need those types of days.  Tonight, we hope to watch the Steelers get a good win!  Pleasant week to all.

Cross Country

We were shocked when Bode brought a flier home from school about cross country.  The flier didn't shock us; rather, the fact Bode wanted to do it was a bit of a surprise.  "You know this is just running, right?" Ashley asked him.  He was fine with it, wanted to do it, and has been practicing twice a week after school.  Practicing isn't really a track practice.  Rather, they run one or two laps around a field and call it a day.  Bode has impressed us by doing two laps at most of the practices.  Apparently his swimming has helped his aerobic capacity.

The first meet was this past Tuesday.  The meet started at 4:00 pm, so Ashley and I tried to do our best to get there for the start.  I was walking up to the field when the starting gun sounded, so I missed the start.  However, I was able to get to the finish line and get these pictures of Bode.  He's the one in the red shirt and yellow shorts.  Bode looks a little gassed :-)

I had the foresight to bring some gatorade for our thirsty boy.

Mommy was very proud of her little runner.  I think he was ~15th.  I don't know how many runners there were, but it was more than 30.  He was also the second finisher from his school, and he was very happy when he realized that.  I tried to get him to smile, but I think fatigue was setting in.

Miss Jeanice is again watching Bode after school.  She had the job of shuttling Bode to the meet.  I think he has another race on Tuesday.  I don't understand how people with multiple children survive.  Bode is an only child and only six years old, and Ashley and I still have trouble keeping track of his schedule.  You'd think we'd be better at that :-)  Cold here today--in the 40's, and that was the high.  I think the forecast is for warmer weather this weekend.  Here's hoping!  Pleasant weekend to all.

Bode Playing Football

The little Dickens experiment is over.  I'm well aware pictures mean a lot more than just words (ask Ray Rice about that).  This post will feature a lot of photos, all of Bode.  Earlier this summer, Bode started asking about playing football.  If he asks about a specific activity more than once and on separate days without any provocation from us, we think he must really want to do it.  Hence, he's playing football.

Everything takes place on Saturday.  There is an hour practice and then an hour-long game.  Here are some shots doing drills.  Bode is number 20.

The games are five-on-five.  There aren't any forward passes.  There is no rule against them, but at this age, they don't have the skill necessary to complete a pass.  This doesn't mean they can't catch.  Rather, the timing necessary to throw a ball to a running teammate while both passer and receiver are being chased is too precise for their skill level (at least on Bode's team).

Here are some cool action shots courtesy of Ashley.  In this first sequence, Bode was given the ball and he's running.  Unfortunately, someone gets his flag.

In this next sequence, Bode makes it all the way to the end-zone and scores--note the referee with his hands signaling a touch-down!

 Below is our favorite picture.

The photographs aside, Bode's favorite part of the game is defense.  He's a little tiger going after the flags.  The only thing he needs to work on is committing too early.  He'll run as hard as he can at the person with the ball; if he misses, he doesn't have the speed (yet) to run them down.  He has another game tomorrow.  There's no Auburn game, so Bode will have to be our weekend football fix!  Pleasant day to all.