It's a Sweet 16 party for Shay family - Galesburg, IL - The Register-Mail

Below is an article that ran in the Galesburg paper about all of us going to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. It was a nice article and we thank Mike Trueblood for writing it. Just click on the link.


It's a Sweet 16 party for Shay family - Galesburg, IL - The Register-Mail

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HISTORY MAKING ELITE EIGHT

We (John, Debbie, Carly, Nathan, Jay's family and me) were in St. Louis this past weekend for the NCAA Sweet Sixteen Regional Final. The VOLS looked great and "upset" Ohio State. We looked sharp never lost our composure and beat Evan Turner and company by three. By doing so the VOLS did what no other Tennessee men's basketball team had ever done - they made it to the Elite Eight. It was so exciting.

On Saturday we had a leisurely day. We went to Joe Buck's for lunch (would highly recommend it) the food was fabulous. Then we headed to the team's hotel. We went to the bar at 3:00 in the afternoon and it of course was packed with VOL fans. We were there until midnight. One of the fans got on the piano and played "Rocky Top" and "The Tennessee Waltz" the place erupted. He was soooooo good!! And of course we all watched and cheered West Virginia on the beat those Kentucky Wildcats. Some one hollered "go home Ashley Judd." A fun time was had by all.

On Sunday afternoon we played Michigan State to advance to the Final Four. We were all nervous and excited at the same time. We hadn't seen much of Jay but when we did the poor guy looked exhausted. A lot of preparation goes into these games. Unfortunately the VOLS were sent home. We lost in the last second on free throws 70-69. It was disappointing of course but the team and staff should be very proud of their accomplishments. It was a season of a lot of ups and downs and things to overcome.

We wish the seniors the very best in their future endeavors and thanks for all of the memories.

The fam before one of the games

Just enjoying family

SWEET 16 BABY

VOLS win 83-68!!!! Mighty sweet I must say. The VOLS clicked on all cylinders today. St. Louis here we come!! :D

JERSEY BOYS

We never got around to seeing Jersey Boys when it was in Chicago. I was just sick about it because I have heard what a wonderful play it is, and all that music is from when John and I were in high school. WELL, I went online and the play is on tour and it is going to be in Des Moines in July so I BOUGHT TICKETS!!! I absolutely can't wait. This going to be fun! :D

NCAA TOURNEY TIME - LET THE GAMES BEGIN

The VOLS are off to a great start by defeating San Diego State in their first game. Now we have to tackle Ohio University who defeated Georgetown. It will not be a walk in the park but none of them are this time of year. Let's get another one today. GO BIG ORANGE!!!! GO VOLS!!!!

SEC TOURNAMENT FUN

Last weekend we headed to Nashville for the SEC tournament. Needless to say the result was not what we wanted but to see Jay and his family is always worth millions. Love to see our grandchildren. Joah said to me "Grandma I think you are beautiful", grandpa said Joah we are taking you to get glasses. Nice uh! Let me wallow in the moment for at least a little bit. What a sweet little boy. Love them both so much we can hardly stand it.

Peija in her new coat Rita bought her

Her nails painted up in VOL orange & white for the tourney ~ COOL

Our pretty girl waiting for the game to begin

Mother & daughter


Showing off her new hairdo



Getting a picture of a celebrity

Peij and Rita showing off their OUTLIVE shirts

Joah doing his favorite thing ~ playing with his DS

Look to the left and you will see the red DS AGAIN

Watching the blimp above at the game

Joah & Bobby Maze

If you look clear down to the left you will see our little man with BIG Wayne Chism

Playin ball with my friend John




Hangin out with Jaquie Pearl

These games just wear me out

Jay doing what he loves

Big Daddy with Bobby


Enjoying some time together after a win


Some celebrities at the Kentucky game:

Pat Riley


Ashley Judd

MUCH NEEDED VACAY

The week after Mom passed away John and I went to San Diego on a trip he had won through Platium Services. It was good to get away and clear the head a little. We went on a dinner cruise the first night we were that Platinum had set up. It was so pretty. We visited the awesome San Diego Zoo. And we met Dave Hays a wonderful Iowa alum whom Jason lived with when he did an internship at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla (he was going to get out of sports all together - that worked at well, didn't it LOL.) San Diego is such a clean city, it was just nice to get away from all the snow. Here are some pics from the trip.
We stayed at the Manchester Grand Hyatt right on the ocean. This was the view from our window:

First here was our hotel

Then the view out of our window

After we soon got there we went for a stroll along the waterfront and had lunch with some of John's co-workers and wives.

This man was sitting these rocks on top of one another - weird how he could do it

For some reason I really liked these coral trees ~ unique shape

The gang John, Barbara Ivey, James Ivey, Carol Balsar and Craig Balsar

That night was the dinner cruise ~ great time


Carol and me

John & Craig

Sunday evening was the Awards Banquest which is always very lovely

Some handsome lads

However the lassies shined brighter


John receiving his award

The tables were done in deep purple and lavendar ~ quite stunning



On Monday we took another walk along the waterfront and met Dave Hays at the Fish Market Restaurant for lunch ~ delish ~


I loved this sculture so I had to have a picture of both John and I with it

I liked this dragon too

This statue is the picture that appeared in the New York Times right after WWII, obviously a sailor kissing a nurse (it reminded me of Mom & Dad since Dad was in the Navy.) It will eventually be moved to Central Park in New York City.



The famous Mr. Dave Hays

On the way back to the hotel we stoped to visit the USS Midway the longest commissioned aircraft carrier in US history

Some of the sights we saw making our way back to the hotel:

A boat (the first small one) called "Three Boys" ummmmmm just reminded me of something

Another cool sailboat

That night we ate at the Kansas City Bar-B-Q where Goose played the piano in the movie "Top Gun." The ribs were subperb

Debbie and Dennis Brinkman went with us

The next day it was on to the Zoo

How can you not love a panda?

This guy was so funny

The Leader's Dinner was at the "Strip Club" a great steak place where you cooked your own and the sides were excellent

Debbie and Steve

Carol and Craig

It was a great trip and next year we are off to JAMAICA!!!