The Agony of Defeat

The intro to ABC's Wide World of Sports featured the legendary Jim McKay reminding us of "… the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat… the human drama of athletic competition… " Ryan has become well-aquainted with both. As the the Boston Celtics return to their home to Massachussettes tonight, licking their wounds from their game seven loss to the Lakers, Ryan (no. 5 above) was reminded of how coming so close to winning it all leaves little consolation in the moment. His baseball team came within one dramatic out of winning his league's championship.

We are so grateful for the poise and gracious response his coaches showed in the midst of the drama and tension. We have been so impressed with the Cal Ripkin Little League and for Ryan's development in athletic skill as well as character. I try to point out to him that unfortunately he can't always win and that in some ways knowing that he can lose, makes the accomplishment of winning, just that much more rewarding. (I'm not sure if it's just because I am his dad, but it seems to give him little comfort)

His post-season award included a giant cupcake and a poster of the photo that you see below. He was invited to come back next year by his coaches and was praised for his development and contribution to the team.

Kid looks great in that uniform, doesn't he?

Growing Up

Abby graduated from pre-school May 22. Naxt year she will enter kindergarten at Pioneer Elementary School, with her brothers. We are so proud of her.

Power Up!

June 5 was Will's birthday. He desperately wanted a Nintendo DS and anything short of that would not suffice. His wish was fulfilled with a Mario Brothers themed birthday party and a trip to Wahooz fun center.

He is obviously very excited by his new gifts. All proceeds from Will's birthday were used toward the purchase of additional Nintendo games and Nerf guns.

This place is a Zoo!

The weather has finally decided to be Spring. We had Bisimana, who is a friend of Ryan and Will, over after church. We played some ball in the driveway, watched the Celtics hammer the Magic in game one, and finished the afternoon with a quick trip to the Zoo. Our family is fun.

Batter up!

Ry has turned into a hittin' machine... which gives him all the more reason to love baseball.

His Grandma and Grandpa K came for a weekend visit (you can see Grandma K, Lisa, and Epa in the background--Grandpa K is taking the picture). He is a fast baserunner and has been a terrific outfielder. We are all impressed.

By the way, I'm the umpire wearing the bright blue pants. Go Rangers! *they beat Horshoe Bend 18-5*

Bouble Digits

The first thing I heard this morning was Ryan stating to me proudly,"hey Dad, I'm double digits!"

My boy is 10 years old.Ryan maximized his birthday. From early in the morning until a later-than-usual bedtime, the day was centered around him and things he likes to do. We began by participating in the Meridian School District-wide fun run. Last year he and I ran it together. This year he ran it to win and ditched his old man finishing in the top fifteen (of all students in the District).We ran right out of the track and headed to his next event. Baseball. His love of the sport is growing, thanks to all of the encouragement support he is receiving from his family, and the success he is experiencing. His coach "gets him" and has really invested in his development. So naturally, that helps Lisa and I really enjoy baseball, too. We ate lunch at one of his favorite restaurants and then headed to the bowling alley. After we all bowled ten frames, we came back to the house, where Rick set up a fun obstacle course in the park, with some of his P.E. gear, for the kids to run through in timed competition. This was requested by Ry, as he tends to enjoy competition in any form. We ate pizza and opened presents (many of which, were green). We ate cake and per Ryan's request, played games until way past his bedtime. A nice boy like this kid deserved all that attention. Happy Birthday Ryan

Blue n Orange

Saturday was the annual Blue and Orange Game at Bronco stadium. We, along with the Goehners and Epa, took the kids down before Ryan's baseball game for the "kids' experince" that Coach Peterson had set up for kids in our community, prior to the scrimmage.

Our kids were not disappointed. Will and Abby ran routs for Jeremy Avery and Ryan caught passes from Doug Martin. Though we later learned that the kids were not supposed to be recieving autographs from players, Ry was able to have #22 sign his hat.

When the players went to the locker room, Coach Pete rallied the kids at center field for an inspirational speech, He implored them all to work hard in school and to keep their rooms clean. Dude really knows how to make and keep fans--parents loved that message. ***notice Ryan standing in the picture's foreground***

Our kids are true, blue Boise State Bronco fans.

Go Blue!

He is Risen, Indeed!

Our Easter Sunday was full of family fun, as always. We celebrated as a family over at the Goehners' along with Ema and Epa, and Brendan's parents. The kids hunted eggs in the backyard and we all rested well.

Saturday prior to Easter we met up with the Fairbanks family, who are in town visiting from Indonesia. It was freezing outside (literally), so the kids made quick work of the Church's Easter Egg hunt before we went home to thaw out.

Fireman

Uncle Drew serves the Marion Co. Rural Fire District. We went for a visit.

Play Ball!...

Ryan is playing baseball. He is very excited about the competitive nature of the Cal Ripkin league that he has joined. He has proudly been telling anyone who will listen, that he tried out and that he was chosen, by the coaches, for his speed. He is also excited by the end of year tournament that decides a league champion.

The first few games were cold....really cold. Yesterday's game start-time was 9am and it was below freezing when the first pitch was thrown. He is having fun learning a new game and its nuances -- you know, important stuff like how to spit sunflower seeds and stay warm in the dugout.

As you can tell, he runs the bases well. He has played primarily 3B and CF. His first game, he made a great force out play off a grounder.

Baseball will become more fun as the weather turns and his parents don't have to bundle quite so much to stay warm at the games.