Troopers Weekend
Part 3

Troopers stay in Greely, Colorado
July 9, 2009

Ray and I left on Thursday morning to follow the Trooper's to Colorado. We went to Greely, Colorado and arrived there soon after dinner time. Troopers were out in the field practicing.

We waited for a water break to let Shaun find us and see that we had Charlie with us. Shaun was very excited to see his buddy Charlie. Charlie was very excited to see Shaun too. A lot of the Trooper's members liked Charlie a lot and mentioned that they really missed their dogs. Charlie liked all of the attention and the new friends. Scott Atchison who is the head of the Brass section liked Charlie a lot also. If he walked by and Charlie walked up to him a little, Scott would always stop and give him a good pet behind the ears.

Ray and I slept in the school that the Trooper's were staying at. We found a little entryway to a room that was somewhat set off the main hallway (so it was slightly darker). It was just a little ways away from a big stuffed bear that was at the entrance to the school. We told Shaun that if he couldn't find us in the morning that we were probably eaten by the bear.

July 10, 2009

The next day we watched Trooper's practice.

Ray and Charlie decided it was too hot and camped out under the umbrella.

Charlie is an offical Trooper's fan.

That afternoon Trooper's left for "Drum's Along the Rockie's" in Windsor, Colorado which was about 20 minutes away from Greely. They had their same routine of warming up. We sat in the circle again but this time we had Charlie in the circle with us, and we really hoped that he would not start "singing" to the music like he usually does when Shaun practices at home. Charlie was mostly good and only started "singing" once. Scott (The brass head) had the Trooper's playing chaos and then they would come together on cue. When they were playing chaos, Scott was walking around the circle. As he walked past Charlie, Charlie knew that he was a friend and went a couple steps toward him. (he had a leash on so he couldn't go far). Scott ignored the band and came to pet Charlie and told Charlie that he would always take a minute to pet a doggy friend. It was very cute. Then Scott went back to his conducting and brought the players back together.

Trooper's needed a tune-up to find out who was a little off.

Shaun playing the trumpet and being checked for being in tune.

Time to put on the Trooper's uniforms and be ready to perform.

Shaun in the center.

Checking the Scarf.

Shaun on the right.

Time for the best part...The Hat.

Shaun in center.

Now the final touch and they are ready to go.

Shaun is in the center.

They look awesome!

Shaun is 3rd from left.

Troopers ready to head for the field.

Shaun is 2nd in line.

The Troopers take the field in Windsor Colorado.

I had to get pictures of Shaun in his uniform after the performance. I think the sun was too strong and made the pictures washed out.

Shaun has the Trooper's scowl learned well. I hope when he gets home he remembers how to smile.

I had to beg him to give me one smile. He is a pretty handsome young man!

Trooper's Sheep Wagon.

Troopers tied for 4th place with the Colts with a score of 74.8. The Troopers seem to increase their score at every competition.