Just had to be said

It's a powerful video. With a direct message. Give it a watch.

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Cluster Ball Season

Yes, Gavin's Cluster Ball, er... Soccer, season has begun. And so, has Donna's and My careers as supportive parents, carting our kids around to their activities several days a week. Only fourteen more years of this to go. Anyway, Gavin is play soccer Monday and Wednesday nights for the Hilton Rec League. He's doing great, and is definitely one of the leaders on his team, but Donna and I are still trying to figure out if he is enjoying the game more, or the opportunity to see all of his friends from school that are on the various teams. Each night is a constant barrage of "can I go say Hi to ______?" That's our Gavin. Little Bob Welch, the mayor of every community he comes across.

The other night was a very special game. Gavin's team played the team of his girlfriend, Stephanie. Now, you may say that this is just a little crush, but I would say we are working with a full blown infatuation, from both sides. It started in pre-school, and even though they have been apart for a year, they still get the same goofy smiles whenever they see each other.

The game was terrific. It quickly turned completely into the Gavin and Stephanie hour, as they each played the game in their own little worlds, against each other, oblivious that either one had any other team-mates on the field. Stephanie is #12, on the blue team. Never far from Gavin in any of the photos. Each time it was "blues ball", Gavin would promptly pick the ball up, and hand deliver it directly to Stephanie. We were loving it.

In the end, Gavin's team lost, but I still don't think he realizes that. The Stephanie euphoria goes on, and on.

Father's Day

For the last few years, we have had the tradition of making Father's Day weekend our first camping trip of the season. Well, this year, we were anxious to try out our new camper, so we made our first trip Memorial Day weekend. We had our traditional trip planned for Father's Day weekend, however Mother Nature had other plans. Really, really wet plans. Since it was my weekend, I made the call that spending two days trying to find non-camping activities to keep the kids occupied, while sitting around a muddy campground, would not make for an enjoyable Father's Day. So we canceled the camping weekend, and headed out on a road trip to Howe Caverns instead.

I had been to Howe Caverns once, several years ago, but Donna and the kids weren't sure what they were headed for. It was raining, but that does not matter much when your plans are located 160ft underground. The 80min tour was terrific. We walked through amazing caverns over very well laid out brick walkways. The guide offered us great historical and geologic info on the cavern as we walked along, and part of the tour was even by boat, down the underground river. All very cool. And I mean that literally. It is 52 degrees in the caverns, everyday of the year.

Once we were back topside, and all thoroughly amazed at what we had just experienced, Gavin and Isabelle tried their hands at prospecting for some gems before we headed out to the hotel we had booked in Albany.
The hotel was great. One bedroom suite, with plenty of space for all of us, and a heated pool that we had all to ourselves both times that we used it. We ordered dinner up to the room, and Queen Isabelle took right to living the good life. The setup seems rather familiar. I am thinking she has been learning from Donna.
After dinner, Gavin made himself comfortable infront of the TV, before turning in.

Sunday morning, we celebrated Father's Day in the room. Donna, and the kids had brought my gifts with them, so we could celebrate first thing like we always do. They even snuck in the Red Sox camp-chair they had bought me. After some great gifts (including a cool home made hat), we made another trip to the pool before packing up for home.
Even though we broke from tradition, it was a great weekend filled with family time underground, in the pool, and in the car. Perfect Father's Day in my book. Thanks family!

I'm Back!!

Consider my hiatus officially over. Even though work still has me running all over, and Donna and I are way behind on the home projects, I just have too much to say to keep this blog silent any longer. I took a month off, and my head is swimming with thoughts, happenings, and words that I need to get out. Summer is here, the bike wheels are spinning, and July is going to be one of the busiest months we've ever seen.

So, those of you that have stuck around, hold on tight, cause these pages will fill up fast!

Thanks for checking back.

Satisfaction

Does anyone else find this as completely satisfying, as I do?? If only it would tone him down, even a little.

My day as a "Rock Star"

I now know what it is like to be a Rock Star. Adored by hoards of screaming fans, all holding signs made just for me. To be surrounded by throngs of people who have waited for weeks just to watch me enter the driveway. To recognize the look, smile, and amazement on the face of someone who is truly in awe of what I am doing. I am of course, talking about The 2009 Ride for Missing Children, and my screaming fans were all in Elementary School.

On May 15th of this year, I participated in my first Ride for Missing Children. The event is coordinated by the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and it's primary purpose is to raise funds, and awareness for the programs that the Center supports throughout the year. The ride is 100 miles long, but you would never know it. It is centered around several stops at local Elementary Schools where the kids have all been prepped with educational programs as to our cause, and have all turned out to welcome our arrival. During each stop, the riders get to take a break, eat, drink, and interact with the kids, while they get an amazing, high-energy presentation from the Center staff that is traveling caravan style with the riders.

At each school, we were greeted by hundreds of screaming kids, teachers, and staff. They had signs and banners welcoming us, and all wanted to high-5 us as we rode past. They couldn't wait to talk to us once we had left our bikes and their energy kept us charged up all day.

The personal highlight for me was that our first stop was at Gavin's school, Quest Elementary. Gavin's teacher had told the class that I would be riding in the event, and several of Gavin's classmates had signs made just for me. Talk about motivation! Donna and Isabelle joined Gavin's class for the morning, so the entire family was there as we rode in cheering me on.

Even though this was my first year completing this event, it definitely will not be my last. I plan to pull on my pink jersey for many years to come and support, and enjoy, this amazing event.