We got Rob tickets to see RSL in only the second game ever played in the newly constructed Rio Tinto Stadium. Definetly a beautiful venue to take in a sporting event, while the play on the field didn't disappoint either. RSL got down early, though we didn't know it until we finally got through the gates 15 minutes in. Yeah, we spent far too long waiting to get our tickets from the Will-Call window. Very frustrating. Once we got in and sat down though, it was all fun from there on out. Our seats were by the north goal and we got plenty of action. Maybe the best action came from a fan in our neighboring section. He stood up and started to holler, "WhenI say Re, you say Al. RE-Al, RE-Al!" Pretty funny, though you can't blame the guy for trying to get the fans into the game. It was definitely a fun one. I mean seriously, some games don't even have goals. We got to see three! We'd have posted more pictures, but Jen was charging 25 cents a shot.
The beauty of Mark attending a state school is that he gets days off from school that, in all reality, he probably shouldn't get. No complaints here, just plans to make the most of the latest 4-day weekend. We spent Wednesday night and Thursday in Manti with Mark's parents and sister. Wednesday night, we went to the high school football game to cheer on the Templars. Mark took Chad down on the track upon which Mary questioned, "Are you allowed to be down here?" He replied simply, "Mark Johnson, Class of 2002." That's all he needed to say (though it was really just a funny line from a King of Queens episode.) Thursday was Chad's grandpas birthday, so we spent the day celebrating the only way we know how: Mark shingled the shed roof, Mary highlighted her hair, and Chad took a 3-hour nap. We apologize that pictures of the action have not yet been released. We do have pictures of one Elder Mike Johnson on his mission in Switzerland. Check 'em out. The birthday party was fun. Grandpa got a new gas grill and a comfy-cozy sweater (pictures also not available,...our bad.)
Mark's little sister Jen, and her doubles partner Meg brought the 2A State Championship back to Manti High School where it belongs. Most of the morning was spent waiting as the heavy rains forced things indoors and slowed down the flow. However, as soon as Jen and Meg hit the court, they waited for no one. Having lost a nail-biter in the Region Championship just one week ago, the duo set out to take care of some unfinished business. Mark was amazed at how good these two gals have gotten since the last time he saw them play. He found himself living vicariously, while at match point in the championship, their opponent's backhand sailed helplessly into the net. "We did it!" he was heard shouting, "We took state!" Well somebody did, and it wasn't him. Congratulations to Meg and Jen. As juniors, you bet they'll be back next year to defend their title. Photos compliments of Rob Johnson.
On a beautiful fall afternoon, Mary decided to mix things up a bit and took Chad to the petting zoo at Thanksgiving Point. All of the animals were in pens or cages so apparently it wasn't a "petting" zoo, just a "look at me" zoo. Which is EXACTLY what Chad did. He would just STARE at the animals, completely expressionless; that is until he was free from his stroller and got to ride a pony. He loved it and even tried to ride with no hands. Mary had to hold him there the entire time.
We got Rob tickets to see RSL in only the second game ever played in the newly constructed Rio Tinto Stadium. Definetly a beautiful venue to take in a sporting event, while the play on the field didn't disappoint either. RSL got down early, though we didn't know it until we finally got through the gates 15 minutes in. Yeah, we spent far too long waiting to get our tickets from the Will-Call window. Very frustrating. Once we got in and sat down though, it was all fun from there on out. Our seats were by the north goal and we got plenty of action. Maybe the best action came from a fan in our neighboring section. He stood up and started to holler, "WhenI say Re, you say Al. RE-Al, RE-Al!" Pretty funny, though you can't blame the guy for trying to get the fans into the game. It was definitely a fun one. I mean seriously, some games don't even have goals. We got to see three! We'd have posted more pictures, but Jen was charging 25 cents a shot.
