A uniquely American phenomenon (Airwalker)

For the last 3 months we have been making regular weekend pilgramages to Orlando and Tampa to faithfully watch Dawn and her club volleyball team play in tournaments. She was given a special gift to attend the club and it's been great at keeping her in shape as well as improving her skills. It is run by her high school coach, but isn't a function of the school. The practices are held at her school, so all in all, she is in good hands. We have attended all of the tournaments but one. It has been interesting to see these huge venues (Orlando Convention Center, Tampa Convention Center) set up with 25-36 volleyball courts and hundreds of girls playing volleyball games. And most of these with parents in tow! So Dan had to buy the Dad volleyball t-shirt ("Dedicated Dad, he pays, he drives, he practices, he waits, he watches, he cheers") and I had to buy the Mom t-shirt ("I used to have a life but now I am a Volleyball Mom"). We've toted our chairs and blankets (they keep those places freezing cold), reading material and camera everywhere with us. In the Orlando area we stayed with Dan's brother, Doug, to help save on hotel expenses. Thanks so much Doug & Cindy!!

These things are a unique phenomenon of America. It is a whole subculture with it's own activities, language, code of ethics, and dresscode! We've found it very interesting but have had fun. The team is a different makeup than the school team Dawn was on. They have fun playing together, but haven't been as successful as the school team. Here are some photos of Dawn at work. Yes, she really can jump that high! She walks on air!