"I Was Bo'n In A Small Town..."

Ok, so I wasn't born in a small town, but I do live in a small town (thanks John Cougar Mellencamp for the theme song) and I FEEL like I was born to enjoy this life.

This Friday night was the newest installment of the Monticello Boys Basketball season. The home games provide an excuse to get together as a community and cheer for the home team. Our family has loved going to the games this year and we all look forward to the big rivalry games with Blanding (boo) and Monument Valley.

This week I tried to capture the game in pictures and share a bit of the spirit with those not lucky enough to spend their Friday nights in the MHS gym.

Let's start with the team warm up to the thumping bass of some rocking music (should that be thumpin' and rockin'?). Nonetheless.



Then a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, sung a capella by two of the high school girls.

Let's Get Ready to Rummmmmble! Welcome the Monticello High School Buckaroos!

I love looking through the crowd at all the families and friends enjoying the game together. This particular couple just hit my soft spot every time. Mr. and Mrs. Young preside over a large extended family in our city (including Tim Young who owns the pharmacy where I work).

Mr. and Mrs. Young (or Grandma and Grandpa Young for those in the circle of trust) are one of those couples that we all hope to grow up and be like in our later years. Grandpa has recently began to suffer from the early stages of Alzheimer's and Grandma's devotion and sweetness to him embody true love, like those in the great love stories.

(Just to clarify, she is NOT choking him despite the evidence in this shot. It is an affectionate hug around the neck.)

This particular Friday night game included a performance from the Mini Cheer squad of which our Miss Whit was most definitely a part. She has been looking forward to this week of cheer clinics for months! About 35 of the elementary girls spent the afternoons this week preparing for a halftime performance with the cheerleaders.

Before the big show they waited in the bleachers and cheered together,

crossed fingers and arms when the team shot a free throw and just had fun sitting as a bunch of girls.

A little game action - let's not forget why we're here for heaven sake!

The big show! All the girls did great and they were nervous but excited.

Whitney even showed us a little bootie shake in the dance - wish I had a video for this one. She loves the idea of cheerleading and has some big ideas for the future. Heaven help me.

After the girls shining moment, the rest of halftime is spent watching the kids run out to the free throw line and try to make a shot to win a 2-liter bottle of soda. Spencer has come so close but not quite made it. Next time, buddy.

The kids all find their group of friends and hang out together. Parker and his buddies stationed themselves behind the team this week. Mostly they goof off and eat whatever they can afford from the concession stand. Just about a perfect way to spend a night out for a bunch of hungry, goofy boys.

Spencer, not often to be left far behind, also found a spot to munch and watch.

Until he found a better spot. He swears it had nothing to do with the cute cheerleaders, just a better view of the game. Hmmmm.

This week - VICTORY! The Bucks won 61-42 in an exciting but decisive battle. Knudsen family home to watch a late movie with Mom (what was I thinking!) and then off to bed.

Small town Friday night. Priceless.