NIGHTWING: NEW ORDER #2 by Kyle Higgins - Book Review

From the publisher: Dick Grayson’s commitment to the Crusaders is put to the test after he learns a shocking secret about a member of his own family. Eager to keep the scandal as quiet as possible, Grayson turns to an old friend for some answers—and what he learns will alter his destiny forever.

I'm definitely enjoying Nightwing: New Order, by Kyle Higgins. Issue #2 was a great second part, and gave a lot of background on how the world without powers got to be that way.

The first thing to realize is that the narrator, Jake, is the son of Nightwing and Starfire. Secondly, Nightwing is responsible for wiping out the majority of superpowers, good and bad, in the world. Also, Nightwing is the leader of a group responsible for capturing powered individuals, and either providing them with inhibitors or putting them in suspended animation if the inhibitors don't work. Finally, Nightwing is put in to an almost impossible position, forced to make an incredibly hard choice.

While New Order #1 dropped the reader into the middle of this dystopian, facist world. With issue #2, though, Higgins begins to provide some context. With Jake, Higgins has found a new and interesting voice with which to narrate the story, and he does a nice job of explaining just how things ended up where they are. He also provides a new set of eyes on the heroes so many of us know so well. And while I can't put my finger on the title, Higgins has reminded me of another story with New Order. This isn't a bad thing, though. I really like the echoes of familiarity. I also like the emotions he has imbued this story with, particularly the family relationships.

I highly recommend Nightwing: New Order #2. Kyle Higgins is writing a terrific story of impossible choices and family relationships. I look forward to seeing where he takes it from here.

Titans Vol. 2 (Rebirth) by Dan Abnett - Book Review

From the publisher: The classic team of former superhero sidekicks continue their adventures in TITANS VOL. 2, as a part of DC Rebirth!

As Kid Flash Wally West and the Titans adjust to their new lives in New York City and investigate a new threat, a mysterious company called Meta Solutions comes to the forefront. Who are they? And what stunning discovery will the Titans make about their new foe? 

Writer Dan Abnett (AQUAMAN) and artist Brett Booth (NIGHTWING) continue their critically acclaimed run with TITANS VOL. 2! Collects issues #7-10, TITANS ANNUAL #1 and stories from DC REBIRTH HOLIDAY SPECIAL.

I've been reading Titans for two reasons: first, I enjoy reading about Nightwing and find that the character is a natural leader; second, with Wally West (Flash) at the center of the Rebirth mystery, I'm hoping for some clues. Titans Vol. 2: Made in Manhattan, by Dan Abnett, offers some of the first, but none of the second.

The main storyline in this volume involves the Titans setting up shop and (quite literally) growing Titans Tower in New York City. They are attempting to make their presences felt, and have hired a legal consultant (which is fairly humorous). Their friends Mal and Karen Duncan figure prominently, as Mal has used a company called Meta Solutions to remove his sound powers. Karen, who recently discovered she has powers of her own, just wants to be able to focus and control her abilities. When Mal runs into an old enemy, he questions just what Meta Solutions is actually doing. Enter the Titans, to help their friends, and the mystery deepens.

Most of the characterization in this volume focuses on Mal and Karen. It actually functions as an origin of sorts for Karen, who Mal affectionately refers to as "Bumblebee". Her quest to use her abilities is a positive contrast to Mal's PTSD that resulted from engaging an enemy while using his abilities. While this story is effectively concluded, it also serves to set up a larger mystery and coming conflict.

In addition to the main storyline, there is a short tale from the Rebirth Holiday Special that shines a nice light on Arsenal. Titan's Annual #1 is also featured here. Abnett tells a story that brings several of the Titans and their Justice League counterparts together in mentor/protege roles. He also manages to delve a bit into the history of Donna Troy (Wonder Girl). My favorite part is how Abnett contrasts the relationship between Barry Allen and Wally West (both Flashes) to that of Batman and Nightwing, Aquaman and Aqualad, and Wonder Woman and Wonder Girl. Suffice it to say that not all of them are functional relationships.

Overall, Titans Vol. 2: Made in Manhattan, by Dan Abnett, was entertaining. I enjoy reading about the original Titans (no longer teens). While I was hoping for some Rebirth clues, I wasn't disappointed in the book. I recommend it to fans of the various heroes (Nightwing, Arsenal, Wonder Girl, Aqualad, Omen, and the Duncans) either together or individually. I look forward to seeing where Abnett takes this group of characters in the future.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Latest Update

This week, Lexi continued cheering. The 8th grade team won again, and Lexi was her usual cheer-y self. Two more weeks before they begin transitioning to basketball cheer. She also has another cheer competition coming up next Saturday.

Cami's volleyball team split games with their opponent for the second time this season. She served well, winning earning several points. She has a couple more weeks of the volleyball season remaining. Cami's basketball team went 1-1 this week. She handled the ball as point guard several times, shot, and played hard. Two more games to come next week.

Griffin's football team won again, 18-0, to go to 7-0 on the season. He had a pretty good game, getting a tackle and providing some blocks. He also got to cover a receiver, as this team passed a little bit. Next Saturday is the last regular season game, with the playoffs starting next Sunday. Giffin's basketball team lost both their games this week. He had a few shots that just missed (they are sooo close to going in). He also had a couple of rebounds, played tenacious defense, and caused multiple turnovers, along with tying the ball up for jump balls. His fall season comes to an end next weekend with a tournament.

We are close to finishing the fall sports season and then will have a short break before the winter season begins.

THE WILD STORM #7 by Warren Ellis - Book Review

From the publisher: Jackie King, chief analyst at I.O., tries to make sense of all the pieces scattered across the board since Angela Spica saved Jacob Marlowe’s life. Angela Spica wakes up at Jacob Marlowe’s safe house and starts to realize how far from real life she’s been thrown since then. But life is not slowing down, and Marlowe’s wild covert action team have to extract the last member of their number from an I.O. black site. Meet John Colt—moments before he’s either rescued or murdered or dissected to reveal a secret kept for thousands of years. 

Once again, Warren Ellis has written a great issue of The Wild Storm, #7 to be precise. Once again, I don't have the first idea about how to review it. Ellis is the master of the big crazy idea, and is also excellent at the smaller moments. This issue contains both. While the first six issues of The Wild Storm seemed to introduce the various characters and factions, and put all the pieces on the board, the current issue is a beginning to the next arc in this story.

We are given the perspective of Jackie King, who is the chief analyst for I.O. She catches her team (read: the reader) up on what went down with Angie Spica, Jacob Marlowe, and Henry Bendix and Skywatch. We then get a peak at the WildC.A.T. crew working for Marlowe. I'm still waiting for Grifter to go into full Grifter mode, but it seems like it's just a matter of time. Finally, we meet John Colt, the only new character in this issue and a member of the WildC.A.T. team. John may, or may not, have some interesting knowledge about I.O. Oh yeah, and there is weird technology, alien(s), mysteries, and conspiracies galore (well, not exclusively in this issue, but throughout the book).

The Wild Storm #7 is the opener to the next chapter of this story. Ellis gives just enough action and information to keep me coming back. I'm positive The Wild Storm probably reads better in collected form, but I'm not anywhere near patient enough to wait for all the issues to come out before first reading them. This is a story that demands a monthly reading, much like some television shows must be watched as they are broadcast rather than waiting for a binge session.

Get this book and read it. While its not the best idea to jump in to the story in the middle, there is a nice recap in this issue to catch up any late comers.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

Batman: The Dark Knight: Master Race by Frank Miller, Brian Azzarello - Book Review

From the publisher: One of the most highly anticipated sequels of all-time is finally here in DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE!

In 1986, Frank Miller introduced his iconic take on Batman and changed the face of comics forever. Now, three decades after BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, Miller himself has returned with a third chapter to his groundbreaking saga.

DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE continues Frank Miller's landmark DARK KNIGHT SAGA that began with 1986's THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS and continued with its 2001-2002 sequel THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN. Co-written by Brian Azzarello and drawn by Andy Kubert and Klaus Janson, DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE returns to a world gone awry left in the aftermath of the toppling of Lex Luthor and the apparent death... of Batman himself? Then who will save Gotham City and the rest of the planet against the mysterious Master Race? 

Also collected in this graphic novel are the nine mini-comics that originally appeared in the monthly periodical release of DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE, each of which focuses on a different character from within the world of Miller's Dark Knight. The minicomics are also written by Miller and Azzarello and will be drawn by some of the greatest artists currently working in comics, including Miller himself, Eduardo Risso and John Romita, Jr.!

Collected here are all nine chapters of DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE as well as the nine mini-comics.

I read Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns and loved it. I read Miller's The Dark Knight Strikes Again and liked it. When I heard about Dark Knight: Master Race, by Miller with Brian Azzarello, I was hoping for more of a Dark Knight Returns feeling. And you know what? I did like it. Master Race isn't as good as the original (that would be hard to accomplish), but I enjoyed a lot more than I remember enjoying more than The Dark Knight Strikes Again. And that's a good thing. With sequels or returns to classic stories, there is a danger involved; so many people enjoy the classic original, that the creators risk alienating fans both old and new. Well, in my opinion, Miller and Azzarello have done a fine job with The Master Race.

 A quick synopsis: Batman is missing and presumed dead, Superman has removed himself from involving himself in humanity's affairs, Wonder Woman is busy ruling the Amazons and raising her children (a daughter and son). Other heroes seem to be laying low as well. In to this world comes rumor of a Batman sighting, which doesn't sit well with many. Additionally, Lara (the teenage daughter of Superman and Wonder Woman) visits her frozen father at his Fortress of Solitude. While there, she discovers the bottled city of Kandor, and is convinced to take it to Ray Palmer, the hero known as the Atom. The residents of Kandor want to be returned to normal size and Palmer's shrinking technology is just the ticket. But all is not as it seems when the Kandorians return. And thus, the foundation for the story of The Master Race is born.

I enjoyed reading this story. I found that Miller and Azzarello had a new and interesting take on the story of the Kandorians, and the tie-in to how superheroes were viewed in this world was nice. The subplots, involving Superman, Wonder Woman, and their children; Batman and his new Robin, Carrie Kelley; or even the cameos by heroes such as the Atom, Aquaman, and Flash, were all complimentary and dovetailed nicely with the main storyline. In fact, I really liked how the other heroes were very naturally brought into the story, rather than forced in just for fan service.

In addition to collecting the main comic story, this collected edition also contains nine separate mini-comics stories that ran in the individual comics, each focusing on a side story that adds to the overall enjoyment of The Master Race. Some of these stories focus on heroes, such as the Atom or the new Batgirl, and some show events that happen off the page of the main storyline. All were well done and deserved their place in this story.

Overall, I really enjoyed Miller and Azzarello's The Dark Knight: The Master Race. It was a well-written story that added to the mythology of Miller's original The Dark Knight Returns. I highly recommend it to all Batman fans, and to anyone who enjoyed The Dark Knight Returns. It would also be an entertaining read for new fans wondering what all the Frank Miller Batman fuss is about.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

So Many Sports!

Lexi did her usual, cheering for the middle school football game (they lost). However, this week her cheer squad participated in their first ever competition. The did a great job and received a trophy (they were the only squad in their division, but did a terrific job regardless).

Cami's volleyball team won their first set of the season. Cami did a wonderful job, serving for several points. She also made some nice hits when the ball was served to her. Cami's basketball team went 1-1 again this week. She did a nice job in the first game, but turned it on in the second. She had a rebound and 4 points to go along with several jump balls caused in both games. She had a huge smile on her face after scoring. More to come next week.

Griffin's football team won their sixth game of the year, bringing them to 6-0. They beat an outmanned team 22-0, and it could have been a lot worse but we played multiple kids in multiple positions. Griffin played good defense and nearly had another tackle. On offense, he blocked as a wide receiver, but the real fun came when I put him at running back. On his first play, he recovered a fumble by the quarterback. On his second, he ran right, made a little juke move, and picked up around 6 yards. Unfortunately, there was a penalty, but it was a really cool run with a nice move. He also said it didn't really hurt to get tackled, so that was nice. Two more regular season games to go. Griffin's basketball team lost both of their games. Griffin was able to take a couple of shots and get some rebounds. More next week.

One other really cool thing happened this week. The US Secretary of Education visited our school as part of a tour she was on, and attended our Hog Roast fundraiser and varsity football game. Cami and Griffin had a chance to meet Sec. DeVos and shake her hand. Griffin (and a smidge of Cami) even made it in a picture in the local newspaper (Griffin was front and center).

DARK NIGHTS: METAL #2 by Scott Snyder - Book Review

From the publisher: As Superman and Wonder Woman hunt for a missing ally, Batman investigates a mystery spanning centuries. When the World’s Greatest Detective discovers a foe even greater than the Justice League could possibly imagine, will Earth’s heroes be ready?

Dark Nights: Metal #2 continues Scott Snyder's strange, interesting, connective tale of Batman, his history, and some strange foreign metals. I'm going to try to avoid spoilers, so this may be a very plain review.

First, in Metals #2, we get more of the backstory to who Barbatos is and how Batman is a danger to the world. Much of the issue consists of his Justice League friends trying to track him down, and Batman's Bat-family trying to help him avoid the JL. We also get a look at many of the immortals, Hawkgirl for one, who know of this threat and have dealt with it before. This issue is really still just putting the pieces into play and visiting with the disparate groups of heroes.

I'm enjoying Dark Nights: Metals. Snyder has somehow woven all sorts of DC history into this event series. I want to believe much of it was even thought of when the ideas were first introduced (i.e. the Court of Owls). I'm also curious if Dark Nights will have any tie in to how Rebirth occurred and any of the supposed return of the Watchmen. I guess I'll just have to be patient and keep reading.

I recommend Dark Nights: Metals #2 to Batman fans and others who have already begun reading the series, but it is definitely not a place to start.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

All-Star Batman Vol. 2: Ends of the Earth (Rebirth) by Scott Snyder - Book Review

From the publisher: #1 NEW YORK TIMES best-selling BATMAN author Scott Snyder's ALL STAR BATMAN continues with a new volume featuring new stories drawn by some of the top artists in all of comics!

For more than 75 years, Batman has been one of the most widely-recognized and revered super-heroes in all of comics. But what would the Dark Knight be without an equally iconic roster of villains to keep him fighting all these years? In ALL STAR BATMAN VOL. 2, Scott Snyder is joined by a rotating team of superstar artists to tell individual, villains-centric stories that in their sum reimagine the Caped Crusader's rogues gallery and bring it into the modern era.

Included in this graphic novel are a chilling Mr. Freeze tale with Snyder's frequent collaborator Jock (BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR), a Posion Ivy tale with intoxicating art by Tula Lotay (BRIGGS LAND), Snyder's first pairing with the great Giuseppe Camuncoli (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) and more!

One the most successful and well-reviewed series from DC UNIVERSE REBIRTH continues in Scott Snyder's star-studded, ALL STAR BATMAN VOL. 2! Collects issues #6-9.

The more I read his books, the bigger fan I am of Scott Snyder. With All-Star Batman Vol. 2: Ends of the Earth, Snyder once again has written a great Batman story (although according to the narration, "This is not a Batman story). With a rotating cast of artists, Snyder tells a tale of ecological destruction featuring four different villains.

The first three stories, which are connected but self-contained, star Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and Mad Hatter. Batman is tasked with dealing with each of them and some sort of ecological disaster. By the time the fourth chapter rolls around, Snyder has set the table perfectly for his surprising conclusion. This book has appearances by the mysterious Blackhawk group, as well.

My favorite part of this collection is the Mad Hatter story. I always thought Jervis Tetch was sort of corny as a villain, and at his best he was a creeper. Snyder, however, really gave him a serious and threatening turn as a villain, making him a legitamate rogue for Batman.

In addition to the main story, Snyder continued his run of back up features tracing the training of Batman's new partner, Duke Thomas. Intertwined with a threat from the Riddler, Duke struggles to find his place in the Bat-family. It's a neat way to do a Year One type story for Duke without having it be the main storyline.

I highly recommend All-Star Batman Vol. 2: Ends of the Earth by Scott Snyder. He has got a great feel for Batman and he continually adds to his reputation as one of the best at relating the adventures of the Dark Knight. If you like Batman, you should definitely pick this up, and it functions as a jumping on point for new readers as well.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A lot happening this week

To begin, Lexi continues to cheer for the middle school football games. The team was victorious again this week. She also is still attending basketball open gym. Additionally, the middle school student council (of which she is a member), voted her President, a position she ran for (and gave a speech) against two other 8th graders. I guess I have to refer to her as Madam President now.

Cami had another volleyball match. She didn't win, but she served well again and hit the ball several other times. She also had her first two travel basketball games. They won one and lost one. She had 2 points, a steal, and caused multiple jump balls. Lots of hustle.

Griffin's football team is still undefeated, at 5-0. The defense has only given up 20 points this season, I believe, and the offense has scored 112. We have three more regular season games. Griffin had an assist and nearly had two more tackles. He also recovered a fumble for the first time in his career. Last week, his travel basketball team played two games (they lost both). Griffin played pretty good defense. He was able to get a few shots off, but is still a little rusty. He also shot two free throws, but they just missed. This week they had two more games, winning one and losing one. Griffin took some shots again, got a rebound, a deflection, tied up several loose balls, and played good defense. Next week he has two more games.

Lots of fun cheering on the kids.

ASTRO CITY #47 by Kurt Busiek - Book Review

From the publisher: Meet G-Dog, possibly ASTRO CITY’s most unusual superhero ever. Half man, half dog—but who’s running the show? The answers will change a life, reveal another hero’s deepest secrets, and possibly, just possibly, save the world. Oh, who are we kidding...they’ll definitely change the world. Do you see that handsome face? Also featuring Honor Guard, with guest art by Mike Norton (Revival, Battlepug).

With Astro City #47, Kurt Busiek introduces a new hero, G-Dog. G-Dog is a half man, half dog, and his origin story is pretty interesting. Take one petty thief, one "stolen" corgi, and one magic amulet and mix them up. When Andy discovers that the amulet he stole can transform he and his corgi, Hank, into a strange man-dog, he decides (with the help of Hank's conscience) to help people and fight crime. Along the way, Andy confronts many of his life decisions and, with guidance from Hank, begins to turn it around. However, what happens when 1/2 of the partnership ages faster than the other?

While this wasn't my favorite Astro City story, Busiek again captures some of the smaller moments of the hero life. Andy and Hank are a likable team as G-Dog, and their story is a unique one. Busiek excels at the slice of life type tales, which is part of what makes Astro City such an entertaining book.

I recommend Astro City #47 to fans of something different when it comes to superheroes. Kurt Busiek has created a nice corner of the superhero world where he is free to tell the stories he wants to. Astro City #47 is another in that long line of tales. I will keep reading this book as long as Busiek continues to put it out.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

Batman Vol. 3: I Am Bane (Rebirth) by Tom King - Book Review

From the publisher: The man who has physically tested the Dark Knight like no one before is back to finally break the Bat for good. Can a battered, exhausted Batman fend off one of his greatest foes? Plus, catch up with Catwoman as she and the Dark Knight battle a collection of villains and plan for the future! 

Collects BATMAN #16-20, 23 and 24.

With Batman Vol. 3: I Am Bane, Tom King wraps up his "I Am" trilogy of Batman stories. And boy did he wrap it up well. I Am Bane is a terrific story, with lots of action and some quieter, deeper moments of self-reflection for Bruce Wayne, and even Bane. To summarize the , thanks to Psycho Pirate, a hero known as Gotham is dead and Gotham Girl is emotionally broken. Bane took possession of Psycho Pirate to help him deal with the effects of his long time use of Venom. Batman, knowing the Pirate was the only who could heal Gotham Girl, used a group of questionable "heroes" to take the Pirate from Bane, invading Bane's home, the prison island of Santa Prisca, to do it. Which brings us to this final volume. Bane wants the Pirate back, Batman needs five days for Gotham Girl to be healed, and will do anything and everything to delay Bane in his quest.

With that said, the story is much more involved than that. There are guest appearances by multiple former Robins and Duke, Superman, and Catwoman. There are plans within plans. There is plenty of action and confrontation. And there is an interesting parallel between the childhoods of Bane and Batman. All of this sets up a crisis of conscience for Batman, and sends him off on a new path in his life.

In addition to the main story, there are several others as well. There is a nice tale about how Bruce Wayne acquires a pet dog, named Ace, and an interesting team-up with Swamp Thing that is deeply philosophical. The best of these stories, though, is the epilogue to the I Am Bane storyline. It involves Batman and Catwoman, and spotlights their relationship. It is told in contrast to a conversation between Gotham Girl and Batman. It is well told, and King does a fabulous job with the characterization. In fact, the characterization in this whole volume, particularly with Batman/Bruce Wayne, is a highlight for me. I feel like King has added to an already storied and iconic character, which is hard to do.

Finally, the ramifications of I Am Bane are sure to be felt for a long time. Bruce has come out of this ordeal a changed man, and I'm anxious to see where King takes him. I highly recommend Batman Vol. 3: I Am Bane, particularly to readers who have read the first two volumes in this trilogy. King has risen to the challenge that Scott Snyder left for him on the Batman title. He is well on his way to writing a very definitive take on Batman and I recommend this book to all Batman fans.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ninth City Burning by J. Patrick Black - Book Review

From the publisher: For fans of Ender’s Game, Red Rising, and The Hunger Games comes an explosive, epic science fiction debut...

Cities vanished, gone in flashes of world-shattering destruction. An alien race had come to make Earth theirs, bringing a power so far beyond human technology it seemed like magic. It was nearly the end of the world—until we learned to seize the power, and use it to fight back. 

The war has raged for five centuries. For a cadet like Jax, one of the few who can harness the enemy’s universe-altering force, that means growing up in an elite military academy, training for battle at the front—and hoping he is ready. For Naomi, young nomad roaming the wilds of a ruined Earth, it means a daily fight for survival against the savage raiders who threaten her caravan.

When a new attack looms, these two fledging warriors find their paths suddenly intertwined. Together with a gifted but reckless military commander, a factory worker drafted as cannon fodder, a wild and beautiful gunfighter, and a brilliant scientist with nothing to lose—they must find a way to turn back the coming invasion, or see their home finally and completely destroyed.

I tried to read this book, I really did. Ninth City Burning, by J. Patrick Black, seemed to have a number of things that were in my reading wheelhouse. There were young adults learning about their abilities and fighting against a great evil force. There were alien invaders, a new world order, a post-apocalyptic setting with just enough of the old to be strangely familiar. There were even comparisons to Ender's Game and Harry Potter, both of which I really enjoyed. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to finish reading it. I spent several weeks pushing myself through it before I decided to take a break. And once I was on the break, I couldn't think of a reason to go back. Nothing drew me in to the story. Due to this, I gave up on what was a promising concept.

I'm not sure why Ninth City Burning didn't click for me, but I've thought of a few things that I struggled with. One, the back of the book mentioned two particular characters, Jax and Naomi. After appearing in the first couple of chapters, Jax disappeared from the book for more than 100 pages. Naomi was in it alot, but I wasn't particularly connected to her as a character. Each chapter focused on a particular character's point of view in the first person, which I'm fine with, but when you spend multiple chapters in a row with uninteresting characters, reading can become a slog. Also, there seemed to be a bunch of info dumps. This slowed the rhythm of the narrative more than it should have. And it was slow. As the various characters began to come together (there were more than just two point of view characters, several of who were more interesting than the two mentioned on the book jacket), the story took on more appeal. However, by this time I was tired of forcing myself to read and I wasn't willing to deal with any more dumps. After reading more than a third of the book, I just gave up. There are too many other books I'd like to give a try.

Overall, I would not recommend Ninth City Burning by J. Patrick Black. This doesn't mean someone else would not like it, but it didn't work for me.

I received a review copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.

A lull in our season(s)

This week, Griffin did not have a game. He had a good practice, catching a touchdown. We'll be back at it next Saturday.

Cami had a volleyball match this week. She hit the ball a few times. Unfortunately, her team lost. She has another match this week.

Lexi had a cheer game. However, the 8th grade team she cheers for came up just short in a shootout, one of those "whoever has the ball last wins" type of games. She also continues to go to open gym for basketball. She'll cheer again next week.