12/8 - A Very Merry Christmas Tree

The Heuer's official 2013 Christmas Tree

My mom's favorite ornament from Hawaii. 

A hand-knitted Santa made by my great-grandmother. 

Obligatory Spike picture.

An Angel in Heaven, inspired by the late Karli "Tess" Manker. 







And sometimes we like to embarrass the dog, so here's a meh-y picture of him in his Christmas sweater.



12/3 - Roosevelt welcomes Dowling

Hello everybody!

It was quite the doubleheader at Roosevelt High School tonight! The girls led off the night, with Dowling prevailing. And then in the boys' game, Roosevelt dropped a heartbreaker, as Dowling won the game 49-47.

Here are some of the highlights from tonight's games, both girls and boys.

If you wish to view or purchase more photos, they will be up by tomorrow evening (Dec. 4th)! There will be at least 50 and more photos!

Roosevelt junior center Meredith Burkhall and Dowling  junior forward Audrey Faber leap for the tip-off during the 1st quarter in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013. 
Roosevelt head coach Chris Cundiff gives out instructions to his team during the first quarter against Dowling Catholic in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013. 
Roosevelt junior forward Julanie Carter goes for a lay-up during the third quarter against Dowling Catholic in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013. 

Roosevelt junior guard Jordan Johnson and Dowling senior guard Jack Green greet each other before their game in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013. 

Roosevelt fans pose for a picture during the first quarter against Dowling Catholic in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013. 

Roosevelt center Jamel Carter looks for an open teammate during the first quarter against Dowling Catholic in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013. 

The Roosevelt Dance Team puts on a show during the half-time between Roosevelt and Dowling in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013. 

Roosevelt junior guard Rakim Tullis drives to the backboard during the third quarter against Dowling Catholic in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013. 

Roosevelt guard Daniel Luckett leaps over Dowling senior guard Justin Bunkers for the basket during the fourth quarter against Dowling Catholic in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013. 

Roosevelt junior guard Jordan Johnson dishes out a behind-the-back pass to a teammate during the fourth quarter against Dowling Catholic in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013. 

Roosevelt senior fans cheer on their team during the fourth quarter against Dowling Catholic in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013. 

Roosevelt guard Daniel Luckett goes for a lay-up during the fourth quarter against Dowling Catholic in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013. 






11/26 - Waukee defeats Roosevelt, 70-49

Roosevelt head coach Chris Cundiff discusses strategy with junior guard Taylor Silvestrini during the first quarter in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  

Roosevelt junior center Meredith Burkhall attempts to block a shot by Waukee sophomore forward Reilly Jacobson during the first quarter in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  

Roosevelt junior guard Maleika Carter attempts to escape from Waukee defenders during the first quarter in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  

Waukee senior guard Taylor Wingert and Roosevelt junior guard Taylor Silvestrini lunge for the ball during the third quarter in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  

Roosevelt sophomore forward Destinee Palimore searches for an open teammate against Waukee during the third quarter in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  

Waukee junior guard Ellie Cavanaugh and Roosevelt junior guard Alexa Pitz scramble for the ball during the third quarter in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  

Roosevelt junior center Meredith Burkhall defends against Waukee junior guard Anna Kollmorgen during the third quarter in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  

Waukee senior guard Taylor Wingert drives her way to the net during the fourth quarter in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  

Waukee head coach Chris Guess consults with senior center Sarah Ripperger after she fouled out of the game during the fourth quarter in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  

Waukee sophomore forward Reilly Jacobson and Roosevelt senior center Miranda Pierce battle for the board during the fourth quarter in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  

Roosevelt junior center Meredith Burkhall makes a basket against Waukee during the fourth quarter in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  

Waukee senior guard Taylor Wingert shakes hands with Roosevelt after Waukee's 70-49 victory in Pomerantz Gymnasium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  

11/23 - Drake defeats Omaha, 88-80


Drake guard Richard Carter sits on the bench before the game against Omaha during the pre-game introductions. 

Drake forward Aaron Hawley and Omaha center John Karhof leap for the opening tip-off during the first half. 

Drake head coach Ray Giacoletti shouts out instructions to his players against Omaha during the first half. 

Drake guard Karl Madison eyes Omaha guard Devin Patterson during the first half. 

Drake center Seth VanDeest goes for a lay-up in front of Omaha forward Matt Hagerbaumer during the first half. 

Drake forward Aaron Hawley jumps and shoots for a three-pointer against Omaha during the first half. 

Drake guard Richard Carter goes for lay-up against Omaha during the first half. 

The Drake dance team flitters their hands to aid Drake with the free throws against Omaha during the first half. 

The Drake bench jumps and celebrate a clutch three-point by the team against Omaha late in the second half. 

Drake head coach Ray Giacoletti disagrees with a call a referee that went against Drake versus Omaha during the second half. 

Drake center Jacob Evevold Jensen celebrates with teammates after making a clutch field goal against Omaha during the second half. 

Drake guard Richard Carter is all smiles as he celebrates the Bulldogs' victory over Omaha after the game. Carter had a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead the team. 


9/17 - More Black Hills

Sorry I didn't post anything for the last few days. I've been so busy running (and riding my bike) all over the Black Hills that I didn't have the time to upload some photos that I took! Now that I have some time, here are the photos from the past weekend:

Spike was so excited to join us on the road trip to the Black Hills! 

The Roughlock Falls in the Spearfish Canyon in the northern portion of the Black Hills. 

The Spearfish Canyon. One of my favorite places in the Black Hills. 

A young mountain goat working his way up the hill.

Obligatory Mt. Rushmore photo here. 

The Crazy Horse Memorial. This thing is so HUGE. It's about 10x bigger than the entire Mt. Rushmore! 

Sylvan Lake in the Custer State Park of the Black Hills. National Treasure 2 was filmed here! 

Spike scoping out the lake. 

Mountain Poodle. Seriously. It's a whole new breed! 

Don't forget a special appearance by my Aunt Linda's dog, Maverick! 

And finally, I wanted to congratulate my parents on their 25th anniversary! If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be where I am today. Love you guys!