Tyler's football team made it to the championship game for the Mity Mite National Continental conference. They played the Herriman Mustangs, a team they had beaten previously this season, in a very close, tight game.
We decorated for the occasion.
It was a chilly day and we came prepared with winter attire and hand and toe warmers.
The team
The fans
The action
Tyler didn't see much play action this season. It was his first year doing tackle football and he's not very aggressive. He was, however, kind to others, a cheerleader to the downtrod and helped in anyway he could be. (In fact, a player on the opposing team got hurt during the championship game and they had to call in an abulance. Tyler was so worried about him and cried.)
Here he is getting ready to grab the waterbottles to give drinks to the players during a time out.
Here he is giving his full attention to the game and cheering the players on.
The championship game did not disappoint. There were close calls, a little controversy with an illegal block and a whole lot of nerves. But when the time ran out, the Cyprus Pirates beat the Herriman Mustangs 21-15.
Celebrating with silly string
The championship team
Later that week, they had the football end-of-year banquetat All-Star Bowling and Entertainment. It was held on a Sunday, so we didn't participate in the dinner and games, but we wanted to be there for the recognition part.
The "Momagers" Candy and Bobbi had gone all out with awards and decorations. The tables were decorated with Pirates paraphenilia for each player.
All of the SWAG lined up
Tyler was awarded the "Heart Award," the only award voted on by the coaches, for doing what was asked of him and always being supportive of the other players.
After all the awards were given out, the boys lined up to open their SWAG.
Tyler with his bag
He opened up his Heart Award bag at home.
The boys got SO. MUCH. SWAG (thanks to all the fundraising we had to be a part of). "Man Up" is the phrase the team would say at the end of every practice.
I know Tyler didn't have the experience he would have hoped for in this football season, but it has been a great experience for our whole family. We got to know people we normally wouldn't, we spent lots of time in the heat and cold cheering on some great kids and we were part of a championship experience.
Here is the evidence that the Cyprus Pirates Mity Mites were the champions.
The trophy and backpack
The day of the championship I took Emily to Menchies. I had promised her a treat there for getting her teeth pulled way back in the summer. I finally made good on my practice.
She broadcast the news on Menchie's chalk board
Darrell and the girls made slime
Pajama Day at school
The fifth graders did their Hope of America program. Emily and Megan came to watch and then we got treats at Kneaders afterwards.
