Gabby, this ones for you!!

Yesterday was Gabbys last marching band competition.
It was a long, cold day!

The morning started VERY early.
When I say VERY early,
I mean 0 dark hundred.

The kids were going to be fed breakfast before they started their long day.
I was just hoping the kids would be able to enjoy the day!

Bill and I headed out to ISU.
His alma mater.
It had been a long time since we had been on campus.

Our kids were all hyped and ready to perform.
They performed a good show but walked off the field knowing they had not done their best.

Add that to the fact that it was cold, (about 45) windy,
and rainy when the kids started their show.
The color guard got to wear these outfits...

AND little sandals that did not cover their feet.
Their feet were numb before they hit the field.

They did not have to do a parade yesterday.
But here are some shots from last weeks parade at U of I.




Here are some shots from last weeks performance at U of I




Gabby is in the midst of the red flags and yes, they are huge!
10 foot flags.
The girls call them BIG RED :}

After their performance at ISU in the morning,
they were scheduled to perform again in the evening.

This would be their last performance of the season.
They were gearing up to perform their best show of the season.

The anxiety was in the air.
Would they be able to finally nail this show?
Would they all get flags?
Would they be in tune?

The answer to all the questions is
YES!

They did their best show of the year!
They knew when they walked off the field that they had nailed it!

They placed 1st in their class
AND
won GRAND CHAMPION.
Grand Champion means that they got the best overall
scores including the classes that they did not perform in.

They finally brought home the BIG trophy!

All of their hard work paid off!
It was exciting.
Some of the moms had tears....
their kids are seniors and it was their last show.

Gabby doesn't know if she will do color guard next year.
It was hard for her to do volleyball and color guard at the same time.
Although last nights victory may get her to do it again.
She did enjoy the performing portion!

Here is our favorite guard picture of her from this year...

This was taken by a pro during a half time performance
before they had their official color guard uniforms shown in the first picture.
I love the flags that surround her.
Bill loves the muscle showing in her arms :}

We are SO PROUD of you Gabby
but of course,
we don't want you to perform your best for us
but for
Your Audience of One!

We love you, Gabby!
CONGRATULATIONS!!