We Left our Hearts in San Antonio

Upon arrival to the San Antonio Airport, the hype of the game for both players and musicians can be seen and felt.  These skins are not only in the airport but also throughout their home base, the Grand Hyatt.

 

As soon as we got to our hotel we had about an hour to hang out with Sienna and the other All-Americans.  We were able to take some photo opportunities and shop at the All-American Swag Shop.

 

Here are some pics of the family - including our East Coast contingent!

 

The next morning I went to a Mom's Panel, hosted by the Brigadier General Martin.

 

Sienna was off limits for practice, so the rest of us headed to the Riverwalk.

 

Here are Robert and Spenser chattin' it up,

 

 

and me wearing some of my All-American swag.

 

 

After lunch we headed over to the Alamodome, so that on game day we'd know our way around.

 

 

We found it!

 

The Brigadier had told us moms that there was an Army Expo going on that day, so we checked it out.

 

Here is Robert dreaming of a motorcycle.

 



 

And Spenser partaking in some physical challenges.

 



Robert got in on the action as well, but had a hard time doing a pull-up.

 



 

It was all worth it because we got a lot of free stuff:  t-shirts, backpacks, hats, lanyards, etc.

 

For dinner we headed back to the Riverwalk.

 

We dined on Mexican food and even enjoyed some mariachi music.

 

 

 

The next day it was GAME TIME!

 

Here we are in the stands.

 

And Sienna takes the field!  What a star!

 



The show was FANTASTIC!  Hopefully you saw the videos!

 

What's left to do after the game but go out to eat again!  And sight see of course!  Here we are at the Alamo.

 

Then it was time to meet up with Sienna for the closing ceremony.

 

 

Here is the ballroom where the last speeches were given, a video of the show was viewed, and awards were handed out.

 

 

A winner was selected from each section of the band, the member who exhibited most the following traits:  loyalty, duty, respect, self-less service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

 

Well guess who won it for the Woodwind Section?  We didn't know it was coming so we didn't catch the beginning, but........

That's our girl!

 

And here she is with her Army Mentor, Mike Brian, the man who chose her as the recipient.

 



 

Here she is with her roommate and fellow clarinet, Marissa.

 

Proud parent picture time!

 

What an amazing trip for all, but especially Sienna.  And wow, we are bursting with pride!