Go Tigers

Enough Said.

A Week-End of Tennis

We are very lucky to live only 4 hours away from Cincinnati where they hold what is now called the Western and Southern Open.  It used to be the Cincinnati Open, but it has grown and is now a significant event on the ATP Tennis circuit.

The best thing about this tournament is that it is held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.  It was built just for tennis and there isn't a bad seat in the house.  It feels amazingly intimate for a sports venue.  I was able to get to court side for photos during warm up.

Here are some of the highlights:

Roger Federer

You can't really appreciate how brilliant he is until you see if play live.  There is just no comparison.  It doesn't heard that he is truly beautiful as completely supported by the group of women sitting behind us.  They came from North Carolina and are admitted "Roger stalkers".

Serena Williams

Venus Williams

Novak Djokovic

And here was the closest I was able to get to Rafa Nadal.  It's not much...but it's something.

And Breslyn was the biggest trouper of all considering we sat in unrelenting sun for hours.

You go Bres!!

Soccer Action

The boys are both playing soccer.  This time, it's indoors.  Managed to get a couple decent shots, but I'm am certainly not the best action photographer.

Love this one of Austin and Daddy.  Neither knew I was there yet.  Always best when I can them in their natural environment.

Aus' coach just rolled the ball out in front of him, hence the "easy" kick.

This is Ryan's first season, but I'm impressed how much difference a few years make.  This is an interesting action shot as it makes him look far more aggressive than he actually is. (Ryan is in the yellow tank thing.  He was helping out the other team, cause he is normally ON the blue team.)

Highlights of the Week

Let's just dive in.

 1. This little guy started Kindergarten. Such a big moment.

New recent Ryan story:

Krissy:  "After we eat dinner, we will all play Mario party"

Ryan:  (With huge grin on his face) "Pinch me, I must be dreaming"

Oma:  "Where did you hear that expression?"

Ryan:  Ignoring my comment...he looks directly at me and says, "Seriously....pinch me"

So I obliged and gave him a little pinch.

Ryan:  "Thank you"

2.  This was amazing to watch:

Djokovic comes back to beat Federer at US Open

3.  Went to Art & Apples today and actually purchased FOUR Christmas presents.  How to get a jump on the season.

4.  My mom gave me a little herbal tea that is supposed to help with sleep.  The insomnia has been pretty fierce lately.  I've tried it the last two nights and it seems to help.  Tastes awful, but I've managed to get 4 solid hours of sleep in a row.  Now it's all gone and need to find out what it was so I can run out and get some.  

5.  My second round of tomatoes are ripening.  Had a fabulous BLT for dinner last night.  Love that vine ripened T.

That's it for now.  Off to watch Rafa play.

How to Spend a Summer Afternoon

Despite all my recent whining about no vacation...I have to admit that I got to spend the day celebrating one of America's favorite summertime activities.


I'll give you a hint.

Aren't they fierce looking?  Now all the locals will already have the answer...but here's another hint for the out-of-towners.

And finally, the pure giveaway hint.

We had a great time including lunch up in the Tiger's Club, which I didn't even know existed until today.  Here was our view from our table.

As you can see by the scoreboard, the White Sox just killed the Tigers today.

Hence, we opted to enjoy the loss from the comfort of the air conditioned club.  It takes a little off the full game experience, but when there's nothing to cheer about and it's 90+ degrees...who cares.  Besides, the chance of me ever getting in there again are pretty slim.

Friday Night Fun

What fun that was last night! Went up to B-dubs (Buffalo Wild Wings) with Caity and her husband "Doc Holiday" last night to watch the Michigan State vs Kansas basketball game. Of the four games on last night, it was the only exciting one as the other three were blow-outs. MSU was just a little behind most of the game and they really turned it on at the end to win. All my MSU grads are so happy!!