A little fire action.

A little fun with some moss...

Jr High backpacking trip...

Oh Great, Now We Are In Hot Water!

I woke up this morning and when I turned on the hot water the faucet disobeyed my request and gave me cold. So I did what every man would do in this situation and assume my wife used up all the hot water in her shower so I asked her if she had plenty of hot water this morning.

After deciding it probably wasn't her fault... I went to the basement and discovered the water heater leaking all over the floor and the side blown out.

Like I didn't have anything better to do today!



Off to A-Boy plumbing supply...

Black Belt Ceremony 2010-06-23

Grayson, Robert, and Micheal received their
black belts today in a little ceremony.
Here are some pictures.

(notice the new haircut?)

Great Job Boys!

Just a bit off the top!

After many years of the long locks, Grayson decided to get a cut... he looks so much younger with his new do.

Our New Black Belt

Grayson received his letter today congratulating him on becoming a black belt in Tae Kwon Do!

Congratulations Grayson!

End Of The Season Picnic

Grayson and coach Guy at the end of the season picnic. A little rain and a whole lot of fun!

Sunrise Invitational 2010 - Can You Say Second Place?

Ok, so testing for black belt this weekend just wasn't enough. Grayson's baseball team had the end of the year Sunrise Invitational Tournament. We kept him out of the games due to scheduling conflicts with the testing and precautionary reasons. This evening the Portland Little League Royals were playing for all the marbles... but came up just a little bit short. Second place is still a great way to end the season.

Grayson got up to bat three times and made it safely to base twice and scored a run. In the third inning it appeared that his body had just about enough for the weekend between belt testing and baseball so coach Guy sat him down for the rest of the game. (Thanks to coach Guy for being an awesome coach and providing the best environment for these kids this entire year!)

Here are some pictures from a very fun tournament...









Here is a picture of the team angel Georgia... She is my favorite :)


These boys played their hearts out and all deserve a big congratulations on playing great baseball, having an awesome attitude, and being all around great kids! Good Job Royals!

Black Belt Testing Day Two!

Today was day two of Grayson's black belt testing. He had to do his fitness, terminology, self defense and read from his writing he was required to do about what Taekwondo means to him. He also had to run two miles yesterday after his two hour test... The kid is in shape that's for sure!

It was a grueling process for him and the other three boys, but they stuck it out and made it through the testing process.

Robert was back and was able to complete the test as well... They find out in about a week if they passed. (Between you and me... I am pretty sure he was able to fulfill the requirements, but we will find out next week for sure)

Great Job Grayson, Micheal, Bailey, and Robert. You guys have spent several years committing to something that most of us just dream of doing... Congratulations for getting this far!

Black Belt Test Day One

Today was the first day of Grayson's Taekwondo black belt testing. He did his forms, kicking, sparring, and board breaking. Four kids started out the morning, but due to a previous injury, one of them had to stop testing... so now there are only three.

Grayson, Bailey, and Micheal are doing an awesome job! Robert may or may not continue tomorrow, but regardless if he can finish, the entire class knows he is definitely a true black belt...

Great Job Today Guys!







I will post more later...

Some more graduation pics

Here are a couple more shots from last nights graduation ceremony...

Centennial High School Graduation 2010

My daughter Lauren's graduation ceremony tonight. 4 down and 1 to go... Congratulations to all graduates this year!

SAFE!

After playing, coaching, or umping for the last 35 years I have had the joy of seeing a lot of really exciting games. Today was no exception...



Grayson's team, The Portland Royals, were tied going into the bottom of the sixth inning. There were runners on 2nd and 3rd and the count was full with two outs on the hitter. The runner on third stole home and the play was made... I was the plate umpire so I was in no rush to make the call until I could see all the angles... once the dust settled I saw the ball rolling slowing out of the catchers glove and into the front of the plate. SAFE! The opponent slowly walked off and the winning Royals cheered for their victory, and all that was left when the teams left the field was the infamous dropped ball!

This was a great game and I would have to say it was even more awesome that I was able to be behind the plate to see it from the best seat in the house.

Great job Portland LL Royals for another amazing win!

When is summer going to get here?

I actually turned on the hotel heater this afternoon... brrr!