s i d e l i n e d A L L - S T A R S

It was disappointing to say the least. Selected to play in the first European All-Star football game since 1982, Justin was forced to watch from the sidelines. With his platelet count low, the doctor told us on Tuesday he absolutely couldn't play any contact sports until we figure out what is wrong.

He's definitely rebounded- feeling much better, still he didn't have clearance to play. He gets more blood drawn tomorrow. We are hopeful that it was just a nasty virus and everything checks out good.
We made the four-hour trip to watch the game and were grateful he could at least feel a {little} part of the team.

Teammate and friend Jaap {19} was also sidelined after a serious concussion that he's still feeling the effects from- more than a week later.

I was grateful they at least had each other to hang with while watching a game they would have both jumped into with a second's notice- if given the chance.

It was a fun {long} day for us. A friend kept our little guys, we took the big kids and caravaned with other friends who had a son playing.

Almost to the Czech border, it's a beautiful area we wouldn't mind going back to visit. Cold, but beautiful.

We had a really great dinner at a nice Italian restauraunt before FREEZING in the stands with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees.

Guess we were close to Poland, Russia, Siberia... Alaska.

I was quickly reminded- I'm an Alaska girl who doesn't miss those Alaskan temperatures!

We were aching and numb.

Too cold- even with layers and lots of blankets. This mama is ready for basketball season.