Bo Doesn't Keep His Job

Pelini's sideline antics were not appreciated by many fans.

"That escalated quickly."

That famous line after the TV reporters fight scene in "Anchorman," rang true when I saw the news that Bo Pelini had been fired.

The email to media outlets from the Nebraska athletic department arrived at 9:43 a.m. on a Sunday. Yes, on a Sunday. In the morning. Two days removed from a 37-34 overtime win by the Huskers over Iowa in which I wrote Bo had saved his job. I don't think many people expected he would be let go after pulling that one out. Now the Huskers owe Bo $150,000 a month for the next 51 months as part of a $7.65 million buyout clause in his contract.

Blowout losses, national perception and not playing in a way fans, media and others perceive was possible is what ultimately cost Pelini his job. Reached by my longtime friend Eric Olson of The Associated Press, Pelini texted in response for comment, "I'm good. Thanks for asking!"

Many questions remain, including what happens to "FauxPelini" on Twitter, who had some knee-slappers after the news broke:

Annual YD Gathering

Uncle Jack explained the rules of the guessing game.

Veronica was clearly having a ball.

The annual YD gathering is traditionally set for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year was no exception. But was what exceptional was the weather: 66 degrees and sunny. In late November! Wow.

This year, I did not ride my BMC to Glenwood, though it would have been much warmer than last year (which was also nice). So we piled into the van and made the trip across the river to see our cousins and many more.

The traditional format of an all-kids game was superseded by a competitive game of wiffle ball. Emily biffed her face on the turf trying to stop at third base. And two bats and one ball were broken. But it was terrific time, as usual.

Poor Olivia had to guess the identity of someone she had never heard of.

Veronica had a Disney princess on her back.

Julia (left) finished third in the guessing game.

Julia (left) and Emily knew who Devon had on her back (Bill Gates).

Afterwards, the contestants showed off their celebrity identities.

Grandma Weide was very proud to have everyone pose for this photo.

Of course, the "stair game" was played. Emily (right) seemed to enjoy it the most.

This was the best we could do for the annual photo-on-the-stairs.

Huskers Prevail; Bo Keeps His Job

This was the scene at Kinnick Stadium before overtime. (©Huskers on Instagram)

The Friday after Thanksgiving Day is not only "Black Friday." In Nebraska, it is a tradition that means watching the Huskers play football.

First it was Nebraska and Oklahoma, which instantly brings up mentions of the "Game of the Century" back in 1971 and classic games in the late 70s into the 80s. Then, it was Nebraska and Colorado who battled in the 90s in a forced rivalry. Today, it is Nebraska's neighbor to the east, the Iowa Hawkeyes, who are in the crosshairs of Cornhusker fans as the teams battle for the Heroes Trophy in the "Heroes Game" (sponsored by Hy-Vee).

I have written about Nebraska football before. In fact, I have even written about the demise of Shawn Watson before he was fired. This time, the game between Nebraska and Iowa drew additional attention as some Husker fans called for the firing of head coach Bo Pelini. Calls of "Fire Bo" and "Bo Must Go" were routine on Twitter in the days leading up to Saturday's game.

Through the first quarter and deep into the first half, it looked like Pelini and his movers would have a busy Saturday. But a late second quarter touchdown pulled Nebraska to within 10-7. When the Huskers fell behind 24-7, even radio announcers Adrian Fiala and Matt Davison were having trouble putting a good spin on the situation. But a long run by Ameer Abdullah, two punt returns for touchdowns by De’Mornay Pierson-El and a touchdown catch in overtime – yes, it went to overtime – by Kenny Bell helped the Huskers pull out a 37-34 win.

Nebraska secures its seventh straight nine-win season under Pelini and now appears headed to a bowl game in either Nashville or Santa Clarita, California. But it will hardly stop the talk: should Bo Pelini be the Husker coach? (See more photos on the Huskers' Instagram account.)

The World Traveler

I came across this today. I was surprised that the Vatican was listed as its own country.

Music And Lights At Midtown

It's a festive scene in the vast courtyard at Midtown Crossing.

Omaha's Midtown Crossing is stealing a bit of thunder from the Gene Leahy Mall light display – in more ways than one.

For starters, Midtown Crossing's display is already in place – and has been for nearly a week. The "million lights" display downtown won't "go live" until Thursday night.

But even more impressive is the nightly lights-set-to-music show at seven o'clock. It's about 10 to 15 minutes of holiday music with a choreographed light display that spans the buildings, as well as the trees in the park. Throw in the glow from the fire pits of a couple restaurants in the complex and it's quite the event.

Veronica's First Violin Concert

Several months of practicing the violin culminated with Veronica's first concert this afternoon.

While few of us have heard her practice, I can vouch that her violin does head off to school with her several times a week. Once, in fact, she forgot it and we had to make a quick dash to the house to pick it up. I have also seen Emily grab it from her and pretend to play it – much to Veronica's chagrin and anger. (Our house rule about respecting others' property is intended to prevent these kinds of things.)

Aunt Bridget arrived early enough to save us an entire row of seats. And it was needed for the family in attendance: Grandma YD and Grandma Bep were there, Danielle and Emily, plus Neil's two children and their mom, Aunt Teresa. So we had great seats (on the left side, as Veronica had clearly specified) when she was performing on stage. First, though, were a few random selections of music played by the fourth, fifth and sixth grade "strings" section.

Veronica did a terrific job with her "solo" (pictured above) and the concert moved right along, clocking in at 75 minutes. (Watch the videos here.) Here are a few photos:

Veronica had her hair curled for the concert.

This was her "modeling" pose.

Ready to perform...

Even in warm-ups, Veronica was clearly focused on the task at hand.

Look closely and you'll spot Bridget to the left of Emily,
who was sitting with grandmas on both sides.

Somebody had a HUGE phone.

'Magical Musical Tour'

Three selections from Veronica's performances at the "Magical Musical Tour."

'The Twins'

The "Twins Days" outfit for Julia (left) and Olivia. (Danielle Rowe photo.)

They're frequently mistaken for being twins. They take every opportunity to deny that they are even sisters. Except for today – when Julia and Olivia participated in Lewis and Clark's "Twins Day."

They didn't take my suggestion to put their hair up in a pony tails. They straightened it instead. Their matching T-shirt and jeans made for plenty of fun at school. And it further fueled the classroom talk that they just might be "cousins" – which is what they usually claim. And we won't even begin to talk about them saying they are related to their friend, Journey. That's a story for a whole 'nother day!

Harold Pays A Visit

As we have discovered previously, when you lose a tooth and you're not at home, it's not Lu who pays a tooth fairy visit.

Harold is the tooth fairy who services the Four Seasons apartments and Veronica's loss of a tooth earlier today meant he had to spring into action.

Harold's note, which was very hard to read.

We learned from Harold's note that he 1) was on duty at a hotel up the street; 2) had to battle strong winds to get to our place; 3) the present Veronica received was originally intended for Timmy, who was visiting his grandparents; 4) Timmy's tooth didn't come out so Veronica rang up a copy of "The Great Brain" (which Sean can attest is a great book).

Harold hadn't ever visited our apartment before, we also learned, and actually became confused when he found a girl on the couch wearing braces (Lauren). So he bailed on trying to get the five gold coins and wrapped book under Veronica's pillow and simply left the loot by the front door (pictured below).

Veronica and I spent time reading the first few chapters of "The Great Brain," which made us very happy that Timmy didn't lose his tooth as planned!

The gold coins and book from Harold were found at our front door.

Harold's note was there, too. He sure writes small!

Veronica tried to read it...

...And eventually turned it over to Dad to try to read.

Veronica proudly shows off her "Great Brain" book.

UNO Arena Update

This one won't be used in our Christmas letter
because it is not a white car in the background.

We had noticed a lot of progress at the UNO arena site lately, so we thought it would be a good time to do another photo update that can be included in our "Back to the Future" photo series. (If you aren't familiar with it, read this post.)

Fortunately, the weather was good. And true to form, Lauren lasted all of four or five photos before she shrilled "I'm tired of this!" and walked off.

Here's the photo shoot, in photos:

Veronica got a lift from Emily.

Everyone was on the lookout for a white car for our usual background.

This one should work just fine.

This is typical of the craziness behind the scenes at one of our shoots.

Lauren has obviously had enough.

We can still include (at least part of) her!

Here's an update on the Pacific Life building, which will go next to the parking garage.

Downright Disturbing

I received this from Emily on SnapChat.

In Case You Missed It On Instagram

That's Emily in the yellow sunglasses, "chilling" with co-workers at Aksarben Cinema.

Nearly Eye-To-Eye With Durango

Looks like Julia is rapidly closing in on Durango when it comes to height.