US Finals 2011

Brianna chose to stay with a friend, but the rest of us headed to Indy for the big finale to cheer season.  As usual, traveling with us is interesting.  After several bathroom stops, lots of rain and many MANY rounds of Lucy’s favorite songs, we arrived in downtown Indianapolis to find several conferences and proms had taken over the local establishments.  We attempted to eat at Webbers Grill and an Italian place before realizing we were much better satisfied with cheeseburgers and shakes from Steak and Shake.  Of course we were running up and down the street without Lucy’s wheelchair and holding her hands down to make sure she didn’t destroy anyone’s hair while packed into an elevator.  A note on current prom dresses- YUCK!!  Too short, too high heels, too much skin, just a general “what were they thinking.”  Also curious after this event and our stay at Vandy- When did the “F-word” become acceptable in public conversation??
We slept in the next day.  There comes a point it is simply impossible to watch all teams from your own gym and still keep family sanity.  Yes, we know we are awful.  I got Hadley’s curlers in late so she wore them to lunch at PF Changs and around town till the competition.  We did have Lucy’s wheelchair this time,but as usual, the world is so far from accessible.  We were directed across a parking garage and down an elevator that didn’t meet directly with the floor requiring the chair to be picked up etc.  I’m not sure why these things tear me up so much.  I just fear Lucy will never be able to manage independently as long as silly things like that are allowed to happen.  Maybe architects and city planners need to spend a few days on wheels instead of on foot.
We arrived at the competition to enjoy team after team of amazing athletes.  I am so impressed with what these young girls accomplish.  Lucy enjoys the music and Jack has plenty of little brothers to play with.  We all just really enjoyed each others company.  We talked and laughed.  I balanced multiple cups of to go coffee.  We cajoled Jack and Lucy into trying Ahi Tuna.  We visited every bathroom in the downtown area, and of course took in other ideas like the homeless man with the cardboard sign “Why lie.  It’s for beer.”  Good times.


Not sure the little brothers had enough sleep.  I know Brian didn’t.  He woke up when the team above us at the hotel started practicing at 4:45am.



I have tried all year to get this picture to turn out and still failed.  Oh well… That’s Had in the back striking her final all attitude pose.  Great Year Total Cheer!