Ohio State Fever

Ohio State made it to Phoenix once again. This time to play against Texas. I'm not even going to talk about the game, HOWEVER, I will discuss the fun we had prior to the game and up to the final 30 seconds.

Our nephew, Michael Jender, plays the baritone in the OSU Marching Band (TBDBITL, The Best Damn Band In The Land). He graduates this May, so this is his last year in the band. My how they grow. He's been in the band since a freshman and this year he made it as the squad leader. We're all very proud of him, especially his dad, my brother, who also played in the Ohio State band.

When OSU plays in Phoenix we've hosted my nephews baritone section, 14 students ("M-Row"), in activities around our house. This year we took the M-Row on our boat at Saguaro Lake and did a little off-roading in the Red Mountain area, followed by pizza at our house. We also had a few of the kids over one night for a little relaxation by the fire pit and howling at the coyotes.

While attending one of the Ohio State activities, The Buckeye Bash, both Jack and Alisa had the opportunity to get a picture with the two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Archie Griffin, along with his autograph. Uncle Robby (my brother) bought Alisa and Jack Ohio State golf caps and Mr. Griffin signed those and also signed Jack's OSU jersey.

We also took The M-Row to In-n-Out Burger; they don't have those in Ohio. While we were there, the entire cheerleading team showed up. It was amazing, the restaurant was filled with about 30 students from OSU all dressed in red. Alisa got her picture with a few of the cheerleaders.

While my brother, Robby, Pat (one of the other dads of the band member) stayed at our house, we attended the activities where the band played. It is no wonder they carry the name The Best Damn Band In The Land; wow......are they impressive.

Jack was SO-O-O excited; he attended his first Ohio State game. He got his face painted for the occasion, and an amazing paint job it was. He was able to find his cousin Michael at the game and took a picture with him.

My brother's youngest son, Matthew, has been accepted at Ohio State. We're all hoping that Matthew makes the band next year so we can continue this tradition.

Southwest Regional Championship

The day after we arrived home from our Cabo trip, the kids participated in the Desert Shootout, Southwest Regional Championship, that was held in Phoenix at the Wigwam Golf Resort. It was a 3 day tournament with children from all over the states and some participants from France, China and Guatamala.

Jack had tough competition and a difficult course. One of his holes was a 120 yard, island green, Par 3. If you didn't land it on the green or in the sand trap, it was in the water. Jack finished 30th in stiff competition. Alisa finished 6th, competing with the number 1 & 2 girls for her age group in the World.

Cabo Vacation

Merry Christmas from all of us here in Cabo. Yes, we're in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The weather....well, what can I say, it's gorgeous. It's actually been a relaxing vacation.
On Monday, the kids played the Compestra Golf Course. They did pretty well.
Tuesday, Scott and Jack went deep sea fishing. They caught a Blue Marlin and Mahi Mahi. Jack was so excited to see the Marlin jump out of the water....."3 TIMES". We have it all on video. The resort prepared the Mahi Mahi and we had a great dinner with a family we met here. The Cato's. They were having a family reunion and came from New York, Northern California and Southern California. They were fantastic. Alisa had a great time playing with Paige and enjoyed Jeff and Lindsay's little baby, Talan; he was only 16 months old. He was a cutie.
The kids swam with the dolphins on Wednesday. It was nice but they didn't let me video tape or take pictures. But they were willing to charge $25 for a picture. How nice. We had to get one.
For Christmas we relaxed during the day playing on the beach and by the pool. In the evening we went to Mi Casa with the Cato Family and had a wonderful time. The food was just awesome.
The kids also took a banana boat ride and parasailing. They're such deprived kids. The kids also played one more round of golf at Palmilla Golf Club. One word.....AMAZING. It was right on the beach and the course was just beautiful. The kids did great. We played with another couple, David and Davida (sorry for the spelling) from Canada. Very nice. Hopefully this should prepare them for the upcoming tournament at the Wigwam this Sunday.
For me, relaxing on a lounge chair by the pool was my form of a vacation.
Scott had a wonderful massage, which helped work out all the knots in his legs and back.
Our last evening at the resort we had dinner at the neighboring resort, Villa del Arco, and had a elegant dinner. The kids got their first taste of first class.
We did receive some awful news while in Cabo; our little yorkie, Skyler passed away while we were gone. It was tough on everyone, especially Scott. We will miss her dearly.

2008 Fall Events

Well, we had a very busy fall, as you can tell I haven't updated the blog since August.
Jack played football, as running back, from August until October. Jack just loves running that ball. Football puts him in great shape; it's amazing the 6-pack he has for 10 years old. Jack's team, The Rams, didn't do as well this year as last. They lost their first play-off game which ended their season earlier than normal. But, this allowed Jack to get back into his golf tournaments. Jack missed a couple of golf tournaments due to football games.
Alisa was doing great with her golf this season. She won first place at every tournament. She even shot one under par, a 35, at one tournament; her best game ever. Of course, if you ask Scott it was due much to the caddy....yup, him. Alisa's point standings for this year provides her the season win of Player of the Year. Typically, Alisa's age group is very small (her and another girl) but this season she had 5 other girls to play with. After football, it took a couple of tournaments for Jack's golf game to get into synch, but he came on strong his last three tournaments. Jack placed in the top three positions the last few tournaments and at the last tournament he took 1st - the first time ever!!! Jack's age group is very competitive so we were all very happy with his accomplishments. Unfortunately, by completely missing two tournaments it hurt his overall placing in the point standings for the year. By placing in the top three and receiving first place at the most recent tournament pulled him up to 5th out of 16 in overall point standings. Another misfortune regarding golf........neither Jack or Alisa can play the last tournament on December 20th. We will be heading to Cabo San Lucas on that Saturday (more on this below). This is the Championship Tournament, where points are doubled. With the amount of points Alisa has it won't affect her 1st place standing. However, with Jack it will pull him down and, more than likely, will lose his 5th place standing. In order to receive a trophy, you need to be in the top 5. Since the kids think trophies are the best thing next to Playstation 3, Jack's a bit disappointed and Alisa is upset she won't be there for the award ceremony. I'm sure they'll forget all about it when they're playing on the beach.....IN CABO!!
Did you notice I mentioned Cabo San Lucas, TWICE.....yes, we're heading there this Saturday, the 20th. We'll be staying at the beautiful resort of Villa del Palmar. This all-inclusive resort has 3 pools, a spa, fitness center, children's play area and a small 9 hole golf course. I am just picturing Jack waking us up at 7 AM to go and play. That will work well because they'll need to stay in tune for the Southwest Regional Tournament they'll be playing when we get back. We'll be at the resort through Christmas and returning on the 27th.
Golf isn't over so easily for the season. Both the kids qualified for the Southwest Regional Tournament being played here in Phoenix at the Wigwam Resort. It's a 3-day tournament beginning the day after we get back. Scott will caddy for Jack and Sheri Kirkpatrick (the kids short game coach) will caddy for Alisa. Jack will be playing 18 holes and Alisa will play only 9. Neither of the kids know they're playing the tournament; we thought we'd surprise them in Cabo. Jack wants to play the tournament so bad and thinks he's not. He was even more disappointed when Scott told him the boys 9, 10 and 11 year-old age groups were all filled. We are mean parents....I know.

Finally Home!!

After a VERY busy two weeks of a so-called vacation, we are home. Of course, you can't just stop there.

Alisa had an appointment to get her long hair cut off for Locks of Love. She needed 10 inches of hair in order to donate it to Locks of Love, at which point they'll make her hair into a wig for a child with cancer. She's been growing her hair for over a year and has been looking forward to cutting it for over a month. As you can see, the end result is very cute.

School starts on Monday for the kids and they go right back into their schedule of going to the golf course after school and practicing.

Jack also starts football on Monday, so he'll be going to practice everyday. Oh well, no time for TV.