Thanksgiving Tournament

For Thanksgiving this year we went to a soccer tournament. This is the first Thanksgiving away from home. We went down a day ahead of the team and spent a day with Grandma, Grandpa and the Sinks. We hang out and had some good eats. This is kind of a long post but I hope you can get a feel for our Thanksgiving trip. It was most likely Richie's last soccer tournament. He has been having head aches and memory loss as a result of too many concussions playing soccer.

We arrived in Las Vegas Wed night and hung out, ate some pizza and prepared for the feast. As you can see there was no shortage of food. Grandma and Lisa prepared a great meal for the group.

Caden was a beast consuming huge amount of food. . . nothing but his best effort. All the boys had their fill.

Grandpa shares a moment with Lisa and Jim.

Jim, Rachel and Heather came down to Vegas with us. They stayed a few days shopping with Lisa and Grandma. Jim is being a gentlemen serving Rachel.

Grandma giving Grandpa some real "SUGAR" They have been married a long time. The reason why I say a long time is no one knows how long. They never give you a straight answer.

Heather holds her own as she loads up her plate with the mash. Notice the little piece of meat. We need to work on eating a bit more protein.

We had 7 different types of pies none of which were purchased. My two favorite pies were the banana cream and cookies and cream pie.

Jim and Lisa take a little break after dinner.

We had dinner around 2:00 in the afternoon. After dinner we took off for San Diego. We did not arrive until about 10:00 that evening.

Jamie and Corey drove down to spend a couple of days with us. We went for a walk around La Jolla cove and found a little place for breakfast.

It had a great view. I spent many a day spear fishing in these blue waters in my younger years.

A quick little pose on the rocks of "The Cove". This is one of our favorite places to sea creatures. I have taken the kids here a few times.

We could not visit the cove without seeing a few seals. They are definitely not bothered by the presence of humans. Corey and I walked right up to the seals.

Soaking up the sun and getting a little shut eye.

You do not have to look very far to see wildlife along the Calif. coast. I don't think you can fly much closer to the water before swimming.

Lynne and Jamie find some crabs and sea anemones.

The waves did come up and get their feet wet.

Here is a closer look at some of the aneomes they saw. Big beautiful invertebrates that look like underwater flowers.

I love you baby !


After spending some time at the beach we went to watch Richie play soccer. They played three games on the UCSD campus.

Richie steals the ball, dribbles up field and passes down the sideline to a team mate. He has been a very unselfish player throughout his career. He has the highest goal / assist ratio on the team.

Mr. Header goes up for another two fisted pass off the noggin.

Sprinting up the sideline and over his opponent.

Preparing for a cross Richie puts the ball in front of the goal.

up.... up and away

Nice strike

Moving up the field he looks to pass to a team mate.

Shielding the ball with his body.

See ya ! Richie sprints to the middle of the field for a shot.


Richie has a good verticle and can get air very quick. His quick jump gives him an advantage over his opponents.

He used his head way to much.... if that is possible in soccer. Here he is passing the ball to a team mate up field.

We have had a wonderful time watching him play soccer. I will never forget the State Cup games, State Soccer Championship, and many tournament wins. I have been very proud of his effort and physical play. I am sure he was a little tired of us always there on the side lines. We have traveled to many states with Richie playing soccer.... its has been fun.
Thank you Sir Richie !

p.s. Richie will be running track this spring