the backer family: November 2022

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Palm Springs | Out & About

With a place with as many amenities as our AirB&B had, and the mountains as beckoning as they were, we didn't spend much time elsewhere.

This said, our outings downtown to check out the murals, grab a drink and bite at Pinocchio's, the Village, and Cantina, cocktails at the Ace Hotel, or get a few shots up at La Quinta Park were memorable escapes.

Palm Springs | Turkey Trot

Felt great to get a quick run in (myself especially, as this run was my first "athletic" anything since my ruptured achilles repair 4.5 months ago) before indulging on an "Italian Thanksgiving" catered feast back at the ranch.

Palm Springs | The Hikes

The trip's highlight was for sure the incredible hikes at Palm Canyon and the falls at Tahquiz Canyon. Amazing views, fascinating climate (when in and out of the sunlight) and terrain changes (palm trees, cactus, dry sand and fresh running rivers), and breathtakingly cold ice cap run-off waterfall ponds!

Palm Springs | The House

Get four families to go halfsies (well, quartersies) on an AirB&B and you can get some pretty spectacular options. "Wilder Out West" in Indio was no exception. Outdoor pool (table), ping pong, (swimming) pool, hot tub, mini golf, oh my.

Palm Springs | Nana's 70th

The gang took Nana to Palm Springs for a Thanksgiving away from home to celebrate her 70th!

(And the only group photo that turned out was from the airport, in front of a Christmas tree!)

8A @ AIA

Well, the 8A crew found their match at Ames, Iowa vs. elite AAU competition from two All-Iowa Attack teams and the Kansas City Dream, going 0-3 before winning a "friendship game" vs. Kingdom Hoops. The Iowa year-long AAU circuit produces incredible talent (most recently, most notably, Caitlin Clark of Iowa, one of the nation's top players).

This was exactly what the doctor ordered, and this team will be back for more in Jan/Feb.

6A @ Rochester

WGBA 6A and took on 3 of the state's top 5 teams at Rochester in week two of the 2022-23 season, going 1-2, The team ran into a buzzsaw in Stewartville's 2/3-court 1-3-1 trap (and newly legal defense this year), and lost a heart-breaker to Lakeville North... but, had a HUGE "signature" win against the state's top team in Lakeville South.

S left it all out there on the floor in that South game and was a blast to watch!

This said, Rochester is about the team bonding off the court, and the girls made the most of that into the wee hours of the morning...

8A Smorgasbord Openers

E & her WGBA 8A have an interesting challenge this year. There's no other way to say it, but the team is too good for same grade competition (they're something like 150-1 since 3rd grade), and they can no longer "play up" legally (as HS ball and association ball do not mix).

So, the coaching staff will have their hands full looking for opportunity to deliver competition. This season, the team opened with a mix of scrimmages vs. 8th grade boys (we split), playing Breakdown games vs. 9th and JV teams (won 'em all), and playing in the 8A travel season opener at OMGBAA (smooth sailing here as well).

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

6A Opener @ OMGBAA

Sawyer and company opened the 2022-23 travel season with a championship at OMGBAA, after beating Roseville, Hopkins and OMGBAA.

A really nice start for the girls, making strides against team goals around selflessness, confidence and composure.

Trojan Madness

The WGBA and WHS formally kicked off their partnership and respective seasons with the 2nd Annual Trojan Madness at WHS. The turnout and energy were outstanding. E competed (and won!) a three point contest alongside the varsity's freshman phenom Kate Amelotte.

Shot Club Champs

E, S and their buddy Anni won the summer shot club challenge, knocking down a crazy number of buckets. SO impressed by their work ethic. These three will go far.

(Part of their recognition included an autographed poster by Wayzata's current, active alum playing college ball across the country).

Uncle Paul & Cousin Jack

Buster isn't one to show a whole lot of love to a whole lot of people... but, I tell you what, he's got a soft spot for Paul & Jack (and Anni).

Bouldering

S & Elizabeth at the Minnesota Bouldering Project.

iPhones

So far, so good. Not addicted, not on social. Responsive, responsible. But, man, it's fun, funny and scary to see how essential these brilliant little devices are in today's kids' lives, and to see how much they are an extension of their personalities.