Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Watch the lighting of the tree.
This year's tree lighting ceremony at Shadow Lake Towne Center was a special one.

While I don't believe we have ever attended one at this popular shopping place in Papillion, we had good reason to be there this year. That's because the tree that is on display came from the yard where Jon Brooks grew up. His dad donated it in memory of Patti, who died a few years ago. Because of this, we enjoyed a nice view from the VIP section next to the stage.

We enjoyed pretty moderate weather conditions (though the wind did kick up a bit at the end) and the ceremony itself was very nice. It included a concert by the "Peppermint Elves," as well as several characters from "Frozen" and other Disney movies – plus the entirety of the Papillion-South Titans marching band. That was impressive.

Here are a few photos: 

Santa Claus was there, along with radio personalities Chris and Ricky from Star 104.5.

The tree looked much larger on display than in Jon's front yard.

Julia got her picture taken with the Grinch. Well, kind of.

Olivia (right) and Julia posed in front of the tree.

Lauren was helping out with Neil's children and Emily was in Colorado.

This was a nice sign to help remember Patti.

I felt like I was live tweeting an event...

Here is Santa's arrival.

Home Attendance Streak (and Julia) on KMTV

Look who made a surprise cameo appearance with Aunt Bridget in KMTV's story tonight.

KMTV reported on Bridget and Jon's home attendance streak for UNO hockey.

Here are a few highlights. (Watch entire story here.)

Not even the couple’s wedding could stop their streak.  Of course UNO hockey played a part in the Brooks’ special day. 

“Here we are with our bride and groom jerseys and I had my veil still on, because of course my hair was still done,” said Bridget Brooks.

Friday's 11th wedding anniversary will be an extra special one for the Brooks.

“How can they not open Baxter Arena on our wedding anniversary?” asked Bridget Brooks. 
 
For the Brooks, Friday’s home opener at Baxter Arena may mean new seats, but they’ll continue the same streak. 

“I’m going to continue the streak until the day that I die,” said Jon Brooks.

In Case You Missed It On Instagram

Emily with Lauren (and others), from her Instagram feed.

Fun With Sidewalk Chalk

The girls left this nice message on Bridget and Jon's driveway.

This was an easy way to keep track of the score of the game.

A bit harder to read in the sun glare, but still nice.

Fun With (A) Photo Booth

This is what happens close to midnight at Aksarben Cinema.

Happy 16th Birthday Emily!

It would be easy to type out the memories I have of the day Emily was born. But it would take hours, if not days, to put into print all the memorable moments and events leading up to that day in March, back in 1997.

Somewhere – in print – is a play-by-play of nearly the entire 24 hours before she was born and the hours after. But the company that hosted the original YD Cafe blog suddenly went under, deep-sixing the files before I could archive them. What a shame.

Regardless, there are some photos here and there that I possess. Emily's baby photo (right) is one. I always thought she was a cute baby, but most certainly she is more adorable now. So rather than type out a bunch of prose here, let's just get straight to a few pictures that show her through the years. Unfortunately, the photos I have in hand only date back to when she was nine. But there are plenty on this blog, and my other one, which will help her revisit many moments from the past.

Notice the photo of Uncle Jon on her bedroom mirror.

Checking out her new braces.

This one is interesting, if only for her sisters pictured with her.
From left: Emily, Lauren, Julia and Olivia.

This one is from Christmas 2004, I believe.

Fun At The UNO Hockey Game

Three of the girls and two of their friends enjoyed the "suite life" at the game.

It's not uncommon – and certainly a nice gesture – for my sister, Bridget, and her husband, Jon, to share tickets to UNO hockey games they sometimes come into. After all, it's not exactly cheap to take five other people to watch the Mavericks.

But Saturday's game was different than all the rest we have experienced since UNO began playing its games in the CenturyLink Center. That's because the tickets Bridget shared with us were in the Luxury Brands of Omaha (Budweiser) suite. Suite 6, to be exact. And it was everything we thought it would be. (Well, minus the free food.)

UNO was playing the U.S. (Under 18) national team in a game that was rescheduled from Thursday night (when it snowed). Though the Mavericks lost, we had a nice time and the girls who went along (Veronica, Olivia and Julia) were joined by two friends, who also seemed to enjoy it.

The crowd was sparse for the game, which was rescheduled from Thursday.

Bridget came to visit Veronica between periods.

Olivia (left), Julia (center) and their friend enjoyed the free pop and water.

Veronica (right) brought her Hello Kitty playing cards to share with her friend.

Before the game, we made a stop at Taco Bell.

We Won't Do This Again

Four minutes after this screenshot was taken, all hell broke loose.

No Explanation Needed

The girls can tell you the story behind this photo.

Emily's Track Meet

Emily fueled up with some goodies from Dad's bag of "magic potions."

Emily had a track meet at Omaha Benson today and it was my first chance to watch her in action. She only ran in one event, the 800 meters (as shown on the schedule, pictured at right). It was a bit of a blustery, cool day (at least in the shade) but no admission was charged, so that was nice.


Although I don't have her time, Emily did a good job of staying with the lead pack for much of the first lap. She finished strong and was upbeat and looking forward to her next meet afterwards.

That's Julia and Olivia sharing the blanket.

Lauren was also bundled up to ward against the chill of the shade.

I can't remember who took this photo.

I helped remind Emily and her teammates how the 800 is run.

Uncle Jon was there taking in all the action.

As they rounded the curve to the home stretch, Emily was in the second pack.

You can't miss Emily and her pony tail.

Emily waited to hear her time, which I believe was three-something.

Another track meet in the books for Emily in her freshman year.

St. Mary's Science Fair

Emily (center) at her demonstrative booth.
The St. Mary's science fair was bustling with activity tonight and Lauren and Emily were smack dab in the middle of it. Both girls had informative and educational presentations to the parents and children who showed up to learn about all kinds of things. Here's a recap, in photos.

Jon poses with Lauren as Bridget captures the moment.

Lauren shows off her exhibit.

Jon and Lauren – again.

There were more people than Jon who visited Lauren. Really.

Veronica got some face time with Bridget.

Getting Ready For Aksarben Cinema

Bridget was on KMTV News at Midday to talk about
the Aksarben Cinema Holiday Market.
Omaha's newest movie theater opens its doors a week from today. Today was a chance for the media to look things over and get a sneak peek at what the public will see. I won't be around for the actual opening, but I've been given an opportunity to pitch in with the public relations.

Owner Bill Barstow shows off the spacious lobby.

After the media tour, we had a lunch meeting at Anthony's.

Getting the Aksarben Cinema booth ready for the Holiday Market.

Jon and Bridget with a sentry at the door.

Touring Aksarben Cinema

Jon and I try out the seats in one of the theaters.
Did you know theaters have a choice as to which movie trailers to show you? Did you know two weekends before Christmas is the second slowest weekend of the year for theaters?

These facts – and the location of all the restrooms – are just some of the things I learned during my late afternoon tour of the new Aksarben Cinema. Located in Aksarben Cinema, the 10-screen, all-digital complex opens Dec. 10.

Owner Bill Barstow and my sister, Bridget, enjoy the view.