Snowmageddon 2025

After Christmas and New Year's festivities, we resumed practices and added softball back into the schedule.  But before school resumed, we needed a little snow to extend our winter break.  We did end up going to Gracie's softball practice in KC, but decided against the banquet due to the incoming weather.  I'm so glad we decided to drive home early.  Not even an hour after we left the KC area, the roads started to freeze and accidents were numerous.  They ended up postponing the banquet, and we made it home in plenty of time to be stuck at home for a few days.  The University went to remote work on Monday, and the kids had no activities or school all week.  Owen spent a lot of time outside and they cleared the pond for ice skating.

Workouts before the weather arrived

Gracie playing with Ruby on the pond

Snow dog

Owen was pretty excited and not too old to run over to his friends' house to play in the snow.

We realized that he does not have a winter coat that fits him, so this is my very old coat from my teenage years.  Gracie wore it skiing a couple years ago.  Good thing I kept it.

Nick piled snow into a hill so they could slide down it.

Owen sledding

Skating

It's kind of pretty.

Gracie and Owen after they shoveled the neighbors' driveway.

Gracie spent some time at the Rackers' residence during the snow week.

She also does not have a winter coat, but stole her dad's.

Caught this on the Ring camera.

Owen and Ruby playing in the snow.

More snow pics

Fun with Ruby

Back to the office after more than two weeks

We had new carpet installed and new furniture arrived, but it was in boxes.  I attempted, but had to call in reinforcement to help put it together.  Nick is so patient with me.

After another week of no school and no sports for the kids, they finally were able to practice and compete again the week of January 13.  Four snow days used.  Then on January 21, they had to use an AMI day due to frigid temperatures.  However, they did get to compete and practice for school things.  So, here we go again.

At Mexico

I didn't get a picture of the first meet, but they made both Peter and Owen (freshmen) co-Captains, with Grant and Aidan.  Three of these four kids are 1st year high school wrestlers.  Aidan is a senior and has played basketball up to this year.

Owen getting a win at Mexico

Win in Mexico

pat on the butt from Nick

Awkward position

Under the spotlight in Moberly

Another pic at Moberly

Same

Another awkward position

Tournament in Chillicothe

I think he did pretty well at this one.

But the tournament took FOREVER.  It started at 9am and we were not home until well after 10pm. 

I almost forgot to mention that Owen went down to 157 pounds.  It actually doesn't seem that hard for him to maintain that weight, but I don't think he ever weighed in over 163 pounds.  He made weight for the first time at Marceline and now has a 2-pound growth allowance, so he will just have to make 159 for the rest of the season.  It has been a lot of ups and downs throughout the season.  Hopefully learning a lot along the way.

It's crazy, but regular season for wrestling is done.  Owen has won more than he lost;  I think 24-17, maybe???? I'm sure Nick will cringe when he reads this, because I really don't know.  Their last dual was Thursday last week at Battle High School with both Battle and Kirksville.  His Kirksville opponent was 39-0 going into their match, and remained undefeated after wrestling Owen.  However, Owen won his last match by TF to end the regular season on a high note.  Now, we will wait until February 21 for districts, which will be in Seneca, MO.  South of Joplin, over 3.5 hours away.  WHY????

To make it a little more difficult, that is the night of Gracie's last home basketball game, which is senior night. Juniors are in charge of that.  UGH.  I did reserve a hotel room in Joplin, but I'm still so torn about what to do.

Basketball - still plenty of games left

Gracie's first game tipping off.

Her face cracks me up.

Our tallest player was taken out of the starting lineup, which left jumping to Gracie.  She can jump, but definitely does not have a height advantage.  No way is she winning the tip with anyone a few inches taller than her.

She has won a couple though.

Did it go in?  Doesn't look like it... but she does make most of her free throws.

Again, I do not know very many stats.  We have not won more than we have lost yet, but getting closer.

Three more opportunities this week and three more next week.

 

layup

Starting at St. James.

Smiles for basketball!

Sadie, Gracie, and Adisen

We are getting toward the end, but still have 6 regular season games left, only two more at home.  The most fun game so far was definitely this past Saturday when we beat Kirksville by almost 30 points.  Adisen was on fire and hit 9 3-pointers!  She set the school record, and we had a combined 14-3s made during that game.  Gracie had 3 of them.  It was the highlight of the season so far.  What a great ending to the week, which included a really bad loss against a team we should have beaten.   They are getting better, little by little.  It's a bit of a roller coaster, but they're having fun for the most part. 

This week will be another busy one with basketball and work.  Tennis plays at home again this weekend, but not sure if I will go to that.  I might need to take Gracie to KC for softball.  OH.... We are supposed to get measurable snow again, so that's just great.  I can't wait until March when winter is done.