Happy Birthday, Uncle Bryan!

NOTE: Blogger ate my first attempt to post this ... I'll try to piece it back together.

We are all hanging out in Uncle Bryan and Aunt Sarah's apartment in Ann Arbor, MI. This marks a couple firsts for the consumate traveller that is Henry Rayo. This is his first time out of the great state of Ohio, and is also the first night, besides the initial time spent in the hospital, that he has spent away from his home. Lastly, he has attended his first birthday party, thrown in honor of his Uncle Bryan!

We drove up on Friday night, chilled out with Bryan and Sarah, and cashed out. Got up Saturday, goofed off, and I got ready for my golf outing. I know what you're thinking, GOLF? RAYO? WHAT? Bryan's birthday wish was to get in 9 holes, and wanted me to be a part of it. I needed to suck up any prejudices I have against the sport and give it a go. Before I go any further into the play-by-play, I want to thank Bryan for making it difficult for me to back out of the golf outing. I had a really great time: it was a great afternoon. Both Bryan and his friend Matt were good golf buddies, indeed. Although our golf performances were far from stellar, I think a good time was had by all. A couple highlights: Bryan spanked a killer drive on 16, Matt putted PGA-styley on 14 (maybe 15), and I actually won hole 17 (par, I think ... can you believe it?). Oh yeah, and I busted Bryan's driver on 18. I'm not sure exactly how I did it, but the result of my drive was pretty odd. Instead of that small dimpled white ball winging its way to the green, it decided to stay on the tee. Untouched. Instead, the driver head awkwardly bounced its way down the golf course. About 20 yards. Ugh! Bryan took it in stride, though ...

After getting our PGA cards, we made our way to Matt's house where he and his wife Sarah (I know, another Sarah?!?) had concocted a surprise party for Bryan. We walked in, everyone yelled SURPRISE and the party got started. Bryan had no idea it was coming. After dinner and cake, an impromptu game of touch football broke out in the back yard. Team Rayo came out victorious on a last second touchdown by Bryan Rayo. Coach Rayo (Mike this time) drew up the heralded Do-See-Do (think square dancing) play. The stalwart Rayos lined up at the wide receiver spots, crossed in the middle of the field, linked arms, spun, and sprung Bryan free in the end zone. The defense didn't know what hit 'em. Bryan laid out of the pass, thrown by QB Jeff, bounced off the turf, and TOUCHDOWN! The football and backyard dog gods conspired to clear the turf of any "presents" from Bryan's landing, but placed one less than 6 inches from his nose to let him know how lucky he was. Not quite the sweet smell of victory he was hoping for.

More action from Ann Arbor tomorrow!