"I Four"

Despite my best efforts, I cannot stop my kids from growing up. Logan has officially turned four. It just wouldn't be a birthday without a trip to Jungle Jim's.

Looking good!!

The Breakfast Club

Fall is upon us! And with it, fall brings Back to School. I have never met kids so excited to get back into the classroom.

Eesti-Mae is going into third grade. She is half way through elementary school! Before we know it she will be in Jr. High. (She already acts like it, that is for sure.) 

Gisele is sooooooo excited to be in kindergarten. She loved Challenger School, but now she feels like a big girl because she goes to school with Eesti. When we dropped her off, despite the fact that most of her classmates were in tears, she was all smiles and ready to go! 

Logan started preschool. Michelle and I feared the worst when we dropped him off, but he jumped right out of the car, said "Bye mom!" and disappeared into the building.

Independence Day

I am not a big parade guy. I think they are...well dumb. Michelle on the other hand, thinks parades are wonderful. That being said, this year for the Fourth, we went to the East Mill Creek parade. The only reason Michelle was able to talk me into going was because our little Gisele was part of it!  She was with her dance company, the Children's Ballet Theatre.
As far as parades go, even Michelle, who loves them, though this one was just bad. The parade did not allow floats, so it was just a bunch of people walking down the street. You couldn't tell who was supposed to be in the parade and who the spectators where. Needless to say, we will not be going back, unless Gisele is part of it again next year. The only bright spots were the motorcycle cops and of course Gisele.

Lady of the Lake

The end of June was a whirlwind of swim meets for Eesti-Mae. She competed in the 50 Free, 50 Back, 50 Brest and 25 Free. She did GREAT!! Next we hope to get her in the Butterfly.

Lookin' good!!

The last few swim meets.

I couldn't be more proud of her!

Center Stage

Gisele took to the stage for her annual ballet performance. She did wonderful!!

State of Play

I love long weekends! Hanging out with the fam, no work, and being able to play. To change things up, Michelle and I decided to take the kids up to the Capital building. Once we were there, they were able to run and run. There is a ton of space up there. Oh yeah, and the view the valley is awesome.

Do forget Marshall!!

That is a lot of stairs!! But the view was worth it.

Men Of Honor

Even though Memorial Day is a day of remembering those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, I am proud of the Military heritage that is in my family. I am so grateful for these two men and the wonderful example they are to all of us. As you can tell, I am partial to the Navy. 

Lt. Commander James C. Fogg
United States Navy Reserve
SEABEES
1960 - 1968

Petty Officer 2nd Class Bret M. Hart

United States Navy

USS Marathon - Signal Man

1944 - 1946

Logan's Song

We went to the park the other day and turned Logan loose with a football. He is now a double threat guy. baseball and football. Is this a future QB, TE, or LB? Being an offensive guy, I hope it is one of the first two!

Backyard of Dreams

"The one constant through all the years...has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past,... It reminds us of all that once was good and that could be again."

The Butterfly Effect

“The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.”- Vince Lombardi

Open Water

Eesti-Mae had her first swim meet a few weeks ago. For her first time, she did amazing!!

The Incredibles

With Mothers Day, there always an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I am so grateful that my children have such a wonderful mom to look up to. She literally lives for our kids. We would be lost without her. To celebrate, we gave Michelle a "Wall of Memory's". I think it turned out nicely.

I am also grateful for my mom. She left us 4 years ago, but the example she set and her words of advice still live on today. I just wish my kids could have known their Grandma Arleen.

So, Happy Mothers Day!!! To all the wonderful mom's that have helped me throughout my life. You are all truly Incredible.

Once there was a Snowman

Even though spring is in full swing, I found these photos on Michelle's iPhone and had to share them. Gisele built this Snowman all on her own. She was so proud of it.