Down South

So after the fantastic win in Philadelphia, we were off to the finals of the Sea Perch competition in Baton Rouge held at LSU (Louisiana State University). This involved Isaac flying down with the school on two flights and Louie, Damian and I myself travelling together. Also two flights and two different airports...all I'm saying is that I could have stayed at Dallas Forth Worth, for the people watching! For just hopping down south though it was quite tiring and of course when we got there amazingly hot! Yippee just when you want to get in a crowd at a swimming pool with no air conditioning!

But the boy did well and made lots of friends and networked like we never knew he had it in him and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. On our way home we flew together to Dallas and left him to get on a plane to Tampa and his two weeks at his internship.....yet to be seen since but here are the photos of our trip.

Travelling is so boring!

Although Dad always has interesting things to say and we are in Dallas Forth Worth Airport on our way to Baton Rouge

Airports are interesting places and I liked the lines from the shadows..this is mid point in travel

New Orleans and what a ceiling

I know it doesn't look good but this is craw fish ettouffe and that my friend is a delicacy in these parts and a must eat! 

Happy SeaPerch Boys

The main sports hall is where we gathered

There was a lot of people there

Our Sea Perch Robot

These tables were set up for competitors and their display boards

canteen fun

Love Derek, Isaac's friend always such a joker!

Engaged in teenagery things

Some local fauna

Something happened to Isaac's hair...............

Lovely tree on the campus

Silly faces and tired men folk

lake view by the campus

Posh restaurant that we dined in

And so it begins, they arrive at the pool Isaac and Derek for the first run. They are on the opposite side of the pool to the stands

The divers are there for the robots, should they need a hand

Lots of waiting around

But now they are situated and getting ready

Look Isaac it's the school and your family!

This is the serious business

All over and some smiles

Lots of waiting

And chatting to Australians....yes they really came all that way

Naval guys as well

Round two

Game faces ready

Prep

Serious concentration required

Capturing the ball after triggering the release

Sea Perch in operation

Trying to get the ball in the bucket!

Extra time?

All done!

Team photo

Interesting mural

Baton Rouge...fab building

Bridge over the Mississippi

Ah

Sunset over the Mississippi

Moon blur! and happy tired boys and yes OMG he drinking coca cola!

Hope you enjoyed this whistle stop tour....plenty more events coming, 18th birthday, graduation and  dance recital...oh lots!