Homecoming

The Steelers organization is big around here. Many are involved with it before their kids go to high school and participate in sports there, but they all continue to support the program through donations and at homecoming. This year it is the 40th anniversary of the Steelers organization, which made homecoming even more special.

Saturday morning started with an extra run-through practice for Karissa before they drove the cheerleaders and football players on a bus, donated from none other than Erik's and my school Red Bell (the owner of the school has boys who played for the Steelers), to breakfast at Red Olive. They gave awards to the cheerleaders there. Karissa got "toughest cheerleader". I asked her why she got toughest and she said because she always gets yelled at, but she keeps trying harder and doesn't let it discourage her. Why does she get yelled at? I'm not really sure, I guess it helps her work harder on her toe touches, etc. Cheer leading is hard core, I tell you!

She had a few hour break, then it was time to dress in her special homecoming uniform and practice some more before the big game, which was later so that the varsity team could play later that night under the lights. I was on the homecoming committee, so I got to help decorate with balloons and ribbons.

This is Karissa is her usual uniform.

At the game, the cheerleaders and players ran out with their dads, one by one, when their names were called to the 50 yard line, where the moms waited to greet them. Everyone had a nickname. Karissa was,  Karissa "Kit Kat" Mercado.

Running out with Jason.

At the 50 yard line in her homecoming uniform with the cow bell they got for the occasion.

Karissa and Olivia

We're all proud Steelers fans now!

She is fourth from the right.

Half time throwing out candy.  Some of it got to the stands...;)

 Everyone was also required to have a poster on the gate. We made one without a date so she can use it again next year, like some people suggested. Finally, there were  parachute jumpers who jumped out of a plane after our freshman game, before the JV game. The kids thought that was pretty cool, and it was!

Both parachute jumpers landed right in the field!

By her poster.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENlvAncCE60

This is the half time dance. She starts second from the left and ends up in the back. Mine isn't playing from the box, so you might have to copy and paste the link. (Why doesn't it always work the way it's supposed to?!)