Attention Brad Stevens and John Calipari...

Parker and Lleyton made their first official campus visit to IU this weekend and they really liked what they saw. 

We were in Bloomington to visit our friends, Rob and Rachel and their little guy Nolan, and I wanted to show the kids my alma mater while we were there.  In the back of my mind I was hoping this visit, along with the IU jerseys that our friends Brian and Kim sent the boys, would solidify IU as Parker's favorite school.  That didn't quite happen, as he still ranks UK #1, but IU has jumped up to a tie for #2 with Butler.  Baby steps. 

Our visit included a quick drive through campus as I served as a personal tour guide for everyone in the car and we found a few minutes to stop for a a few photo ops in the Arboretum, under the Sample Gates, and on Kirkwood Ave.

Here is a possible glimpse into the future as Lleyton hangs out on Kirkwood.  For those not familiar with Bloomington, Kirkwood Ave is home to a few of the most popular establishments often frequented by thirsty students.  In the background you can catch a glimpse of Kilroy's and the Upstairs Pub. 

And here is maybe yet another glimpse of the future as Lleyton sprints through the Arboretum in the direction of the business school.  I can imagine Lleyton schooling some folks on Court 1 at the HPER only to realize that he is running a bit late for his class, leading to a scene not much unlike this one.

The kids were also nice enough to sit still for me for just a couple more minutes while I snapped a few more pictures. 

As much as I enjoyed showing the kids IU, the highlight of the trip was certainly the time spent with the Blackwells.  The boys had a great time hanging with Nolan, and Parker honed his skills at the card game War by taking on Rob and John and usually coming out on the smiling side.

By the looks of this picture, you might think that our boys bored Nolan to sleep...

...but this one was taken a moment later.