Holly’s volleyball team has been through some tough times in their short history. It was great to hear them say that they wouldn’t let a few bad experiences turn them off of the sport. During their first tournament, their perseverance finally paid off when they finally captured their first win. I was lucky enough to capture their reaction on video. Enjoy.
For the last couple of years, several of my Oklahoma kinfolk have come down to the DFW metroplex to attend the NHRA Fall Nationals Drag Races. We’ve had a house full of guests because we live so close to the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, TX, where the races are held. This year, Andrew and I decided to go along to see what all the fuss was about. 
When we first got to the track, we began to think the whole reason for the event was to get your picture taken with PR girls from various companies. Soon enough we found out there were other activities, like walking up and down pit row checking out the machinery, and playing in driving simulators. In the pits, we heard a few cars started up and “racked back”, and we were (almost literally) blown away by the power and noise. 
Eventually, we made it to our excellent seats. We were on the front couple of rows directly even with the starting line. Even that far removed from the action, the power and racket were awe-inspiring. Even with hearing protection, you could feel really it when these 7000-horsepower monsters blasted off. I’ve never experienced anything like it. It’s not something I’ll try to make it to every year, but it was a fun day, and I’m definitely glad I got to experience it at least once.
Holly’s 7th grade Art class had a discussion on Aboriginal art and Holly mentioned that her family happened to have “a few boomerangs”. The teacher wanted to see some, so the next day, Holly took a few to school. With all the questions of “Do they really come back?”, the whole class soon ended up out on the football field with Holly giving an impromptu demonstration. Luckily, she had also taken a lightweight Carlotta to show how more “modern” paintjobs contrast to the Aboriginal. So she had something easy to throw to start with. After she threw and caught the Carlotta, the teacher and other kids wanted to see one of the bigger boomerangs in action. Though Holly had never thrown anything so large, she made a go of it and got some good returns. The class was very impressed and now know that yes, they really do come back. The teacher sent me this photo of Holly holding some boomerangs in front of some of the class’s aboriginal art.
Holly felt good about her chances all throughout Volleyball team tryouts, and just watching her play around with the ball (and actually doing some bumping and setting with her) I felt good about her chances too. I’ve got to admit though, that I was a little worried about how she would take it if she turned out not to make the team. It turns out no worrying was needed. She made the A-Team! Some of her close friends (Taylor, Lulu, Amanda, Kelsey, Karolyn) also made the team, so this ought to be a fun season.
