Graduation Dinner - A Late Post

I am so far behind in my posts... We really had a good time at the dinner so I wanted to post a few words and images. After the Heather's commencement ceremony we all met at Los Hermanos for dinner.

Grandma and Grandpa G. share some time with the new graduate.

The only people at the dinner that you cannot see in this image is Jessica, Jacob, Derek and myself. Los Hermanos is one of our favorite places to take the family.

Heather opens one of her little graduation gifts. I am sure she had this book read before she went to bed that evening. Heather is the biggest book worm in the family.

She also likes jewelery and accessories. We plan on getting some more significant gifts at a later time.Waiting for chips and their world famous Los Hermanos salsa was almost pain staking. Grandpa is whispering sweet nothings into Grandma's ear.

Once the chips and salsa arrived Jacob went to work. I did appreciate the fact that Jacob let me have some of his salsa.

It is usually one dip and down the hatch. Gotta love those chips. Little bites chew and chew little man.

Little Derek had a great time with his daddy.

After a long day of work, Dan enjoyed a few moments with his youngest son.

Say awaaaaaa.....Derek is learning very fast and has a good time mimicking the faces of others.

Hey Dad, make that funny face again.

After we arrived home Heather wanted to play with the hummers. They fly so close you can feel the wind generated by those fast little wings.

Good thing these are not vampire hummers.

Heather we all enjoyed sharing this, once in a life time, experience with you. It is now time to take the next step in life. No not marriage... I would not currently support you in this endeavor. What I speak of is more school. Yea !! I think you will make a great teacher so do not doubt, have confidence and look out world here comes my youngest daughter.

One Big Catfish Got Away

Grandma and Grandpa and I wet a hook in Utah Lake this week. Everyone else was busy (soccer practice, doctors appointments, school etc.). We picked up some worms and off we went. As soon as we threw in our lines the fish started biting. Grandma and Grandpa both caught a nice channel cat and I caught a bull head catfish and a large carp. One of the fish Grandma hooked into was very large. It took off up and down the shore line on multiple runs.

Grandma and Grandpa sit waiting for the big bite.

One of the fish Grandma hooked into was very large. It took off up and down the shore line on multiple runs. Once it got close to the edge it lodged itself into the rocks. I reached my hand under the rocks to pull up the slimy vertebrate and it shook free from the line. I was very disappointed with the smooth catfish get away.

I hope Grandma and Grandpa found the experience relaxing. I know I had fun. Nice catch you guys. Don't forget I still have worms in the fridge just in case you want to tomorrow.

The trophy catfish is still in the lake but in Grandma's hands are a few good fillets for lunch. It is nice to see they both still have the passion of fishing.

Heather Walks, YouDaWoman

Who graduated Friday? You can see her in the image below. She is the happy one with a smile on her face. Your right, my little Heather is now on her way to adulthood. Heather has been accepted into UVU and will start taking classes this fall.

Heather's best friend Andrea can be seen to her right. They have been friends since 9th grade.

I walked down to the floor of the Marriott Center and saw Heather and all of her fellow graduates waiting in the tunnel. I was lucky enough to snap this image as she was walking out of the tunnel and into the spotlight.

Each graduate walked out in front of the crowd through the "big M". Many students gave a unique sign, dance or perplexed look. Heather gave her positive thumbs up to a loud cheer of Bruin Fans.

Diploma in hand, she walks across the stage a new women. Her walk and persona exudes confidence. Look out world her she comes. Yes, she is on her way. You go girl !!

Heather and three of her friends or am I seeing double. Hummm!

After the big walk we met for some images on the south east corner of the Marriott Center. We were missing one sibling. Angielubodabinga is in British Colombia on vacation with her hubby.

More family that came to the Marriott Center in support of our little Heather. How did Jacob get up there?

The next couple of images were taken by Rachel. We wanted a few graduations images of Heather. Do you recognize Heather's signature hand sign. Good job Heather. Your thumbs speak a thousand words. Even thousands...

Great choice of background Rachel. Cool color and texture along with the wind on her face. I like it. Oh, and the tree is a tricolor beech. We have to give the tree some props as well.

Rachel chose the front rock garden for this image. Interesting angle, a little wind and a great smile make for a good shot.

Happy Mom proudly stands next to Heather and a giant sequoia. Heather will be living at home which is very nice for us. We love having our kids stay with us.

Nice... we have Spiraea x vanhouttei in the background and a beautiful young lady in the foreground. You take great images Heather. We are all excited you made it through MVHS with a smile on your face. I look forward to working with you this summer in our new family business. Heather is the CEO of a new company called "Tomatoes R' US" You might see her along State Street in Orem Utah or at your door selling 12 different varieties of tomatoes. All cultivated organically with tender loving care. They don't call her Mrs. Lycopene for nothing.

Thanks Heather for a very enjoyable ride. Keep up the good work. We love you !

Richie YouDA Man

High School Soccer season is over and I wanted to post some of my favorite images of Richie.  It is a real thrill to watch Richie play soccer.  The physicality of the game is scary for parents to watch and we always pray for all the boys that they will not become injured.  I was proud he practiced hard and gave all he had during games.  I watch and reminisce about the days I had playing basketball and wonder what it would be like to move like that again (maybe in the next life, if I lose 50 pounds).  I have told all my kids that you have a small window of time playing sports, give it all you have while it lasts.  Don't just enjoy the ride, create it. 

As you read this it does not take long to figure we are Richie's number one fans. 

Richie has a good header.  Soccer players use their head in more than one way.  He scored on a header at least once this season.  

Nice balancing act.... all that hair provides a little protection.

Strength and speed help a striker to get around their opponent.  Richie likes to play attacking midfield and striker. 

Up up and away above the Orem tigers.  Orem has not been victorious against the Bruins in a very long time.  They have a very good team so there will continue to be hard fought games between these two rivals.

 

Richie out in front and on the attach. He had a nice cross on this run.

Check out his hair in this photo.  You can see where the ball was on his head.  Cool !

Richie scored the game winning header against this team (Provo) at home. 

After Richie scored on his header the team chased him down to celebrate.

Staying low on  the ball around his outside helps maintain ones speed.

Richie juked the defender, ran around him and up the middle of the field.

Richie and the defender when up for a header on a free kick.  He has the defenders shirt and looks like he is about to punch him.  No harm was done.  Richie was fouled many times in the box this year as he came within striking distance.

Tapping the ball on the outside of  his foot Richie prepares for a cross.

 Helping out on the defensive end with a slide tackle.

High flying header pass down field.

Looking cool with his big quads. 

It got a little physical a few times.  The kid on the bottom has his hand around Richie's shoulder and would not let him up.  So to encourage him to let go, Richie was just about ready to give him a pop in the leg. Luckily he didn't because he would have been carded.

Sneaking in behind to pick off the ball.  Good old fashion double team.

Richie gets to the ball first and heads out a cross.  Nice technique shown with hooking his opponents arm.  Richie runs from the striker position and plays defense during corner kicks.  They need his height and hops to clear the ball.  With his speed he can get back into offensive position .Thanks for a great season Richie.  

Don't forget:  Train, Train, Train,  Love Dad

Little Glucose Monsters

Our little migratory friends have started to feed in with gusto.  We have seen three different species with most individuals being male.  Some have serious attitudes and stake their sugary claim in hopes to chase of all competitors.   

We have four different feeding stations and are planning on putting up a few more.  Lynne has been attracting the hummers for about 5 years.  It seems like every year we get more coming to our humble synthetic flower station. Lynne used a 2:1 water/sugar solution. 

  
Once you get them coming you will need to budget for granulated sugar.  They are ferocious glucose monsters.

Watching the birds is memorizing and stress reducing.  Give it a try.