A little after hours party, maybe?

Over the next few weeks, I kept hearing sounds coming from downstairs after everyone had gone to bed.  I never thought much of it until one of our neighbors called the cops.  So, I had to go in and break up the merriment.  Before that, I did manage to capture a few pictures of the party:

I think that Viva is going to be getting along just fine here....

Welcome home!

Well, it was a long trip.  But successful.  Viva was brought home to his true home, and all was well.  My dear wife, Joy, fainted at the very sight of Viva, such is his power.  Moving on, we were greeted by the youngins.  Just look how happy Viva made them.

Shown above:  Completely candid shot of the Viva worship.

It wasn't long until they could no longer contain themselves.  Soon, they spontaneously started in on a "hip-hip-horray" cheer.  Who was I to stop them?

Fun fact:  The Rau clan has stilted and awkward faces naturally.
So, our candid shots just *look* really, really posed.

Once the pomp and circumstance were finished, it was time to award Viva his place of honor.  So say we all.

SO SAY WE ALL!!!

The family missed us so much that they made us a welcome home sign.  See?

OK, maybe I was just the Viva conduit, but I still played a role.

Next week?  Does Viva make some friends?

Road Trippin'...

Well, all good things must come to an end.  But each new end gives way to a beginning.  We got up bright and early to bid fare ye well to all things Westminster and prepared to go.

Silly Viva!  You can't drive!

After a vigorous debate about who gets to drive home, we settled on me driving (since I had a license) and Viva literally taking a back seat.

Safety First!!

With that we headed out.  It was a long trip and truth be told, I got a little sleepy after dinner.  I have no memory of the last half of the trip home.  But don't worry.  Viva took care of things.

See, Baby? I have a much better view from up here!

But how was Viva pressing the pedals??

Don't think about that, baby.  Just be happy that we're home!

But what was awaiting us when we got home??  Stay tuned for the next blog entry!

First Meeting: The Magic of The Viva.

Just over a week later, I made the trek to the Great White North (that is to say Casa Delgrave - it was spring and it was snowing; it counts as the Great White North) to retrieve the trophy for which I had fought so hard.  Sure, the NCAA tourney was still going strong, but I was bullet proof at that point.  I gathered the best men that I knew around me to safeguard this most precious of trophies to its new home in the Land of the Pines.  Here is our noble troop:

The noble gentleman guards.  Also pictured.  Scott.

It was a grand weekend.  We laughed, we played games, we bonded.  Viva and I felt like old friends who had not seen each other in a long time.  And here's the thing... Viva is funny!!  We were playing a game called "King of New York."  What does he do?  He jumps up on the board and yells "I'm the King... of New York, baby!"

Look at that smile!!  Who could be mad a that? (Ruined game not withstanding.)

After it had started snowing, he insisted that we go out to play in the snow.

That's a little snow on the table and it's still snowing... I swear it.

But like all things, the weekend had to end.  Viva said his teary goodbyes to Scott and we parted ways.

It should be noted that Viva was sad to go, while Scott... not so much.

Up Next:  The road trip home.

The beginning....

In March 2015, one Mr. Phil Rau got the call to make picks in the most esteemed NCAA bracket of all time:  The Viva Invitational.  This prestigious league had been chewing players up and spitting them out for literally generations (that is to say, since 2008).  Fathers matched wits against sons.  Husbands are pitted against wives.  This is the competition which separates the wheat from the chaff.  Why all of the intensity?  Well, it's for the most sought after trophy of all.  The Viva:

Obviously, Phil had no other choice but to accept and muster all of considerable knowledge of the sport of professional jai alai NCAA basketball.  With a poor understanding of the scoring and a scant 16 hours left before the first tip off, Phil would lock in his picks for the tournament and also make history.

At the end of the third round of the tournament (that is to say when the Sweet 16 was officially set, but before it started), Phil was so far ahead on points that he could not be touched.  This was historic for two reasons:

1. This is the earliest that the champion has ever been crowned (and if it's not, don't go telling me - my fragile ego cannot take even a hint of not totally dominating).
2. This is the first time that the Viva has ever left Casa del Belgrave (Casa Delgrave??).

Phil celebrated in appropriate dignified fashion, as benefits this high honor.  He got drunk and hit Vegas:

You know .. just chillin' with Elvis.

Pictured above:  Decorum.

A little less conversation, please...

So, this blog will detail the wonderful year that The Viva and I  have together.  We are sure to have lots of crazy adventures that we can't wait to share with you!

Post Scriptum:  As always, Phil's dignified celebration was a bit too intense.  Shortly after the celebration, the machine broke, and I was escorted from the property.  Officially, it was because I was "counting cards", but we all know that the real reason was because in Sin City, they take The Viva just as serious as we do.

Rest up, Big E.  It's gonna be one hell of a year...