Family Weekend

After the Northwest Alumni Association's fall board meeting all day Friday, Leslie and the boys drove up to Maryville that afternoon for the annual Alumni Awards Banquet. Her old college roommate babysat for us, so it was kinda like a date!

With the university's mission statement hanging on the wall, does this become strategic chocolate consumption?

Saturday morning, we stopped by the downtown shops to stock up on even more Bearcat gear, and made it to campus by 10 a.m. (Here's Landon exploring the Missouri State Arboretum.)

I love leisurely wandering through campus with the boys; we spent time at the Alumni House, Colden Pond and the International Plaza before making our way to the Bearcat Zone at College Park. (Landon at Lamkin.)

It was Northwest's first-ever "black out" — and we were good to go.

Because of Family Weekend, there were even more kid-friendly activities than usual.

At least he made it half-way up.

Jack had a front-row seat for the juggler.

Ready for the pep rally.

The cheerleaders, Steppers, marching band, Bobby, baton twirler and a few thousand fans make for an incredible game-day atmosphere.

Part of the day's special celebration was honoring the late Coach Bostwick.

Making our way to the stadium. I think his balloon sword lasted another 39 seconds.

Taken by my friend Darren Whitley ... of the No. 1-ranked team in the country.

Northwest scored on six consecutive possessions in the first half.

Halftime.

Cheerleaders on the diagonal.

Besides Northwest's special black jerseys, their helmets sported red paw logos to honor Coach Bostwick. (By the way, Northwest beat Fort Hays State University 70-17 — lead by our back-up quarterback who threw for 346 yards in a 17-for-23, four-touchdown-pass performance.)

Walking back to my car after the game ... now this is my kind of license plate!