The Salvy Splash is Where It's At

If you know anything about me, you know that I'm from Kansas City (Missouri) and am proud of it! And that I love the sports teams from there - namely the Royals and Chiefs!

Well, after an amazing two years in a row in the World Series (a loss in 2014 followed by a victory in 2015!), the Royals have captured the hearts of many... and one player, known for his Gatorade baths after every win, had his time to shine with this epic billboard!

When I learned it would stay up longer than previously thought, I was stoked because we'd be able to go see it as we passed through KC during our PCS. It was seriously put in a spot for people to go take photo with it - awesome idea! 

We hd to get a little family photo and also a four generation photo. We take those every time we get a chance to! 

What is your favorite sports team?

Baby Shower in Kansas City

Way back at the end of June, Dan and I drove back to Kansas City, Missouri for our baby shower. We were lucky enough to spend several days there before, and we had the best time seeing family and friends!

The day before we had to drive back, my mom and grandma threw a baby shower for Baby Cookie! There was a small problem in the logistics (as in there was a huge thunderstorm two nights before, and the power was out at our location), but everything worked out, and we had a blast!

Our cake was from Hy-Vee (shout out, MidWest!) and was so delicious. I wish we had one here...

My grandma and my husband unintentionally matched, and it was awesome.

The coolest gift we could ever receive was this old wagon full of blocks. It was my dad's when he was a kid, and I played with it when I was little too. It's so special to have for Baby Cookie!

My friend Megan (you may remember her as the Maid of Honor in our wedding) made this adorable pink tutu for Baby Cookie, along with two taggie blankets and an awesome belt! She is so creative and thoughtful!

My mom and grandma did such a great job putting this together for us!

We were so happy to see everyone (some for the first time in forever!), and we will definitely never forget this day! 

    

Holiday Recap - 2014

A holiday recap? In January? Yes, I'm behind... because I had other posts scheduled for while I was out of town and wouldn't have time or decent Internet access to post from!

To start, we went to a hot cocoa party and watched Elf with some friends... to which I took some hot chocolate cupcakes! I can't wait to share that recipe soon.

For Christmas, Dan and I loaded up the cats (and boarded the dog), and headed to Kansas City. It was a 10 hour drive, and while not very fun, we had a blast when we got there!

Our schedule was so jam-packed with lunches and dinners with family members and friends that we can hardly call it a vacation... but that's okay! It was wonderful seeing everyone and being able to spend time with them.

We celebrated Christmas with my family on Christmas Eve with a KC style BBQ dinner and gifts... and I was SO surprised to have gotten the red Kitchenaid mixer I've been eyeing for years thanks to my awesome husband! We had a lot of fun that night and ate way too much then and on Christmas day.

We also were able to see Unbroken on its opening night, and while it didn't tell the FULL story that the book does, it was still incredible.

We went to the last KC Chiefs game of the season... in which they kicked San Diego's butt (woohoo!) but ultimately didn't make the playoffs (just barely). We had a great time with friends, though!

• How were your holidays? 
• Did you travel or stay put?

Worth the Wait... the 29 Year Wait

How about that, Kansas City?

First, the Kansas City Chiefs STOMPED all over the New England Patriots during Monday Night Football action at Arrowhead Stadium, winning 41-14. That was AMAZING to watch. I grew up going to those games, and it's been tough since moving away from home. I still love them just as much and get goosebumps when they do so well! And some of the Royals players made the trek across the parking lot to cheer on the OTHER hometown team, which I thought was SUPER cool.

However, they're not the point of this post. THE KANSAS CITY ROYALS ARE! Those Boys in Blue have done it! They have gone to and won their first playoff game since 1985 - no joke! They had the longest streak in the MLB of not going to the playoffs, but that streak has been broken!

I may be biased, but Kauffman Stadium is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Here it is before the game last night.

I grew up ten minutes from Kauffman Stadium. Royals games were a regular thing in my house. My parents would take my brother and me to see the boys in blue play all the time. In that entire time, though, my brother and I had neither one seen the Royals go to the playoffs. Ever. We heard stories about how great the franchise used to be. We saw World Series paraphernalia (like unopened beer bottles with I-70 Series labels) from 1985 - not even kidding. But we never saw the Royals go to the playoffs.

Seriously, guys. They hadn't even been to a playoff game since 1985. And all of these amazing fans still supported them along the way.

This week, that changed. They won HUGE last Friday night, which sent them to the Wildcard game at the K (Kauffman Stadium) on Tuesday evening. Living in the Eastern time zone now makes things difficult. The game started at 8:07PM for me. I thought, okay, I'll stay up until 11:00, no biggie. But then the game was tied at 7 (after the Royals made a phenomenal comeback, might I add, from being down 7-3 in the 8th inning). So we went into extra innings. The 10th inning happened. Still tied. And then the 11th inning happened. AND THEN THE 12TH INNING.

The Royals FINALLY won 9-8 in the bottom of the 12th inning... which was 12:55AM here in Ohio. Yep, I stayed up until 1:00AM for a baseball game. I'm THAT girl, and I'm PROUD of it! I am so happy my parents raised me to be a loyal hometown fan. I am ALWAYS proud of the teams I love, but I cried. Literally, I cried when the Royals won the game. My husband was fast asleep (loser/nerd), so I had to celebrate on my own. My adrenaline was pumping, and I could not fall asleep. I contemplated popping open some champagne, but I decided against it since I was alone and it was the middle of the night mid-week.

USA Today says it best: The Royals Waited 29 Years for a Playoff Game. It Was Worth It.

Now, the Royals head to Anaheim to play a 'best of five' series to see who will advance further for the American League.

What is YOUR favorite baseball team?

How did they do or are they doing this year?

Or do you not like baseball at all?