Boys Trip to the Las Vegas Bowl...

Although Paul blogged a while ago about this trip, it deserves a little more attention. Especially since Michael is still recalling fond memories from the trip every few days. I think it will be a highlight of his childhood when he looks back and reminisces.

The trip: Pioneer Bowl in Las Vegas to see the BYU Cougars

Michael was not originally scheduled to come along on the trip. It was a bit spur-of-the-moment and coordinated with both my brothers and Paul's to create one suburban full of wild-eyed Cougar fans. Even our New Mexican, Oregon Duck, and New York Hipster brothers were in town to make the trek.

The Y-mobile before its departure.


I took the kids with me in another car to meet up with some of the guys and to say goodbye. Michael quickly realized the fun that would be had, and reconsidered his decision to stay home for he school Christmas festivities. Daddy was a softy and couldn't deny his little man with a big Cougar heart of blue. So he joined all the uncles on both sides of the family (minus one) with nothing but the clothes on his back and his booster seat.

Here they are... bunch of rascals. I love them all...


From all reports, there has never been a happier boy. And Paul thoroughly enjoyed having his son there to bask in the fun and glory.


They rushed the field after the win and got up close to some of the players... a highlight for Michael.


An autographed program...


Uncle Farcles got a little too close...


The Frandsen men...


I was not extremely ecstatic about Paul taking off for a few days right before Christmas when there was so very much to be done... but for the record I must say I am glad the men folk took this trip.

I must also say I'm glad I wasn't around all that testosterone and boy whatever-ness on the drive to and from Las Vegas. 18 years of living in a house with 5 younger brothers was enough, thank you very much.

But I ALSO must say that I am so happy Michael could be around the influence of his uncles and spend time with them. Thanks to all of you for loving him and giving him good memories. A special thanks to AJ who is the only other person who can keep up with his NCAA football trivia questions (and who let him wear his coat at the game...), to Stevie who stayed with him to put him to bed (a.k.a. let him jump on the hotel beds for an hour) while the others went to a movie, and to the rest of the brothers for keeping the ribald activities in-check so as to not contaminate my impressionable six-year-old son.

My brothers (in-laws included) are the best!! Love ya'll!!