tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63488309972430099492024-02-06T22:28:21.157-08:00Sierra Sunshine CrewOur Little Slice of HeavenSkeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-14476962464383791762022-12-26T21:52:00.000-08:002022-12-26T21:52:46.306-08:00December 2022 <p> A very long overdue update to be sure. For those who are taking the time to visit this ol' place we used to keep current, don't mind the decade gap between posts. You are the real troopers venturing in old territory!</p><p>Some of the notables this year:</p><p>Lathan (19) spent his Freshman year at BYU-Provo, majoring in Chemistry. He loved his classes, but was a bit overwhelmed with trying to get some ridiculously fast swim cuts to be considered for the BYU swim team (they don't have a water polo program, club or otherwise). That on top of being called as Ward Executive Secretary to a new Bishop made for a busy, BUSY schedule. He averaged 20-24 hours per week taking care of the calling duties, then swam, then felt the labs required to stay ahead and succeed in Chem were a bit much. He felt it necessary to drop swim. Then with COVID restrictions still in place, he wasn't as free to roam and participate in sporting and spiritual events on campus quite as he would have liked. He got through a rather strenuous freshman year well enough and plans to return post-mission. In the meantime, he is spending this school year attending Sierra College. He joined their water polo team after a two-year hiatus (from being swim-focused) and was able to play on the same team again with some of his oldest water polo buddies. They went all the way to State Champs and placed 3rd! The lead up was quite exciting to see Lathan play a clutch role in getting the team to qualify the weekend before Champs. He played such amazing games, but was unfortunate to receive a hard shot to the head that resulted in a concussion that took him out for the rest of the season. No practices, and no Champs game for him. So sad, but worth keeping him out of the game. He still has to be careful, but he is [mostly] recovered. He will continue to finish the school year, while preparing his LDS Mission papers and giving swim one last hurrah to defend Sierra's State Champ title. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpohLP1CSbpADBblSVuHWsp2Aq1_e8Yf3nwBjvft8H0-8-oktmxulymP1tozWkbuHaXPOcYlXJ3RfiiNnaGvZUq08bFpJ0MqV5AgKC_JIgqmHTFOBrTWuc6v0Iqxqkk3H49qr9Q2tO0-82aSKt8r4uKuzll0Rgm2Ez8SdrKEbK0LADx_RMYt4TDFHfsg/s4032/IMG_4351.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpohLP1CSbpADBblSVuHWsp2Aq1_e8Yf3nwBjvft8H0-8-oktmxulymP1tozWkbuHaXPOcYlXJ3RfiiNnaGvZUq08bFpJ0MqV5AgKC_JIgqmHTFOBrTWuc6v0Iqxqkk3H49qr9Q2tO0-82aSKt8r4uKuzll0Rgm2Ez8SdrKEbK0LADx_RMYt4TDFHfsg/s320/IMG_4351.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{Glasses for blue light protection as he recovered from concussion}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Kaelan (17) is a senior at Granite Bay High School and has grown into quite the determined young man, albeit spazzy. His quirky nature is generally reserved for home audiences, but his pizzazz is all time. Ironically, we have found that despite his wackiness, his grounded nature to be such a comfort to the chaos that our house can be. He is the ultimate instigator of things, whether it be love, discord, peace, pet shenanigans, or dinner and snack ideas. He was deeply affected scholastically by the COVID educational arrangements and perhaps lost some of his passion for certain subjects. Even still, math, stats, and number crunching in general is still his go to. He is a fact encyclopedia and is quick to correct people (anyone) who is not a truth teller. As such, he loves learning and plans to serve an LDS Mission right after graduation. He will finish the official paperwork and submit before winter is out to be sure he gets a summer start date. He continues to play water polo and loved his senior year, so he will continue through the rest of the school year playing club polo with his high school team. It was a bit surprising to us parents that he took this route because he decided last summer that he was going to swim only. He did club swim and made fantastic improvements in his times and saw more discipline than I've ever seen from this boy. A short break ensued to play senior water polo at the high school. He mentioned going straight back to swim right after polo. That has since changed, so swim will be a lesser focus this coming year. He is the one boy who has to wear glasses. He ventured into wearing contacts for a time, but has since decided it's too much maintenance to make it worth it. So telling, really. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm66TowoBVnRe_J1zsJ5JkTxIqSA1GIBXiigE8oiN1cTBASB6N5xTWOxSevRLjl76UFL5xMuQa8yxPgF9YgmbE779UmH_sb9pI00T74Qkjhm7mJ6uNPeb_jUVfcrWXhzenCy2ziIZ5zzFHdJQqQ0bEmwqEfEat3sv4PFTdGc5JkT5a-RC1wiJbr9vA/s4032/IMG_2090.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm66TowoBVnRe_J1zsJ5JkTxIqSA1GIBXiigE8oiN1cTBASB6N5xTWOxSevRLjl76UFL5xMuQa8yxPgF9YgmbE779UmH_sb9pI00T74Qkjhm7mJ6uNPeb_jUVfcrWXhzenCy2ziIZ5zzFHdJQqQ0bEmwqEfEat3sv4PFTdGc5JkT5a-RC1wiJbr9vA/s320/IMG_2090.HEIC" width="240" /></a></p><p>Both Lathan and Kaelan are complete again being in each other's daily lives again. I do feel that the physical separation was harder for them than they'd like to admit last year. I saw it firsthand; so, I am beyond grateful to have everyone, but especially those two, back together again. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VqI4gf3jOzF1clChojCaUiXYmeiyar3Gw4FRAdeLljg8VeL6sNpArAKoyhW4kP2fEMfPDAjTR-WG2qdHzKZlPLYzGmoP-u-rmVclalpUi4o6EzWPBV82R9nCZLpyXD3G0VbzKETHwbfcqj_8x6JUwvLkXS1AenISZErFADiOAEl27Hh2L1R1DLEjGQ/s4032/IMG_2132.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VqI4gf3jOzF1clChojCaUiXYmeiyar3Gw4FRAdeLljg8VeL6sNpArAKoyhW4kP2fEMfPDAjTR-WG2qdHzKZlPLYzGmoP-u-rmVclalpUi4o6EzWPBV82R9nCZLpyXD3G0VbzKETHwbfcqj_8x6JUwvLkXS1AenISZErFADiOAEl27Hh2L1R1DLEjGQ/s320/IMG_2132.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Jeydan, aka JJ, (15) is doing things a completely different way. He is a social butterfly that needs constant reminders of how exclusive dating is frowned upon until he turns 16. He is the only one that has ever pushed the limits of social privileges with following curfews and timely announcements of plans. As such, he has been known to lose his phone for long lengths of time for what he considers to be small infractions. We have strict phone usage rules and he seems to "forget" them often. He is also so motivated to do any and all assignments, home or scholastic, not only on time, but EARLY. It's true that he is trying to plow through the list of to-dos so that he can have more free time with friends, so we find the quality of work could use some improvements. But WOW. He never needs reminding when asked or tasked with something left for him to do. That's something we will never complain about! Additionally, he is now behind the wheel with a driver's permit, which was terrifying at the start. Truly, huge improvements since the start, but for reals, that was SCARY for a bit. We are grateful to the man who laughed off getting bumped into with JJ behind the wheel 😳. He is also playing water polo and likes the social aspect of the game better than swim, so he gravitates to the polo over swim every time. He was the only freshman to be on the 16u A team last year and received this year's JV MVP award for the high school season. He continues to eye roll over swim training, but he has the talent base there. I hope one day he will put real training time to see what might come of it. He is doing well in school overall and it's fun to have a son to do Promposals and take to pre-dance parent gatherings for pictures. He's not quite open to talking about it all, but we are working on that. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVByo62EZFXhQHqWCucn3CWYlFffb2kG-13TY5qga5lH2cCXoub6KKQeXYklHqCXsmVYO41Zscf5o7IdmVfl0jYE7P2F0Ru97Wtp4RRRXvMKyswpDs19KIrHKmRzkPjtcxqM-9YgYm25iU7ENnjnLzvz4Moxivj9gwcwkpuADq3NF1Or9--eXQ6kOMA/s4032/IMG_2990.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVByo62EZFXhQHqWCucn3CWYlFffb2kG-13TY5qga5lH2cCXoub6KKQeXYklHqCXsmVYO41Zscf5o7IdmVfl0jYE7P2F0Ru97Wtp4RRRXvMKyswpDs19KIrHKmRzkPjtcxqM-9YgYm25iU7ENnjnLzvz4Moxivj9gwcwkpuADq3NF1Or9--eXQ6kOMA/s320/IMG_2990.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Haefan (13) is still a soccer fan. He loves to be with friends, too, but only a few at a time. He picks his small group and sticks with them. The real change came this year with him changing schools from the Classical Education charter school that he's been at since 2nd grade to the local junior high that is conveniently across the street. This was a bold change for a boy that usually wants nothing to do with change. After a few months in, he is still LOVING his new school. He loves his Spanish class (his favorite!) and his History/English core class. He is gifted in math like his brothers, but I have a sneaking suspicion that he is more humanities oriented (is that a lefty brain thing, maybe?). He just loves language and writing. He is a very talented singer it turns out, too; but he will only sing at home for a very selective audience (the pets and mom). He also has taken a love for water polo, but like his older bro JJ, he does not care for swim. He is a lucky dog in that he is a lefty, which is quite the advantage for this sport. He is a talented game strategist like his other brothers and is growing into a quite the force in the water. One of his most lovable traits is how much he loves his fur babies. He lives to love them. It is the sweetest thing to see. He also reminds me so much of Lathan. I'm not kidding that his lefty ways are always showing up in wacky ways. He just thinks differently. He is more quick to show emotion and is especially sensitive to the subtleties of the room's vibe. Also, he is the ONLY boy that has ever expressed explicit interest to go snowboarding with mom. YAYYYY! So, Mom is happy to oblige. He is snuggly and loves to be with mom in general, which makes him the perfect caboose to this crazy clan. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXpjGKssHk2nGY3A4AA40Jx0CxrVY11MdgL8a-Vad0FLMp-ZWg5K49wmfVEhAxPcx8uPd_UvMG32KCrnAutFo1SSfjF1SDRrR5kdIJ8mBu5fEmXdOaVOLNFo_CP6YnQfnjIWUQtTgbSvtIiyGecShzezZDlNgzGSexmtV3_bxnj2HOCY3OXQTfEeS2g/s4032/IMG_3518.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXpjGKssHk2nGY3A4AA40Jx0CxrVY11MdgL8a-Vad0FLMp-ZWg5K49wmfVEhAxPcx8uPd_UvMG32KCrnAutFo1SSfjF1SDRrR5kdIJ8mBu5fEmXdOaVOLNFo_CP6YnQfnjIWUQtTgbSvtIiyGecShzezZDlNgzGSexmtV3_bxnj2HOCY3OXQTfEeS2g/s320/IMG_3518.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Mama Gigi had some fun (and strange) adventures this past year. She began the year with a running start being a permanent sub for a Catholic school at the mid-year start. Ugh. That was tough. Psychiatrists were seen. Solo getaways were booked. Junior high for the private sector with unexperienced classroom teacher isn't for the faint of heart. Haha. Happy to say that everyone survived, but Mom realized that quality of life is more important than anything; so she took off to Peru for 10 days - and not to the mountains - but to the sea. She found the longest surf left in the world and surfed it with other ladies and mamas that love the ocean just like her. After returning, she realized that the ocean is her special space. She still loves the trails, but she stopped trail running regularly. With Haefan being so close to school, this left Mom a lot more free time avoiding the pick up and drop off mayhem that came with the charter school. Now mom gets to go on runs and snow fun days away from home without the pressure of being back at a non-negotiable time. She has found other things to distract her with this flexibility. Like, she decided that substitute teaching for the high school was more her jam these days. She happens to know this crowd well and so it turns out she's quite adept at it. So much so that Placer County awarded her a generous grant to get her teaching credential this coming year. She will pursue a single subject math credential. For now, however, she is happy to spend these next 6 months with her family all together before the two oldest leave the nest for a time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1aFv3BENm_SwrUFrf8fUY7wOlrBEY4pL7sXnFWy0WFwwOHQ_c2cLfJ9D4wCet_PWW7JPf3qDYfbUy7fn121nFgMgyoe90J7nLs9hlvvGSs7o0oc9l_VTmkwW6j_PJ163iFcEieAZkg36RbBP3Bz_AjLfuaY6l-c8ymMKITm7hrYqFsjt8PTYUgh14w/s2075/IMG_4648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="2075" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1aFv3BENm_SwrUFrf8fUY7wOlrBEY4pL7sXnFWy0WFwwOHQ_c2cLfJ9D4wCet_PWW7JPf3qDYfbUy7fn121nFgMgyoe90J7nLs9hlvvGSs7o0oc9l_VTmkwW6j_PJ163iFcEieAZkg36RbBP3Bz_AjLfuaY6l-c8ymMKITm7hrYqFsjt8PTYUgh14w/s320/IMG_4648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Daddy Dave is working tirelessly. He is growing his surgery practice quite a bit and will be adding ANOTHER physician this coming year to keep up. He continues to find enjoyment in what he does with a focus on robotic surgery these last few years. He enjoys the management aspect of the practice but still enjoys taking care of his patients. As always, he struggles to find the ideal balance between family, work, church and fun. He loves watching his boys compete in swimming, water polo and soccer. He still loves being outdoors and had the opportunity to do some safety sweeps and radio sweeps for some of the local ultramarathon races, such as Western States 100 mile, The Canyons 100k and Rio Del Lago 100 mile race. He still is the endurance king whether it's work marathons or ultra marathon middle of the night safety help. He finally made the leap to getting a real truck to take to future adventures, most likely in the backwoods where no one can find him (or reach him by phone), only to find out that something wasn't quite right with the truck. After repeated attempts to resolve the mystery issue, GMC finally agreed to take the truck back and to replace it with another brand new one in its place. It's not quite that easy, but he feels better knowing that GMC is attempting to rectify the situation. We will see how this all unfolds in the coming year. He is the rock of this family and shows us what a man, father, and Priesthood holder should be. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRPvaCF8nmiOYlV28q6ECQkI0aCFWAROWN9SzIiH7_uwbIMjSN_JpXjPaIGNj0r15Yahwl35cbP_FC1q0pDQsatcCnnAg14W1mS7dpWFaf8RKyD9mm83nzgQ7or0CayqC0JoaLM63Gai5_bw8ACm7EkYSznHx9518s012xOv6xuRPd5Omxil3tYNdIQ/s4032/IMG_4147.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRPvaCF8nmiOYlV28q6ECQkI0aCFWAROWN9SzIiH7_uwbIMjSN_JpXjPaIGNj0r15Yahwl35cbP_FC1q0pDQsatcCnnAg14W1mS7dpWFaf8RKyD9mm83nzgQ7or0CayqC0JoaLM63Gai5_bw8ACm7EkYSznHx9518s012xOv6xuRPd5Omxil3tYNdIQ/s320/IMG_4147.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Our labradoodle is now 13 years old!! He is loving and kind as he's always been. His age has slowed him down and his voice has become more strained, but he is as excitable and happy as he was as a puppy. He is more spoiled than ever now that he gets invited to sleep on the bed and sit on the sofa (on a blanket assigned to him). We just don't know how long he will be around, so we give him all the leniencies these days. Our kitty of 8 years, Cleopatra, has been the best and most patient cat with handsy, snuggly boys. She is so gentle; however, we threw a wrench in the family dynamic by adding a new kitty that needed a new home. She is Calypso, a 4 year-old kitty that is likely a Lynx Point Siamese with perhaps a shred of Maine Coon. She's so lovely and social (unlike Cleo), but Cleo has yet to accept this new way of life. So for now, they are separated by doors and constantly supervised and escorted when paths may need to be crossed (when Cleo wants to go outside). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoKOtAvmvS595QN51NzHdtuLD-FTdSjf3wZZxDyk7zFA64zTz9J5W0cgvraP-8ZPphk8eIDY7YEGG69L2FNrWSBG_HuLOxkSyK22U7EAwDUBBtQNgF-8LdtkzwyRvnCgFNc6JykAUnxr07VPkNPHJtwKYHgPDyLD0wB9SR4e0OiYx4JhvDGYEOy1QAQ/s4032/IMG_4546.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoKOtAvmvS595QN51NzHdtuLD-FTdSjf3wZZxDyk7zFA64zTz9J5W0cgvraP-8ZPphk8eIDY7YEGG69L2FNrWSBG_HuLOxkSyK22U7EAwDUBBtQNgF-8LdtkzwyRvnCgFNc6JykAUnxr07VPkNPHJtwKYHgPDyLD0wB9SR4e0OiYx4JhvDGYEOy1QAQ/s320/IMG_4546.HEIC" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDHyATzHZgVviF3dhmHYpc_lIIfd0SqX33BGCFSfSAaU6fpK_XTBxLlxV0CzqopLxacqc0Hkk-33bHdg3c_wdmMhFiuVGYR6XbzSZnKX8MyFQw0jbV7clLf1Zd6SVtYBu9nNHngZnK6S0ga_M2H7e0g35-hrU0fYSt8ViL-Jinwlh2XSxfGay6LPUOw/s4032/IMG_4505.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDHyATzHZgVviF3dhmHYpc_lIIfd0SqX33BGCFSfSAaU6fpK_XTBxLlxV0CzqopLxacqc0Hkk-33bHdg3c_wdmMhFiuVGYR6XbzSZnKX8MyFQw0jbV7clLf1Zd6SVtYBu9nNHngZnK6S0ga_M2H7e0g35-hrU0fYSt8ViL-Jinwlh2XSxfGay6LPUOw/s320/IMG_4505.HEIC" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMo76k1EUG7IcVRrwxzG4qfocaQs7wh0JTL-50xHtdPiG6dTWLMu3M0g_z7tttq7P_QQTwYtjS8YlIFG_AeTGJKHFoxVshhRKdTp2boHqjYIjx7Pu26cc27g6ojsuuebwPeTVe0-OukoU9n41Hq6Sa9AZJdOnvP2Zm4haROxVntO4GWSpRdyscX3Pcg/s4032/IMG_4478.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMo76k1EUG7IcVRrwxzG4qfocaQs7wh0JTL-50xHtdPiG6dTWLMu3M0g_z7tttq7P_QQTwYtjS8YlIFG_AeTGJKHFoxVshhRKdTp2boHqjYIjx7Pu26cc27g6ojsuuebwPeTVe0-OukoU9n41Hq6Sa9AZJdOnvP2Zm4haROxVntO4GWSpRdyscX3Pcg/s320/IMG_4478.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The boys are growing up and are on the cusp of moving on beyond our walls of what we've known as home for so very long. We are so excited for them, but are truly savoring these last moments with them all together. Yes, there are many lessons yet to be learned from everyone still. There are moments of drama and emotion to deal with. We are finding ways to cram life lessons while they flex their muscles the way that teenagers do; but we couldn't be more grateful for these turds of joy. They show us how to be better people. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ891d7g7ZSKuh1JmqVJF3STyaRm21mi6Ypyd0mIjd0fgmbDb4aSkohKxWaNNYlRBUq25MxGAeQJ6pnxnzab--RRbJJf538MCtVkZaoYrgJyiCdVAtpDjPKr9hENips-GDV7wHkYIqv2XWh9NLRrAfJoJ3OHkQsN-oHsQ1b8IwAc67OjOjijP4Kln7qA/s4032/IMG_4637.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ891d7g7ZSKuh1JmqVJF3STyaRm21mi6Ypyd0mIjd0fgmbDb4aSkohKxWaNNYlRBUq25MxGAeQJ6pnxnzab--RRbJJf538MCtVkZaoYrgJyiCdVAtpDjPKr9hENips-GDV7wHkYIqv2XWh9NLRrAfJoJ3OHkQsN-oHsQ1b8IwAc67OjOjijP4Kln7qA/s320/IMG_4637.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We miss you all and hope to see you in the coming year! We are always up for adventure, so if there's something crazy on your bucket list, please reach out and we are likely to say yes. 🤩🥳</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLljdwE6jUIDCNt3elpls7GMiBGjjNIbszdbgKMcnGwp_r5cnZeP6I4_z_RDrT4ImJij_4TerwtO5kDVxfDaliK7Wr5bcJDkhHo4fEkSjtrOynHXKjc21vI_DxaEkCKd9NIHMP3NWei3kL9NKx0kM3b8xDmJMzhC58eSxgQg1YibZVRNisUBw4b4kC0A/s4032/IMG_4154.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLljdwE6jUIDCNt3elpls7GMiBGjjNIbszdbgKMcnGwp_r5cnZeP6I4_z_RDrT4ImJij_4TerwtO5kDVxfDaliK7Wr5bcJDkhHo4fEkSjtrOynHXKjc21vI_DxaEkCKd9NIHMP3NWei3kL9NKx0kM3b8xDmJMzhC58eSxgQg1YibZVRNisUBw4b4kC0A/s320/IMG_4154.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><br />Skeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-71933861398863393072016-11-20T21:56:00.000-08:002016-11-20T22:01:00.846-08:00Holiday 2016<a href="https://www.mixbook.com/cards/holiday/skeehan-year-in-review-14444299?vk=j2rCRPSd6C">Holiday 2016</a><br />
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Happy Thanksgiving! Grateful to all and everything in our lives. :)<br />
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<script async="" src="https://www.mixbook.com/flash/embed_player.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Skeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-74763799400020218272014-08-24T21:46:00.002-07:002014-08-24T21:46:38.039-07:00Dave's Take<br />
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A lot of things happen in our house. A lot. All the time. 4 boys and a dog. Craziness happens daily. Here is just a little update as to what is going on with who.<br />
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Haefan. He is five. Can read like crazy. Just like his brothers. He gets that from me. I can say that because, when first dating and being married, I used to tease Griselda that she had more TVs in her house than books. He loves soccer. He can actually score. He gets that from Griselda. She pretty much gets whatever she wants. He has crazy blond hair. He can surf.<br />
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Jeydan. He is 7. Still wants to be a professional soccer player. Almost was convinced at becoming a professional surfer after our family reunion in Newport Beach, which was AWESOME!!! Loves to read. He is cruising through the Harry Potter series right now. Such a cuddle bug. Definitely a lady's man. Loves to play with hair.<br />
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Kaelan. He is 9. Sorry to keep saying the same thing, but he LOVES reading. It is like a drug. The guy really knows how to get lost in a book. I mean really lost. Like yelling at him from 10 feet away without a clue of what is going on lost. Gets Griselda's goat like no other.<br />
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Lathan. He is 11. Started Boy Scouts. Strong and pure but sometimes fearful. Willing to do what is right but has a hard time always standing apart from others. Not that he would participate in wrong doing but more that he would stand by or hide if able. Playing soccer. Loving it. Starting water polo soon. He is really going to be a good water polo player. Dedicated and determined.<br />
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de-Griselda. She is beautiful. Wonderful. What more can I say. Trying to clear out the house with a mega garage sale soon. She is looking forward to decluttering and possibly getting some more new things to clutter our house with.<br />
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Dave. Me. I am here. Just happy to be along for the ride on this crazy train that is the Skeehan family.<br />
Trying to be more grateful for what I have. Really trying to get out into the outdoors more. Living on the footsteps to the Sierras is like temptation city. I hear the mountains calling constantly. Dabbling in the distance running. Obviously not for speed but I enjoy the challenge.<br />
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Loved seeing so many family and friends this summer. Sorry if we missed anyone. So glad that you guys are all part of our life. Stay in touch always.Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-68925453958657974972012-12-17T16:04:00.002-08:002012-12-17T16:05:37.735-08:00Sandy Hook<br />
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This post is NOT the Christmas Letter. :) This was so great that I just had to repost. There is such hope in this. </div>
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The Christmas Letter 2012 follows this post. I'd love to hear from you in the comments!</div>
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-Griselda</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "We're spending Christmas at God's house.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">When what to their wondering eyes did appear,</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Then He opened His arms and He called them by name. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Those children all flew into the arms of their King </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And as if He could read all the questions she had </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad." </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Then He looked down on earth, the world far below </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!" </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools" </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!" </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Then He and the children stood up without a sound. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"Come now my children, let me show you around." </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.</span></div>
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Skeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-59010331597461425402012-12-11T01:34:00.001-08:002012-12-13T18:00:58.315-08:00Christmas Letter 2012Merry Christmas friends!<br />
A year in pictures...<br />
I think I may have this Blogger bug fixed. I am attempting a new way to upload photos and content. If this works, I'll be back to this blogging thing regularly!<br />
So to touch on a few things~<br />
Dave & Griselda:<br />
We had a lot of adventure, but thankfully the year was void of too much drama. Phew! Some of the more notable events included Dave running himself ragged in several ultra events: Way Too Cool, 35 miles; AR50, 50 miles, and a pacer for my bff Betsy in the Wasatch 100, for which he ran 39 miles with her. I tried running, but nothing ultra (yikes!), with a 25k with my buddy, Lisa. I enjoyed the run with no major hiccups. I hated the triple-digit heat on dusty trails, though. We also did a cancer fundraiser for UCSF and swam "across the Bay" - really, we just jumped off a yacht under the GG Bridge, then swam to Crissy Field WITH the current for 1.5 miles. Not too bad. My highlight was being able to be in the water with some of the more notable USA Water Polo gals! Then we also completed the Tough Mudder quite successfully, I might add. So we will be back for this coming year's Mudder. Any takers? We'd love you to join us!<br />
Lathan:<br />
Doing great in school. Working hard at reading long books so that he can watch the movies (his reward). He finished The Hobbit most recently and is excited for that release and heard they are making it a trilogy - he hopes. What a bargain that would be, huh? He did water polo camp at Stanford with a good buddy of his while the other two participated in a tennis camp on campus over the summer. He found a love for basketball, most recently and wants to be the next Jimmer Fredette. <br />
Kaelan:<br />
Seeing the benefit of reading books when there is a movie at the end of it. We had to draw the line, though. We now say he has to PASS the AR test in order to get that reward. Yep. He's that kid that reads the words but doesn't process it so much. He loves basketball, too, and is loving flag football. He also found a love for skateboarding. He is as bright as ever and is getting to be quite the clown; however, we are still working on appropriate humor...<br />
Jeydan:<br />
LOVES soccer! He is a natural at pretty much every sport he has tried, but just adores soccer. He is excelling at reading and math, so Kindergarten is more a social thing right now for him. He loves his friends and needs action at all times. <br />
Haefan:<br />
Enjoying preschool, mostly. He loves his teachers and the classroom, but sometimes finds the getting up and getting out of the house a bit tiresome. He knows so much for a little guy! He is good at articulating his thoughts, so he is the wunderkind that says the darndest things! He is a gentle soul - and a LEFTY! I will fully admit that any strange, or unexplained idiosyncrasies will be blamed on that. Ha ha!<br />
I also wanted to add that we are taking a BREAK from swim team in more than 2.5 years!!!! It feels SO good to have dinner time back and evenings to unwind…after the football, water polo, and basketball practices are over. :) At least those are all BEFORE dinner. <br />
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Now on to the photos: <br />
Let's just begin this crazy year of adventure with a crazy hair day, shall we? Here is to my bed head king...<br />
<img alt="IMG 5553" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-34Fy7D4Jygs/UMb7-pNqz9I/AAAAAAAAEAI/RiyvEfCCJMQ/IMG_5553.jpg?imgmax=800" title="IMG_5553.jpg" width="400" /><br />
At least this day his hair and personality were NOT in sync.<br />
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<img alt="SAM 0012" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mXSFrMzLJuY/UMb8BQ6TjzI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/eki_zRoKoCY/SAM_0012.JPG?imgmax=800" title="SAM_0012.JPG" width="450" /><br />
A quick trip to Echo Lake (COLD!!!) where fishing off the dock was our fave.<br />
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<img alt="IMG 5647" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yzpz3S6Fb6g/UMb8D0w-vgI/AAAAAAAAEAY/KDG_y7NaGB0/IMG_5647.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_5647.JPG" width="600" /><br />
Haefan's BFF, Chloe, at his little 3rd Bday Celebration at home.<br />
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Not only obsessed with these guys, but a true master. Schools us all.<br />
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Still hasn't grasped the blowing out vs. up concept. So cute!<br />
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What an appropriate poster for the American River 50 (50 mile ultra run).<br />
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At the last real aid station before the finish. We waited there a LONG... LONG time, so...<br />
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We became quite comfortable with the surrounding area...<br />
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Tact and reservation were no longer within our reach at this point as you can plainly see!<br />
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We love our uncle Pete. What a guy!<br />
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<img alt="IMG 5749" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8UmZ6qTuELU/UMb8YtY4t9I/AAAAAAAAEBY/K4OaJZzLb6E/IMG_5749.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_5749.JPG" width="600" /><br />
Dave was HURTING here. Pretty silent and removed. Good thing Pete was all smiles!<br />
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Waiting for his painful deep massage post race.<br />
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Our special birthday entrance for the special dude, J.J.<br />
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We do donuts for breakfast on their birthday. Their favorite!<br />
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Oh how proud it makes me that the boys LOVE the ocean and its creatures! This is at J.J.'s old preschool room after a special birthday celebration.<br />
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We went to SkyZone for J.J.'s family celebration. <br />
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<img alt="IMG 5841" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rg0-205NzdE/UMb8pNBlgtI/AAAAAAAAECI/6PBXTIA950s/IMG_5841.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_5841.JPG" width="600" /><br />
At J.J.'s preschool graduation. It was HOT that day!<br />
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<img alt="IMG 5864" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3ikTPKRk5CI/UMb8r7u8E_I/AAAAAAAAECQ/XiUkmsLzD3A/IMG_5864.jpg?imgmax=800" title="IMG_5864.jpg" width="400" /><br />
J.J. really does give the best hugs EVER. <br />
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<img alt="IMG 5868" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AXbcz8nfrsY/UMb8vPMeAiI/AAAAAAAAECY/hOefcVa1XKM/IMG_5868.jpg?imgmax=800" title="IMG_5868.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Can you tell how proud he is??? I was beaming, too. :)<br />
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<img alt="IMG 5924" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zQNLsy3CPyQ/UMb8yEw3DPI/AAAAAAAAECg/W4C2N9N1NDU/IMG_5924.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_5924.JPG" width="600" /><br />
I can tell you that the cute J.J. smile is all Dave and that monster face is all Mom. Lol.<br />
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<img alt="IMG 5935" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G9KABmdBPT4/UMb809LlzBI/AAAAAAAAECo/6tu4PW-lerI/IMG_5935.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_5935.JPG" width="600" /><br />
He is quite the wicked hitter!<br />
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<img alt="IMG 5944" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VUpfV0NGEBw/UMb83kfgxLI/AAAAAAAAECw/E0gRajE77ms/IMG_5944.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_5944.JPG" width="600" /><br />
He was on the young side here, but really learned so much. <br />
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<img alt="IMG 6017" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aTdrs21Ecvs/UMb88D6G4bI/AAAAAAAAEC4/FP8jG0ZcS80/IMG_6017.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6017.JPG" width="600" /><br />
What a water polo stud. <br />
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<img alt="IMG 6001" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZdbBcp2-b8c/UMb9Ggo--PI/AAAAAAAAEDA/A_DSA0eU2LQ/IMG_6001.jpg?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6001.jpg" width="400" /><br />
*sigh* I love Stanford. <br />
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<img alt="IMG 6102" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aS-H0Vcx5j0/UMb9IHk2Q8I/AAAAAAAAEDI/cBqZZw-Niy4/IMG_6102.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6102.JPG" width="600" /><br />
Stowe and Lathan. Two of a kind, those two.<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6112" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VENldmd88cw/UMb9KXWemDI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/UH-UtsPhqTQ/IMG_6112.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6112.JPG" width="600" /><br />
Dave Jr.<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6326" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vuy79_au6m8/UMb9M-ugWxI/AAAAAAAAEDY/2TAR0rDGhNE/IMG_6326.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6326.JPG" width="600" /><br />
At a swim meet. He has improved his times tremendously, but no one holds a candle to his endurance. Just like Dad.<br />
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<img alt="IMAG0376" border="0" height="359" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TwmKb57GXe4/UMb9O33ujbI/AAAAAAAAEDg/_ABIJ7XFmZ4/IMAG0376.jpg?imgmax=800" title="IMAG0376.jpg" width="600" /><br />
Independence Day church attire. Such handsomeness. Watch out, ladies...and Mom. ;)<br />
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<img alt="IMAG0381" border="0" height="359" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t_jD8POHptU/UMb9RUhqlcI/AAAAAAAAEDo/2rGrtq-lUUw/IMAG0381.jpg?imgmax=800" title="IMAG0381.jpg" width="600" /><br />
Lathan conquering the ramp! He was so brave that day. <br />
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<img alt="IMAG0382" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uCg0zCEuE3E/UMb9S_eOXjI/AAAAAAAAEDw/RiE_HX_wqiM/IMAG0382.jpg?imgmax=800" title="IMAG0382.jpg" width="359" /><br />
Kaelan waiting patiently for his turn. Totally diggin' it.<br />
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<img alt="IMAG0384" border="0" height="359" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yGyrODX6TFg/UMb9V6CzC4I/AAAAAAAAED4/8tGJ8vzKE-g/IMAG0384.jpg?imgmax=800" title="IMAG0384.jpg" width="600" /><br />
At Stanford Shopping Center (hoity toity madness!). <br />
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<img alt="IMG 6343" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-edVKVqzZFYU/UMb9ZYV6dMI/AAAAAAAAEEA/iJqJDfOo_Kk/IMG_6343.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6343.JPG" width="600" /><br />
USA water polo drills pre-game. Olympic Women's team facing off with Hungary pre-Olympics.<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6394" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FByYf_eI3J4/UMb9cuKQi4I/AAAAAAAAEEI/SXU9DCcne-Q/IMG_6394.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6394.JPG" width="600" /><br />
Here are the fantabulous lady-folk!<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6500" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-41mR2EDWYQg/UMb9fjTCa3I/AAAAAAAAEEQ/U3W2BzeUONY/IMG_6500.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6500.JPG" width="600" /><br />
Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe. My newest favorite beach.<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6513" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nur66dmWW4Q/UMb9ilVuQSI/AAAAAAAAEEY/hprBmlRPrk8/IMG_6513.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6513.JPG" width="600" /><br />
It's like a pool melded with a beach. Crystal clear, fresh water with waves!<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6705" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mFOy9Az7lAk/UMb9li19s7I/AAAAAAAAEEg/dsc0ELVJ94c/IMG_6705.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6705.JPG" width="600" /><br />
Arches National Park. A detour on our way to see the other Skeehans in Denver. Fun! <br />
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<img alt="IMG 6722" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-84S_r1-iUdQ/UMb9oKBWWoI/AAAAAAAAEEo/gDvyaRiLD3c/IMG_6722.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6722.JPG" width="600" /><br />
Because it was a detour stop, we spent way too little time here. This place looks AWESOME.<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6712" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CzTOwDoUdtU/UMb9qzZ6nMI/AAAAAAAAEEw/owGlUWg273E/IMG_6712.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6712.JPG" width="600" /><br />
Our final picture before heading out.<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6863" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vEMPjsKe9n8/UMb9thmiS2I/AAAAAAAAEE4/hallqgrNTR8/IMG_6863.jpg?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6863.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Pirate birthday party with cousins in CO. <br />
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<img alt="IMG 6809" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-989DoMp6xc4/UMb9wX-pweI/AAAAAAAAEFA/PiHqd-rt8b0/IMG_6809.jpg?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6809.jpg" width="400" /><br />
J.J. won the balloon game and was super excited. <br />
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<img alt="IMG 6892" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iIGFNz1Xj44/UMb9zFfZcII/AAAAAAAAEFI/WdOfW6qzQlo/IMG_6892.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6892.JPG" width="600" /><br />
A stupendously awesome park near Aunt Mimi's and Uncle Daniel's house in CO.<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6912" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hEfL-DHtqcs/UMb93L0bO4I/AAAAAAAAEFQ/UOkczY3u_MU/IMG_6912.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6912.JPG" width="600" /><br />
There really is no better swing if all the little cousins can all fit at once!<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6939" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VEZHvfW7pIA/UMb96GBAuwI/AAAAAAAAEFY/NnsH5HweNN4/IMG_6939.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6939.JPG" width="600" /><br />
The girl cousins threw a pirate birthday party, so it's only fair that the boys are happy to do a little tea time at the park, right?<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6950" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CufjWOYuKI4/UMb9_ec2-_I/AAAAAAAAEFg/YemKZhFEb18/IMG_6950.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6950.JPG" width="600" /><br />
My only good Halloween pic from the party before the trick-or-treating.<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6963" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AIYYkpJYVUY/UMb-BzbouAI/AAAAAAAAEFo/l70MVBgkxVk/IMG_6963.jpg?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6963.jpg" width="400" /><br />
At Temple Square for some Thanksgiving with MORE family. Oh how we've been blessed with so much family time this year!<br />
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<img alt="IMG 6961" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-24Vu6mMQ9Jg/UMb-ErgUROI/AAAAAAAAEFw/rxbxo1Lqyjo/IMG_6961.jpg?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6961.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Always a requisite. I'm the pack mule, and Dad is the burro carrying the little guys. <br />
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<img alt="IMG 6998" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mNpfj2d_XKo/UMb-GV_OipI/AAAAAAAAEF4/Z08noxVrQwY/IMG_6998.JPG?imgmax=800" title="IMG_6998.JPG" width="600" /><br />
These boys, as I'm sure is the case with all boys, could live in the Apple store and not need food or water for days!<br />
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Thanks for visiting the blog! Look for more to come in the next few weeks! I'll post about Christmas Day once we hit that point...that is, if we survive the end of all things on 12.21.12... !!!!<br />
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<br />Skeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-65814924164683648732012-07-03T07:20:00.001-07:002012-07-03T07:20:12.890-07:00Dave's Take Had a great weekend. It started off with a Friday night swim meet. Once again Lathan showed how fast he can really go to his coaches. Then we had to explain to him how much faster he would go if he decided to push himself harder in practice. I think that he might finally get it. We will see. Kaelan and JJ also had great swims. Kaelan was another kid that swam fast in the meet but loafs in practice. He is more interested in playing than swimming laps. But man his technique looks awesome. Lots of talent with really no desire for swimming. JJ is just so tiny. That kid threw his arms over so fast it hurt just to watch him. He got the biggest cheer by far from any other swimmer due to his cute factor. So proud. Pics coming soon.<br/><br/>Saturday we went to a friend's baptism. So awesome. Spiritual, peaceful, and moving. Just what a baptism is supposed to be. The kid couldn't wipe the smile off of his face. It was like a perma-grin. I got to be one of the witnesses and had to stop a few kids from swimming in the font unintentionally. We don't have any kind of barrier so I was stepping on the backs of dresses to stop unwanted accidents.<br/><br/>Sunday we went on saw my parents and brother Pete with his kid Tommy and dog Porkchop. Always great to see family. Monday Kaelan and Lathan had a skateboard lesson. They are finally getting it. They can now push, turn, and even pump on a ramp. Pretty cool.<br/><br/>To finish off our weekend we got to see the women's Olympic water polo team play a match against Hungary. We destroyed them by 10 goals. They had a beast of a hole set who was out there kicking, elbowing, punching, and half drowning as many players as possible. Sometimes two at the same time. Lathan was amazed and didn't realize how aggressive you could be. We did have to explain that they were either fighting for the ball or for position. He was under the impression that you could just hit people. I had to tell him that it was okay only if you don't get caught. Am I corrupting my son? Nawhhhh!!!<br/><br/>Dave<br/><br/>P.s. pics to come soon.<br/><br/>Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-90287326912419728652012-06-16T12:27:00.001-07:002012-06-16T12:27:31.069-07:00Dave's Take<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fX4C6uWLv8zAJvK2Wf51wuCnCD0vhsIRbzq2SY970le-sE3TcFn08OhamX7hVT8vs0SQoj2rG9u45h8SMtRD_WNcpzUwZfAQ4hsBKBOXiUHGQ4b-izxlOgG1vFxO9IpNwjUd4icQTVo/s683/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A47.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fX4C6uWLv8zAJvK2Wf51wuCnCD0vhsIRbzq2SY970le-sE3TcFn08OhamX7hVT8vs0SQoj2rG9u45h8SMtRD_WNcpzUwZfAQ4hsBKBOXiUHGQ4b-izxlOgG1vFxO9IpNwjUd4icQTVo/s370/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A47.jpg" id="blogsy-1339874792283.5112" class="alignright" alt="" width="370" height="555"></a></div> Griselda had her run today. One of our friend's from Residency came up to run it with her. Thankfully we had highest temperature of the year today, 102, to make sure that nobody was cold. They both still did really well and had a great time. It was a girls only event and seemed pretty well attended. The aid stations that I saw were all manned by dudes wearing grass skirts and coconut shells. I saw a guy walking along the trail shouting words of encouragement wearing a girl's running skirt and carrying a faluza horn. Here are some pics of the running chicks....<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYUQV1RJVhGXGT4mALYnVFuMaKLwwhB1OEOl0xWsWzva_J54xKg9f9e5proC5p6XSAKMmQAYSlv0Jj_xcDKSm0G0AFl2wG_H54MJmmRX2pyVt4RlR7RBIFYyJ_Z06GCvX-KaArxU8HYs/s683/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A48.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYUQV1RJVhGXGT4mALYnVFuMaKLwwhB1OEOl0xWsWzva_J54xKg9f9e5proC5p6XSAKMmQAYSlv0Jj_xcDKSm0G0AFl2wG_H54MJmmRX2pyVt4RlR7RBIFYyJ_Z06GCvX-KaArxU8HYs/s300/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A48.jpg" id="blogsy-1339874792319.21" class="alignnone" alt="" width="300" height="450"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVE3505mylU_81WixsZLbtzZ2MlgyxCI_ha9KP-50VoMVKEJSdmms5prI-LOR_dj1Jr693h_5hniXfu8TQ87wmPZTg3wJbJ037YpOnQce0r-4k46jlQzbHUAeP1ViKnc6Wp8EIPI8iWRA/s683/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A48.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVE3505mylU_81WixsZLbtzZ2MlgyxCI_ha9KP-50VoMVKEJSdmms5prI-LOR_dj1Jr693h_5hniXfu8TQ87wmPZTg3wJbJ037YpOnQce0r-4k46jlQzbHUAeP1ViKnc6Wp8EIPI8iWRA/s300/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A48.jpg" id="blogsy-1339874792274.8958" class="alignright" alt="" width="300" height="450"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7KMMbidEQVUdZSi66IV8YWQRjg_qlHAMFj3Z97g4w2q-4pRQFCi4v-d8qPRHQPEACJDtstQUtD37D4OJnBjlkm4bPkPBFkSL3CAdB-J-NFu9SxD2bfu8DUopc1At7ViVxTxmxmWfdgc/s683/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A54.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7KMMbidEQVUdZSi66IV8YWQRjg_qlHAMFj3Z97g4w2q-4pRQFCi4v-d8qPRHQPEACJDtstQUtD37D4OJnBjlkm4bPkPBFkSL3CAdB-J-NFu9SxD2bfu8DUopc1At7ViVxTxmxmWfdgc/s356/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A54.jpg" id="blogsy-1339874792331.7554" class="alignleft" alt="" width="356" height="534"></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivd8xdHaMLGgapo_C9iOJXQK-ozUUgyxpA-Yk4BDfTus10etllL-RMAGLavzSB-LU_ihxUBQ7KoOZU3wUA8yz0QonNTIha7Ln068Lgkvl1_uJfZIvuMPJt-MYbe1KLZClsHgzP_usVkD4/s1024/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A54.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivd8xdHaMLGgapo_C9iOJXQK-ozUUgyxpA-Yk4BDfTus10etllL-RMAGLavzSB-LU_ihxUBQ7KoOZU3wUA8yz0QonNTIha7Ln068Lgkvl1_uJfZIvuMPJt-MYbe1KLZClsHgzP_usVkD4/s628/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A54.jpg" id="blogsy-1339874792316.4277" class="alignnone" width="628" height="418" alt=""></a></div> <br/><br/>Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-56261466713339926672012-06-13T20:14:00.000-07:002012-06-13T20:50:57.858-07:00JJ's new presentSo this happened when Kaelan decided it would be "fun" to throw a plastic squirt gun into a pool full of little kids. I am thankful and sad at the same time.....he got JJ.....so that means he missed everyone else. Poor JJ!!!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwnz2tUPJD96dLFoPvcVRcgdGKmenGBqNVReuZxfYkuhJaIBEnKmhqmLHDhcMYJej5zX7U4ydixY1m-vL5fmv09mcZjnqr9riX-tsW22o6X3BqMHunmnxLj0NMdTg9dZXnPVOhuC33MKv/s1600/IMG_5876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwnz2tUPJD96dLFoPvcVRcgdGKmenGBqNVReuZxfYkuhJaIBEnKmhqmLHDhcMYJej5zX7U4ydixY1m-vL5fmv09mcZjnqr9riX-tsW22o6X3BqMHunmnxLj0NMdTg9dZXnPVOhuC33MKv/s320/IMG_5876.JPG" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKAa3VYtRxnoOQNqR9CAALVWfjE4KzWJNAq1vnR__IgxcNqW2khvHQpRAylGq3GFhpaTyeYmbOA8oMuO-_JrfeKsMEUul1MVPB41vFkaOdk57xRbWs_dPNlkOLa7XPmZ5t0SkjQzKUV9e/s1600/IMG_5877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKAa3VYtRxnoOQNqR9CAALVWfjE4KzWJNAq1vnR__IgxcNqW2khvHQpRAylGq3GFhpaTyeYmbOA8oMuO-_JrfeKsMEUul1MVPB41vFkaOdk57xRbWs_dPNlkOLa7XPmZ5t0SkjQzKUV9e/s320/IMG_5877.JPG" /></a>Skeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-21159161484561111102012-06-11T20:59:00.001-07:002012-06-11T21:00:57.119-07:00Funny MomementsHaving all four boys take a shower together makes for some pretty interesting situations with alot of funny ones as well.
Tonight - funny moment #1
Daddy: Stop playing with the toys Haefan.
Haefan: Ok.
30 seconds later, Haefan is still playing with the toys, slips on shampoo and falls.
Haefan is now crying. Kaelan then points out that his bandaid has fallen off.
Haefan now starts bawling. While all this is happening, Jeydan manages to slip and fall as well.
So now Haefan is bawling, Jeydan is crying, and I am putting shampoo into Kaelan's hair.
Kaelan then looks up at me, in all seriousness, and says, "That's not good."
Awesome!!! One of those couldn't have said it any better momements.
Tonight - Funny momment #2
Haefan while bawling gets soap in his eye.
As every little kid he refuses to put his open eyes in the shower water.
Lathan decides to help. He gets a cup of water.
Lathan: Haefan, look at the tree.
Haefan confused as to why there would be a tree in the shower opens his eyes.
Lathan quickly throws a cup of water in his face. Problem solved.
Now why didn't I think of that...that's because if I did it that would be inhumane abusive behavior.
If Lathan does it, its just Lathan being a big brother.
Man I love my kids.
Dave<strike></strike>Skeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-84969668521998942722012-06-10T21:15:00.001-07:002012-06-10T21:15:43.506-07:00Dave's Take Great quote today at church. A friend in our ward who was baptized last year and had a very "rough" childhood said, "I struggle with life, but I don't struggle with this. The gospel is perfect.". I couldn't have said it any better myself.<br/><br/>The school year is over. Lathan turned nine years old this week. He is my mile stone baby. He was born during the last year of medical school. So he has been through 4th year rotations, residency, private practice, and three moves. He is a great kid. Does well at school. Has an interest in books and asks some deep spiritual questions that make you stop and think. He is also getting bigger. He is rapidly approaching the height of his mother. He loves to stand next to her and be almost her size. He is doing swim team and water polo at the high school this summer. He also has a Stanford water polo camp that he is going to go to soon and a science camp down in San Jose. He is super excited for all the fun summer activities. For his birthday he got a kindle and has been reading nonstop. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVCO_hPzLhY3Vx2sqQoe7o-q7cac8DEwGXrmNV_orxxTX37Z_xJvWrdNGZm67n1Fq5Owv-OJ4p6QKoBK1IwqfENbuJdBr1Cxw6gA9y0g2cB4KFxpfQZtX6YpwZBuOloJlrgE4ZpAzFB4/s683/Photo%252520Apr%25252011%25252C%2525202011%25252017%25253A16.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVCO_hPzLhY3Vx2sqQoe7o-q7cac8DEwGXrmNV_orxxTX37Z_xJvWrdNGZm67n1Fq5Owv-OJ4p6QKoBK1IwqfENbuJdBr1Cxw6gA9y0g2cB4KFxpfQZtX6YpwZBuOloJlrgE4ZpAzFB4/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252011%25252C%2525202011%25252017%25253A16.jpg" id="blogsy-1339387871658.7498" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="750"></a></div>Kaelan is also super excited for summer. As our "old man" of the family he is excited to play but dreads the idea of chores. He loves to hug and snuggle. Still wants to sit on Mom and Dad's lap when he can. He did awesome at school this year. Got into a shouting and pushing match with a girl and a teacher. That was fun. Got caught lying by his new favorite teacher, Mrs. Bickmore. He made it through the year though. Griselda and I have noticed that sugar is like his "crack" or "PCP". He gets wired. He becomes more energetic to the point of making bad decisions which almost always involve a crying youger brother. So, he is going on a sugar free diet. So far he is doing ok. We will see how long we all last.......we love our sugar!! <br/><br/>Jeydan is also excited to have started his summer. He gets to go to Kindergarten with his best friend Laker next year. The kindergarten is at the same school as Lathan and Kaelan so he feels super special. He is excited to have been signed up for soccer at the end of the summer. Soccer is definitely his favorite sport. He loves to run, push, kick, and score goals. He is biding his time until then by doing swim team with Kaelan and Lathan. <br/><br/>Haefan is in the endless summer phase right now. He is enjoying the good life of never having to go to school. He continues to grow up. His vocabulary is crazy old. He is still a little shrimp but seems to be getting a little bigger maybe. His size though definitely helps his coordination. That kid jumps of the 4th step, flies from bean bag to bean bag, and hits the trampoline with his older brothers. His arial awareness he definitely gets from his mom.<br/><br/>Griselda has her big run coming up next Saturday. She is running the inagural "She Rocks the Trails" run here in Auburn, California. She is doing the 25km race which ends up being around 15 miles. She is nervous and excited at the same time. She has been doing her training for the last few months and is really becoming quite a runner. She's got some fly new shoes that make her look like a "super star".......Speedy Gonzalez might be back! Andale Andale Apurete Apurete!!!! Arriba!!! Arriba!!!!Yip!!!Yip!!!<br/><br/>The Sierra Skeehan's are doing just fine. Looking forward to another summer in California filled with friends and family.<br/><br/>So to end I thought that I would share our funny story of the week.<br/><br/>Setting: Griselda is washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen. Kaelan is messing around with us upstairs. I am in the bedroom getting clothes put away. Action!!<br/><br/>Griselda: Oh, I still have to go to the bathroom, take a shower, and get ready.<br/><br/>Dave: Me too. Maybe we should do it together?<br/><br/>Silence..... <br/><br/>Kaelan: Daddy!!!! That is SSOOOOO inappropriate! (Griselda and I both start snickering)<br/><br/>Kaelan: Boys aren't supposed to take showers with girls. You aren't supposed to see girl's peepees. <br/><br/>Silence....(Griselda and I both start laughing unconrollably)<br/><br/>Kaelan: Daddy, have you seen Mama's peepee? (All laughing stops)<br/><br/>Dave: I think that is something you should go ask your mom about.<br/><br/>That was a crazy funny momement that I will NEVER forget.<br/><br/>Dave<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-74638945552498090982012-06-03T22:16:00.001-07:002012-06-03T22:16:46.104-07:00Dave's Take So, a busy week for everyone. <br/><br/>To celebrate our anniversary we went Las Vegas with another couple, our friends Beau and Monet. So, being non-drinking Mormons, not that I should have to clarify the non-drinking part, saying Mormon should be enough, but in Vegas who knows, we focused on the activities and food. We had to see the water show at the Bellagio. We rode the roller coaster at New York New York. We walked the strip. We drove by Gold and Silver Pawn Shop. We toured the Hoover Dam. We drove by the old Vegas strip. And we ate. We ate again. And we ate some more. Then after all was said and done, we laid by the wave pool at Mandalay Bay and floated on the endless river, which was actually only 300-400 feet long. We tried our best to avoid the half naked people or peep shows but unfortunately got a freebie at the beach as a future or past porn star mounted her "man" for a couple of hours. So either they were very comfortable with their sexuality or she had so many procedures done she couldn't tell where her stuff was and who was touching it. Only in Vegas.<br/><br/>We went to Barefoot Don's Running Store, owned and operated by a Mormon family, and got some new shoes for both Griselda and I. I had wanted to try on a pair of the Altra Lone Peak shoes from the Altra shoe company in Utah. Unfortunately their distribution to Cali is limited. So while in Vegas we went shopping and found a retailer just 1-2 miles from our hotel. With all the anticipation of finding the perfect shoe with a wide open toe box and good cushioning without any heel rise, I was really disappointed when they had a lateral mid foot rise/arch built in where my foot was flat. The shoes didn't work. The salesman had an alternative. The vibram five fingers. They just put out a new shoe with a rock plate made for trail running. I tried them on and I was sold. Here they are.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5JlSwSV521uY2HFBpy7-nLyigm-mCX-D2UzkPC6GQmPTYfM-ysgqLlKPZU_s0SoHjzJDOkTSUgzDBsmdY5LdpXrRGkUBfcAx3bpfRWVUV7TOeeR3ZuhbZh507IslizF9WTh0PZFyTjg/s720/Photo%252520Jun%2525203%25252C%2525202012%25252021%25253A42.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5JlSwSV521uY2HFBpy7-nLyigm-mCX-D2UzkPC6GQmPTYfM-ysgqLlKPZU_s0SoHjzJDOkTSUgzDBsmdY5LdpXrRGkUBfcAx3bpfRWVUV7TOeeR3ZuhbZh507IslizF9WTh0PZFyTjg/s500/Photo%252520Jun%2525203%25252C%2525202012%25252021%25253A42.jpg" id="blogsy-1338786081457.6665" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div> Felt funny at first with all my toes being separated. After a while though your feet forget and it feels great. Hopefully tomorrow I will get a chance to try them on the trail. I will keep you posted. I am playing around with the idea of using them when I get to pace Griselda's friend Betsy for part of the Wasatch 100.<br/><br/>So while we were off remembering why we got married my parents were remembering why they didn't have more kids as 8 grand kids, a daughter, and a dog descended on their house like a flock of locust. They held them off with beach trips, zoo trips, amusement park trips, and lots of sugar. Anyway, all the grand kids were alive at the time of our return. Griselda then stuck around for a tide pool trip and a giant sequoia trip. The kids had a blast and passed out upon coming back to Auburn last night.<br/><br/>Griselda then got some girl time when Tricia Byrnes, from her snowboarding days, came into town for the weekend. They got to hang out last night, eat some good food, and catch up on old times. It's always fun to meet up with people you care about and those who care about you.<br/><br/>While Griselda was off "playing" with the kids, playing may not be the word that she would choose, I had to go to Washington DC for a committee meeting. After 10 hours of meetings I got to run around Alexandria, Virginia a little. Was fun to see some cool shops and historical places but the most exciting part for me was coming home to the family. <br/><br/>Thanks to my parents, heather, and my nieces and nephews for entertaining the boys while Griselda and I were gone. Looking forward to the start of summer and the chance to see some old friends.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Dave<br/><br/>Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-3568350777552917382012-05-23T15:50:00.001-07:002012-05-23T22:24:02.802-07:00Dave's Take Kaelan's Dilema<br/><br/>So, Kaelan has always had asthma type symptoms whenever it hits allergy season or he developes a cold. We had him tested when we lived in Michigan and discovered that he had some sensitivities to certain foods such as wheat. Well, the allergy season has really hit him hard this year and so Griselda took him to get him further testing. It was only a blood draw which is really tough because Kaelan HATES needles. I am talking screaming at the top of his lungs, hitting, while attempting to run away. The exact opposite of a deer being caught in the headlights. Anyway, he had reactions to a ton of stuff. Now this wasn't the skin prick or scratch testing that is common, so the reactions are just numbers and can't be evaluated clinically. Griselda is about to go Nazi on his diet. He got a little sample this am when he had to eat corn Chex with almond milk. Griselda is hoping that this helps him not be so tired, improves His concentration, and just gives him more energy. That has yet to be seen.<br/><br/>Griselda is the Yin to my Yang. Obviously a western medicine trained doctor, although being a D.O. does make me lean a little towards alternative mind,body, and spirit stuff, while Griselda is a pure Latina eastern medicine, accupuncturing, herb taking, organic food junkie. Not to mention she is a democrat who actually likes Obama. That is a rant for another post. Makes for interesting household dynamics every four years or so. Anyway, she is going to be starting a yeast reduction and allergen elimination diet. Not only is Kaelan going to not be able to eat wheat, rice, oranges, bananas, and a ton of other things, all processed foods and sugar is gone. So, if all of us start dropping weight, are caught sneaking out to In and Out Burger late at night, or are crabbier than usual you know why. World, consider yourself warned. <br/><br/>Poor Kaelan.E<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlNR-6Jf50DGEGS73D6jPwAic_EEzKdrBBRFF7A002x11wnvRQoLOKqK_v7WOPkzk8t5QnnoehECY6dhGU5pkA-INM7MuAR1rCPFHP4lTkRW-Crtm2hbQIO_9hIb1HMI0xLvX4_zRHPw/s683/Photo%252520Apr%25252011%25252C%2525202011%25252013%25253A00.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlNR-6Jf50DGEGS73D6jPwAic_EEzKdrBBRFF7A002x11wnvRQoLOKqK_v7WOPkzk8t5QnnoehECY6dhGU5pkA-INM7MuAR1rCPFHP4lTkRW-Crtm2hbQIO_9hIb1HMI0xLvX4_zRHPw/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252011%25252C%2525202011%25252013%25253A00.jpg" id="blogsy-1337813415455.3381" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="750"></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/>Dave<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-71949851225913891462012-05-20T22:45:00.001-07:002012-05-23T14:27:39.958-07:00Dave's Take Another week has gone by. 8 hours with a chain saw and then another 12 hauling away branches has left me in an interesting state. One, you really feel like a "man" when you watch a 50 foot tree fall and know that you did that. On the flip side, now the only thing stopping me from having a great back yard, is me, and lots of time and money. There is all this useable space that has to be filled. In our case with a 3 level tiered raised planter box garden complete with fencing. Currently we only have a two level garden with just two 4 x 8 foot garden boxes because that is all that we could fit. With all those trees down now the 3 row 3 tier garden is a definite possibility. That is going to take me a while to do. It took me almost two years with moving, starting a new job, and settling in California to get the little garden that we have put in. So in a few years we will have some great pics to share. As for right now all that would be there is some dead grass and a pile of wood that has to be split.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><br></div>Lathan & Griselda's Conversation<br/><br/>Lathan: "Mom, how old do I have to be to use a chain saw?"<br/><br/>Griselda: "36, just like your Dad."<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kvDoKsWOCZLuht3kLEVMUVAcgiTPOfZBCBFcW5JnSLqh_yolzdhyCSrrzCv3lxotFT2tf0IzRIsTWsHphrwhCwiU4vedcwN5INpzgkBs-BI85wnZkiKVJbBT1-VRxKxg_CSPOhHVb-A/s720/Photo%252520May%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252018%25253A34.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div> I guess growing up in the suburbs I never really had much use for a chain saw. Too bad Lathan, those suckers are fun.....<br/><br/> We also bought our first new car this week. We ended up buying a VW Golf TDI 4 door. Never would have thought that I would own a diesel VW. Especially not after my Dad and his VW rabbit back when I was a teenager. Thankfully my sister burned through that clutch in no time flat.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kvDoKsWOCZLuht3kLEVMUVAcgiTPOfZBCBFcW5JnSLqh_yolzdhyCSrrzCv3lxotFT2tf0IzRIsTWsHphrwhCwiU4vedcwN5INpzgkBs-BI85wnZkiKVJbBT1-VRxKxg_CSPOhHVb-A/s720/Photo%252520May%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252018%25253A34.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kvDoKsWOCZLuht3kLEVMUVAcgiTPOfZBCBFcW5JnSLqh_yolzdhyCSrrzCv3lxotFT2tf0IzRIsTWsHphrwhCwiU4vedcwN5INpzgkBs-BI85wnZkiKVJbBT1-VRxKxg_CSPOhHVb-A/s637/Photo%252520May%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252018%25253A34.jpg" id="blogsy-1337808413527.5771" class="alignnone" width="637" height="850" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> We also got a chase to catch a little of the solar eclipse today. We constructed a pin hole box/device from off the Internet to show us the eclipse while keeping our retinas healthy. Boys had a blast for 30 secs. Griselda and I lasted a little longer.<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDJR6KtCXL8HJ-JyYwZz4smlrmzfXUiX_J-98ehZlbixV5lVI_L6p0pPIYEf2s4frAhf5uf_Ea-Lq9YIlw3C7xnrC9DZyZRQWIypMlmofwH8Vfvfb5fbZ0I__etPCT4HsVdLA4_B6ApA/s720/Photo%252520May%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252018%25253A35.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDJR6KtCXL8HJ-JyYwZz4smlrmzfXUiX_J-98ehZlbixV5lVI_L6p0pPIYEf2s4frAhf5uf_Ea-Lq9YIlw3C7xnrC9DZyZRQWIypMlmofwH8Vfvfb5fbZ0I__etPCT4HsVdLA4_B6ApA/s275/Photo%252520May%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252018%25253A35.jpg" id="blogsy-1337808413527.0173" class="alignnone" alt="" width="275" height="366"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrgeDDbJBY_2SeJ5ScAsaW7Ig19oxiFqFm80ilGBdiA64gfU6Xe6tTQhG_e4OUdPDb8kvMtpZoBasq7SVokwfVD94YBQL3-Wwxq8QMOe5zi6tNdw0JGld82iPHCVprX66xpOJ8JlvCfk/s720/Photo%252520May%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252018%25253A33.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrgeDDbJBY_2SeJ5ScAsaW7Ig19oxiFqFm80ilGBdiA64gfU6Xe6tTQhG_e4OUdPDb8kvMtpZoBasq7SVokwfVD94YBQL3-Wwxq8QMOe5zi6tNdw0JGld82iPHCVprX66xpOJ8JlvCfk/s275/Photo%252520May%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252018%25253A33.jpg" id="blogsy-1337808413579.5144" class="alignnone" alt="" width="275" height="366"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> We are all starting to get pretty excited about this summer. We have a few anticipated trips coming up. Griselda and I are going to get away for a few days, sans kids, to Las Vegas with some friends. I know, what are a bunch of kid loving mormons going to do in Vegas? Who knows. Wait for the pictures. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><br></div> We also have a Skeehan family reunion coming up in LA this summer. Nothing like a week on the beach to mellow a family out. The boys are excited to see their cousins, raise cain, play in the water, and see how much sand they can sneak into Nana and Pops rental house.<br/><br/> I have some professional committee meetings as well. Two meetings in Alexandria, VA / Washington D.C. and one in Phoenix, AZ. Ironic that my younger brother has lived in Phoenix for years and I have never visited him. Then finally when I have to go there on business, the guy up and moved to Denver a few weeks ago. Figures. As one of my trainers once said to a junior resident, not ever referring to me, "once again a day late and a dollar short." Sorry Dan. Maybe I will make it out to Denver someday.<br/><br/> We have a bunch of different activities this summer. We have swim team, water polo camps, runs, science camps, tennis, more running, canoeing, and hopefully some camping. Seems like as the kids get older the time we have to spend with them gets less and less. Makes you appreciate the time that you have with them. Sometimes I look at my professional life and think that I could be doing more but looking at my family, I think that I would rather be doing more with them instead.<br/><br/> We have a busy summer but would love to see everyone and anyone. <br/><br/>Dave<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/>Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-68513407684343606042012-05-13T10:34:00.001-07:002012-05-13T13:08:29.645-07:00Dave's Take So, figured I would focus on Griselda since its Mother's Day. She is an amazing woman. Mother of four busy, beautiful, and behaved little boys. Constantly busy beyond belief. Always involved in something from church, home schooling, teaching swim lessons, playing tennis, and on and on. The reason she is who she is, is due to her mother. Another truly amazing woman. It saddens both Griselda and I that our kids really have no remembrance or memories of their "abuelita.". Happy to think that one day we will all see her and others that we have lost again.<br/><br/>Griselda is getting ready for a 25km trail run in June. She has been running some longer distances with one of her friends. She is turning into quite a little runner. Really strange that she is out running nine miles while I am watching kids. Still feels weird to me. My fast twitch, explosive power,little fire cracker of a wife running distance. It is awesome.<br/><br/>Griselda is also busy with tennis. She is playing on a 3.5 team as a singles player. She is loving playing but really hates losing at all. Doesn't feel bad if she plays well and gets out played; however, she absolutely hates it when she makes too many mistakes and lets an equal or inferior player beat her. <br/><br/>She is also getting ready for a tough mudder race in September. She is getting some personal training help from a friend of hers at the Auburn Racket Club. That means she is definitely sore at least half of the weak after each session. <br/><br/>Life is good and busy. All are welcome to come and visit.....golden California.<br/><br/>Dave<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/>Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-91046161646540080682012-05-06T22:03:00.001-07:002012-05-06T22:05:32.860-07:00Dave's Take So the roles have reversed. Griselda is the one training for a run now. She is going to be running here in Auburn on June 16th for her first 25 km run. It is a women only event so all you ladies are welcome to come and join her. She is training for her Tough Mudder debut this September up at Northstar at Tahoe. So instead of me taking off to sneak in a run, the roles are reversed and I stay home with the kiddos. <br/><br/>Normally that makes the boys happy as "daddy time" seems to be a little more chaotic and a little less supervised than "mama time". Unfortunately it is spring time and I am finally working on our yard after three years. So it is digging, cutting, dragging, carrying, and a ton of whining and complaining. Builds character as they say. Really. Griselda and I realized that our boys can be tough but they don't know how to work. So, they are now helping garden, cutting down trees, and moving the rocks to the edge of the property. Hopefully all the hours of whining is worth it.<br/><br/>Otherwise the boys are doing great. They are anxiously awaiting the summer. Since moving to the golden state three years ago they are much more excited about going outside and being active. Thank goodness. Being around mountains, lakes, rivers, trails, etc...it is hard not to want to do things outdoors. Unless you worry about the mountain lions, snakes, ticks, etc...which occasionally sends Griselda into a frenzy.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Wish you all could be here with us. If you ever happen to be passing thru..<br/><br/>Dave<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-80779678010174306162012-04-29T21:42:00.001-07:002012-04-29T21:56:47.370-07:00Dave's Take<font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'"> So, it has been a long while since our last post. Obviously a lot has probably happened. Unfortunately I never have the patience to write down everything so here goes nothing.</font><br/><br/><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'">First off, we are going to be getting a new car. We have it scheduled to be delivered on May 21st. We decided to go with the VW Golf 4 door TDI. Yep, it's a glorified diesel rabbit. Just like the one that my older sister buried in the ground when trying to learn to drive a stick. She ended up taking the whole rabbit concept a little too seriously. Watching her drive the poor car, it did truly appear to be hopping down the street as she tried to master both driving and using a stick and clutch at the same time. Currently driving two SUVs with the mpg being somewhere between 10-16. The idea of a car that gets 30-42 mpg is hard to imagine. We thought about a hybrid but couldn't swallow the look of a Prius and the Lexus version hatchback, although it drove wonderfully, wasn't something that we would consider giving to the kids when they get older. Plus, I am way too young to be driving a Lexus, whatever that means.</font><br/><br/><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'">Griselda is playing USTA tennis again. She is currently 1-2 on the year. Playing really well. Has some sweet outfits. I have a few favorites. Glad she is playing just with the ladies though cuz she is smoking hot. </font><br/><br/><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'">Lathan is enjoying school. He is swimming with the Bear River Swim Team. He has a lot of fun stuff planned this summer. He has a week long water polo camp at Stanford university in June. He has another camp at a science center in July. Then we have the Skeehan family beach vacation in August. He is really excited for his upcoming ninth birthday. It's tough watching all his brothers celebrate their birthdays while his is still months away. </font><br/><br/><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'">Kaelan is also having fun at school. He does really well at Math. He also enjoys reading. He is really focused when doing something he likes and easily distracted if the task seems to mundane or boring. He is swimming as well and is gifted but has a hard time staying focused.</font><br/><br/><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'">Jeydan loves his school even if he complains about going every morning. He is fascinated by whales and will constantly ask you what kind of whale eats this? Or what kind of whale eats that? Or what is your favorite whale? Currently his favorite is a humpback whale; however, he is fascinated that the sperm whale eats giant squid.</font><br/><br/><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'">Haefan is growing....finally. He is till our midget. He loves to talk. Flirts with most people. Loves bossing fozzie bear, our dog, around. He split his head open on a church pew today and required some dermabond skin glue and some reassurance to his mama. He is now totally fine but still brings up the blood whenever he wants sympathy.</font><br/><br/><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'">All the boys have had the chance of skiing this year. Living so close and with Griselda's past life snow sports are a winter staple in our household. We went up to Squaw Valley this winter and are up there this weekend as well. All the kids are becoming much better skiers inspite of the junky snow conditions this winter. We just bought our passes for next year and can't wait to try out all the boys on the snowboards. Hopefully some of Griselda's skill has rubbed off on them. Heaven help them, if they got my snow sport talent. I can ride but our 5 year old can ski circles around me if I am skiing.</font><br/><br/><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'">This spring I have had a chance to do two great runs. In March I ran the Way Too Cool 50km race in Cool California. It is one of the most well known 50 km races. I felt great running this race and bettered my time by over an hour coming in at just under 5:30. I thought my training was adequate and began to taper for my first 50 mile race, the American River 50 Miler. It is the second largest 50 mile race in the USA and goes from Sacramento to our home in Auburn, California. Boy was that an experience i will never forget. The first 26 miles are on a paved bike path. The last 24 are on trails. I ended up getting a GI bug that manifested itself during the first 26 miles requiring a "break" every 30-40 mins. Let's just say that if you are exploring off the bike path along the American River Parkway, Watch Out!!!! Finally my stomach calmed down. I felt pretty solid from mile 26 - 40. At mile 41 I met up with my younger brother Pete. We were going to cruise the last 9 miles but ended up walking most of it due to a left quad issue. Swore I would never run distance again......a month later I am already looking for runs. What can I say. I enjoy the trails and can stand the pain. Call me what you will. Pete just calls me crazy.</font><br/><br/><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'">Life here in California is great. Really nothing to complain about. Wish you were all here.</font><br/><br/><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'"><br></font><br/><br/><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'">Dave</font><br/><br/><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Andale Mono'"> </font><br/><br/> <br/><br/>Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-42212851169091676292011-11-20T17:55:00.005-08:002011-11-20T18:19:15.682-08:00Bear River Swim MeetSkeehan Weekend Update<br /><br />So, we are officially a swimming family now. With two boys in, one chomping at the bit, and one trying to grow and get ready, pretty soon it will be a full car load of speedos, sunblock, and towels. Here is the latest swim meet that wasn't so much sun block as sleeping bags, blankets, coats, and warm showers. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dKEfk5tZ5fIoetvJPHyA6SVpZVJ01rTrynCgI9or8uuvRwixIVnsSh-gI5rkt9Z-ApB8eMwtI4vF-kaD5xzJ5zyfErQ51LvJX2Cjoj85Ak1oQrlleS0pcypTZisJCogKFGdsLFkz5sB7/s1600/IMG_4929.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dKEfk5tZ5fIoetvJPHyA6SVpZVJ01rTrynCgI9or8uuvRwixIVnsSh-gI5rkt9Z-ApB8eMwtI4vF-kaD5xzJ5zyfErQ51LvJX2Cjoj85Ak1oQrlleS0pcypTZisJCogKFGdsLFkz5sB7/s320/IMG_4929.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677263183065474290" /></a><br />On your mark, get set,......<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7S9BEioLCXWY_XiQFryMufu42W7q-6Ijkf48UkEwG1CuyAdAVUOKum42feMRk3YUB2TUHQEx2vPz1gx7dsS8Wq_KWKbDiVbL5MZ5PJinGiq7jdeBG8QTbiQQOmQdJtcMp036bWoI3CYN/s1600/IMG_5088.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7S9BEioLCXWY_XiQFryMufu42W7q-6Ijkf48UkEwG1CuyAdAVUOKum42feMRk3YUB2TUHQEx2vPz1gx7dsS8Wq_KWKbDiVbL5MZ5PJinGiq7jdeBG8QTbiQQOmQdJtcMp036bWoI3CYN/s320/IMG_5088.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677263752434374658" /></a><br />Lathan's 50yd freestyle. He ended up winning his heat and taking second over all.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWxgFZR5mlrHO9giaZFzr6X4uwjr5iDXSqRrjEvXeCF6ZR6VhwyfS6hdrcXq5GDrxUeTRlAFnF_rYE6sTvUUiT_Untsg8bSahZ8hLDFTMXrtfgFjjpgIqfysG9vnq6RNvis6X4VlJP9qu/s1600/IMG_5067.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWxgFZR5mlrHO9giaZFzr6X4uwjr5iDXSqRrjEvXeCF6ZR6VhwyfS6hdrcXq5GDrxUeTRlAFnF_rYE6sTvUUiT_Untsg8bSahZ8hLDFTMXrtfgFjjpgIqfysG9vnq6RNvis6X4VlJP9qu/s320/IMG_5067.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677263218627444642" /></a><br />Our two boys starting side by side. Kaelan's still not quite comfortable with the block starts.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AgsLUEo2ijje2nPeYqOE_qDjnaecmH3Ae-WXJSODXJoGuPrkJwApVvdPnj9I8IkJzsIL9_ukhBCUA-h9haLh7UWS6JXS1hPbvHCG9FQC8t_PzRC1YIcJAXnSP-cHz2_d6SL0W8ZekgJO/s1600/IMG_4974.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AgsLUEo2ijje2nPeYqOE_qDjnaecmH3Ae-WXJSODXJoGuPrkJwApVvdPnj9I8IkJzsIL9_ukhBCUA-h9haLh7UWS6JXS1hPbvHCG9FQC8t_PzRC1YIcJAXnSP-cHz2_d6SL0W8ZekgJO/s320/IMG_4974.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677263191127050034" /></a><br />Kaelan's 50yd free. Pretty sweet considering this time last year he couldn't swim 12.5 yards.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BLM1-sgoc_G09WURgNJRguQKW1t46jhD17sDBerKnVZBG6S_SWKB0nU8mfIHuV5M9u-iTpw8C-DxDVHSi1sKnmyHVYUWQb4YTyQaPA5bejxi6Mc10hTqtfnA91lueFUxjRHgKZw2v3-Q/s1600/IMG_5038.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BLM1-sgoc_G09WURgNJRguQKW1t46jhD17sDBerKnVZBG6S_SWKB0nU8mfIHuV5M9u-iTpw8C-DxDVHSi1sKnmyHVYUWQb4YTyQaPA5bejxi6Mc10hTqtfnA91lueFUxjRHgKZw2v3-Q/s320/IMG_5038.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677263208553702546" /></a><br />Our little green eyed, smiley penguin...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MNVWLbJVXgxMUHwRzfcnsPvu5qOoAAsfzm50SITm3JBxigm4O7RzY-943idiLAXWjrR11Dwo4lWIhuHAE9i4QXJff0411iaQ2PT9owhhfaLe9J-EUL4-yTRYXQ8pY0V8_gmBGWqHykS_/s1600/IMG_5035.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MNVWLbJVXgxMUHwRzfcnsPvu5qOoAAsfzm50SITm3JBxigm4O7RzY-943idiLAXWjrR11Dwo4lWIhuHAE9i4QXJff0411iaQ2PT9owhhfaLe9J-EUL4-yTRYXQ8pY0V8_gmBGWqHykS_/s320/IMG_5035.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677263201721223842" /></a><br />Nothing quite like finishing the race with a bunch of friends. Kaelan is behind lathan, and the other two boys pictured are Lathan's friend Stowe and Kaelan's friend Kyle. They had a blast.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPWt7X04Y1R-Q_Bctj9k3PymnZpv4GeKdkfFcYwthy4tLQTHyNrsGewvbB9ICCCKVPKNl0yZeEoKgv7gZ7zCxC3cPajcAKokI2uCIZ4AEgaWTOtipdDOzX7wJzthjc8d85nEr8oYzc69b/s1600/IMG_5128.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPWt7X04Y1R-Q_Bctj9k3PymnZpv4GeKdkfFcYwthy4tLQTHyNrsGewvbB9ICCCKVPKNl0yZeEoKgv7gZ7zCxC3cPajcAKokI2uCIZ4AEgaWTOtipdDOzX7wJzthjc8d85nEr8oYzc69b/s320/IMG_5128.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677263755249448066" /></a><br />The boys can't believe it is finally over. Was pretty cool to see the boys race side by side. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKXDUVvseFXKU6LqUWBgiSXtRPX3r4dIhyDNjeqylwRRO2ZKfo2CA6a1EkWUmc6U8I0YThVKhLB5u3WRu6tfQ0r9xqIR9MLVsxT1h-HLNcH0T0FXwKraRWBhQWFyb_UU9yOG4d3CTnvQs/s1600/IMG_5132.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKXDUVvseFXKU6LqUWBgiSXtRPX3r4dIhyDNjeqylwRRO2ZKfo2CA6a1EkWUmc6U8I0YThVKhLB5u3WRu6tfQ0r9xqIR9MLVsxT1h-HLNcH0T0FXwKraRWBhQWFyb_UU9yOG4d3CTnvQs/s320/IMG_5132.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677263764423299330" /></a><br />Wrapping up the chilly day in November. Kaelan walked away with a seventh place in breast stroke 8y and under. Lathan won one first place and three second places for his events, also in 8y and under. <br /><br />Lathan definitely takes after his dad, he starts at a good clip and really starts to pick up speed towards the end of his race. <br /><br />Kaelan also takes after his dad and sometimes seems like he is in his own little world. In fact on one race, he almost missed starting because he wasn't listening for the starting gun. My little old man.....<br /><br />DaveSkeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-88858416790379531992011-08-29T09:13:00.002-07:002011-08-29T09:21:14.105-07:00Dave's TakeSo, I thought that when we moved to the Sierra foothills that it would ruin lake camping for us. I mean, we live 500 yards from a lake, it has a sand beach, there is boating, fishing, swimming, etc... Why would it be fun to go and camp by a different lake? Boy, was I wrong.
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<br />We went camping this weekend with some friends up at Lake Valley Resevoir. It was a blast. They had rocks to climb, fires to build, rocks to throw, fish to catch (not that we actually saw any or caught any), and a lake to swim in. When asked what was the boys favorite part? They answered, "jumping off of rocks into the water and playing with the fire." It seems that living in the Sierra foothills has made camping in the foothills that much better. Instead of driving hours to find a camp site, we drive 45 mins. The highlight of the whole trip, making it down the stairs of our house with a cooler and not breaking any toes. That made the whole camping experience, that much better. Now if we had only brought our camera......
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<br />DaveSkeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-8530844989126013322011-07-31T18:32:00.005-07:002011-08-01T19:37:11.131-07:00Dave's TakeSo, with swim team finished, it almost seems like the end of the summer.....still a few weeks left though.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Haefan</span><br /><br />Haefan is becoming a little fish. He loves putting his face under water and looking at his brothers and friends. He has also started to do push offs, big underwater jumps, and even kicks and big arms once in a while. Griselda has started potty training him and he has been out of daytime diapers for five days now. The kids is crazy-like independent and always wants to do everything himself. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">JJ<br /></span><br />Doing awesome with swim team. He just won most improved for the six and under group after dropping almost one minute off of his time at the league championship meet. He continues to be a sweetie who has a knack for punching, pinching, or kicking in all the unwanted spots. Trying to break him of that habit. Still no success yet.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizD1wEs77mLQ8YWlvsELwjUxGcX3zQHGkg8CYAbNy7Vz4RsB6zLQ91EwW_HiXUwmiTiuXNihMhWbAFxdsBWWRrV2Mb8VuNd5x7i8bV3ASSo9kIQcWG6_KiPfRHomWaECx6KJpTT6YlL35F/s1600/IMG_4159.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizD1wEs77mLQ8YWlvsELwjUxGcX3zQHGkg8CYAbNy7Vz4RsB6zLQ91EwW_HiXUwmiTiuXNihMhWbAFxdsBWWRrV2Mb8VuNd5x7i8bV3ASSo9kIQcWG6_KiPfRHomWaECx6KJpTT6YlL35F/s320/IMG_4159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636081436973565730" /></a><br /><br />Look at that awesome two hand touch!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Kaelan<br /></span><br />Also a great swimmer. He has really put a lot of effort into his swimming.......sometimes. He is either incredibly dedicated or messing around non-stop. No real in-between. He also is doing great with reading and looking forward to some beach and mountain camping in August.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CjsV6wrIkRCHXWx-xDdzUY_SsAgi_g1u2xi6a9qH92tzPWI_tdQGkbjka7eOQ49XxiNn6_Z2cujKAM1J2LVWbats26WWoO4AJBD7tAUXF69LVprpJT-BCEsXPUEZt06DDGOZfvfxXKrI/s1600/IMG_4155.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CjsV6wrIkRCHXWx-xDdzUY_SsAgi_g1u2xi6a9qH92tzPWI_tdQGkbjka7eOQ49XxiNn6_Z2cujKAM1J2LVWbats26WWoO4AJBD7tAUXF69LVprpJT-BCEsXPUEZt06DDGOZfvfxXKrI/s320/IMG_4155.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636081441610722498" /></a><br /><br />eyeing the competition...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Lathan</span><br /><br />Just won the coaches award for the eight and under group. He ended up taking second in the league for both of his individual events and breaking his best times ever at the same time. He also has been reading like mad to finish off his Harry Potter series this summer. He has to read the books before seeing the movies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPZaUHIvmkDvtqJxr7U9EoBEjUL8P0RJhk0Y0IsNLYLez31W6KbK-TMCnhUmY3y-KMuMawjXN1S4RtLF54n07B4dIHno7FtVHnhLVYgfJZ8oceCwD2Uy9egDvAuykWKiKOMUiiewxr9tr/s1600/IMG_4213.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPZaUHIvmkDvtqJxr7U9EoBEjUL8P0RJhk0Y0IsNLYLez31W6KbK-TMCnhUmY3y-KMuMawjXN1S4RtLF54n07B4dIHno7FtVHnhLVYgfJZ8oceCwD2Uy9egDvAuykWKiKOMUiiewxr9tr/s320/IMG_4213.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636078619616783458" /></a><br /><br />Lathans at the top of the screen and ends up out touching all the swimmers except the guy half a body length ahead. Great Job!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Griselda</span><br /><br />Having a lot of fun so far this summer. She has been busy volunteering for swim team, playing tennis, going rafting with Lathan, her brother Jason and his kids, and hanging out at the lake and pool. She got to try wake boarding this year thanks to some great friends and is now longing to get a boat for the boys to go out in. All the boys were smiling ear to ear while out on the boat, but none quite as much as JJ.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dave<br /></span><br />Loving California. Glad to be in the sun and somewhere where there is a lot to do outside. Trying to get ready for some longer runs this fall. Delayed training due to a broken left great toe. Crazy single person accident involving a cooler, two grocery bags, bare feet and stairs. Hard to explain what happened even though I was there. Hurt like crazy. Bled for a few hours. Hoping it's only going to slow me down for a week. We will see. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvhkFrC08RsZ5YXeJmMVskR91PE0FRLVbNB-F0GVceiMVj4A829xcV0sNfEQNC7kbTlpLU_BfUOmMmlCYNTEnZu25EEBIzi77jn9QNIoPYYlC4Yu3I0qi6azlKaywbHtJMcDBvH_zoQ1u/s1600/IMG_4223.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvhkFrC08RsZ5YXeJmMVskR91PE0FRLVbNB-F0GVceiMVj4A829xcV0sNfEQNC7kbTlpLU_BfUOmMmlCYNTEnZu25EEBIzi77jn9QNIoPYYlC4Yu3I0qi6azlKaywbHtJMcDBvH_zoQ1u/s320/IMG_4223.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636078623423396722" /></a><br /><br />Definitely broken. Probably going to lose the nail. Sweet...<br /><br /><br />Pics coming soon.Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-3529114377767879252011-07-10T21:00:00.005-07:002011-07-10T22:06:31.143-07:00Hello...for now...Before you think that I might be restarting the blogfest, I thought I would let you down easy and confess that this will probably be the only thing you'll be getting out of me for a while. Summer is just too fun don't ya know? <br /><br />The boys have been happily busy in the water everyday. We mix it up with lake swimming, pool swimming, swim team, and water gun wars. We have really been happy to take in the sun and soak in the lazy days of summer. "Lazy" is being used rather generously, though. Our schedule most days include swim lessons - both attending and teaching, hitting some tennis balls, swim team/swim meets, and fitting in a few tennis matches for mom in the middle somewhere. <br /><br />The boys have really made the summer so much fun. I'm so proud of them. They really are best buddies. We occasionally have an opportunity for playdates, but I find that they see their friends around the lake quite a bit and that seems to work just great for everyone! <br /><br />We really enjoyed our Fourth of July celebrations. Unfortunately for me, Dave was on call and I had the camera to document our fun times at the parade and beach at the lake for our Daddy, but alas, there was no memory card in the camera. I didn't realize that until 20+ pictures into the documentation. Ugh! Oh well. I was able to capture some cute moments at a different party a few days later. <br /><br /><br /><br />Some of the more time-consuming activities we do is the local swim team. We have practices every evening and then meets every Saturday from the middle of June through all of July. This last meet we had (yesterday) the boys did SO well! Everyone improved their times tremendously. They really have all come a LONG way. <br /><br />I really want to leave this story to Dave, but it's so funny, I may just have to settle for having it told twice. We took a friend with us this weekend to join us for some fun swim meet adventuring so that we could head off to a Truckee campsite straight from there and then fish and frolic until bedtime; and then return this morning in time to get cleaned up and ready for church. Well, long story short: we didn't make it. Here's the long middle:<br /><br />We headed for the local pizza place, which by the way, was super yummy. We all stuffed our faces after just holding our hunger at the 7-hour meet. Then we proceeded to head the "back way" a.k.a. windy way through the mountain pass to get to Truckee. I felt a little off along the way, but that's not at all too uncommon. Haefan moaned at the very moment I felt weird, so I told Dave to mellow out on the banked turns in the big SUV. He resisted, insisting it had nothing to do with that. Okay. Well, whatever the case, I wanted to be more cautious about avoiding car-sickness. Finally about 20 later, Haefan puked, then puked again. Then again, each time a bit more projectile. Nasty and totally not contained. I had a towel in the front seat from the meet and so we threw it on him to catch what we could. Dave was impatiently raising his voice with dissatisfaction at my futile attempt to save some part of Haefan's person from being contaminated. In my defense, I don't have the reach that he does, so I'm guessing NOTHING would have satisfied him anyway. He just happened to be driving, decided it better not to stop, so I was the lone one attempting to do something about the fiasco. Finally I just threw up my hands in frustration, told him to pull over and told him to take over. He did. And did so like a champ. He took the messiest parts out of the car (child and towel) and then used wipes to clean out the car seat temporarily. We changed Haefan into his swimsuit and Dave walked down some steep boulders to wash all the grossness off of the soiled stuff. He definitely has some pioneer blood! <br /><br />From there we continued on to the campsite, only to find that all the spaces were filled. Bummer! We were going to rough it at the Truckee house, but then reconsidered when we thought of how Haefan's puking could continue on through the night. I just didn't feel right doing that to Abuelo's house. On the way home, Timmy, our extra, puked from the car-sickening ride home. Ha! How's that? The funniest part of it all is that I brought 4 hats for the trip for the boys: 3 Lake of the Pines hats, and Lathan's special hat he bought himself with hard-earned tokens. The first time Haefan threw up, we threw the towel at him. The second time, we gave him a bucket - sorta - the hat. The third time? Hat number 2. Then when Timmy was about to join in the fun, he said, "throw me the hat!! Right now!!!" And both Dave and I thought, "huh?" We threw him the hat in just enough time. Good times! Gross times. We made it back home in one piece, and then gave all the boys (but Haefan) toast for a late-night snack. That's all I would do. I wasn't going to take any chances. Poor Timmy. We extended the invite to camp with us on the next trip because he definitely got a bummer of a deal. Either way, we had good family time and enjoyed the ride. :) Glass half-full, right? <br /><br />I wish blogger would be nicer to me; but it's not looking good. I have so many videos to share and pictures, too! But it's not working YET AGAIN for me. I will start with this, then try the pics again at a different time. Sorry! I know, I know, the fun part is looking at the pictures. I just want to scream at blogger. AAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH! That's the reason for a long post. I'm just typing here, putting kids to bed, doing other odds and ends and STILL pics and videos have yet to successfully upload. Technology: a blessing and a curse.<br /><br /><br />Holy Hannah! I got one to go!!! This is a video off of the highway when we stopped the first time. Haefan is back in his stinky seat and in his swim suit, and Dave is wringing the towel from the river. Non-stop fun at our place!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzrAhyLd9xzXPJiuKfD4g5tBTbB6A6TAaJ3XLgWpS6orl_NePqZY8XdY6lPvJ5-mm_-1qFHKzdfU7Q9yUanAQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Skeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-24953516179770414002011-06-19T19:02:00.007-07:002011-06-19T22:03:22.500-07:00Skeehan SnapshotSo, this summer is going awesome. Lets start oldest to youngest today.<br /><br />Me (Dave)<br /><br />I am finally starting to actually work on the yard. It's quite a daunting task when you live on a hillside and have over an acre of untouched landscaping with essentially zero working capital. Still, I have plans to finish off the terraces for the garden, level off a sitting area, make a trail with stairs down to the trampoline, and maybe put up some kind of awning. So just those four things will probably take a few years. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2M4F9tY3Wc4BeSiZWxVN5eMKIHgpoCCyA6vWaLPwyIIFiFkfMOkCNPv1PY7teXWqt_EAmqxUDENgxZE7vnjcjwOnojo1uCTYBe8qK5vDIfRGU2B4pBg3lrQ_zAnSTA0RTRnrsKpIIKzu/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2M4F9tY3Wc4BeSiZWxVN5eMKIHgpoCCyA6vWaLPwyIIFiFkfMOkCNPv1PY7teXWqt_EAmqxUDENgxZE7vnjcjwOnojo1uCTYBe8qK5vDIfRGU2B4pBg3lrQ_zAnSTA0RTRnrsKpIIKzu/s400/IMG_3817.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620150293971210722" /></a><br /><br />Griselda<br /><br />Still a tennis playing fool. Won her last match, doubles, with some great shots. She likes to bounce around the court like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. The local club tennis pro says that she is opposite everyone that he has ever taught. She has no trouble running all over the court, her problem is that she gets there to soon and is so excited she ends up over doing it. He was SOOO right on with her........a ball of energy she is.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbqJzK2ImIC2Kt2cyWmElC25dpKsqz1rI1zSLRXuKGG7cp9PbPkrHpy18hqdWfeUPz5OMOXhQyReNdBX6PBx09hOdX0vdoRZb7q50bMuvLy9-LwwKq1zxXwX82QvS3m34kxjRW_iNcR3N/s1600/IMG_3609.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbqJzK2ImIC2Kt2cyWmElC25dpKsqz1rI1zSLRXuKGG7cp9PbPkrHpy18hqdWfeUPz5OMOXhQyReNdBX6PBx09hOdX0vdoRZb7q50bMuvLy9-LwwKq1zxXwX82QvS3m34kxjRW_iNcR3N/s400/IMG_3609.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620150282389517682" /></a><br /><br />Lathan<br /><br />He has headed back to pool. He is a monster with his free, back, and fly. He had his first official swim meet this weekend. He did great. He has finished his third Harry Potter book and quickly moved onto the fourth. He also finished up this years baseball season with a couple of big hits. Baseball became a lot more fun once he started hitting the ball.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjva-0qg5OiRDs93LRjnksYIMWaGTPe4CvbZ8cdDMZsINtHNg3d4xerril9ARK5d0xxO1wuHkF5YuC0GeK5-1q0ppWYQZq-jbcYOK6NJO9X6XTPz_52TENFBrMFh4h_VY8iGfpsLsZnsS/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjva-0qg5OiRDs93LRjnksYIMWaGTPe4CvbZ8cdDMZsINtHNg3d4xerril9ARK5d0xxO1wuHkF5YuC0GeK5-1q0ppWYQZq-jbcYOK6NJO9X6XTPz_52TENFBrMFh4h_VY8iGfpsLsZnsS/s400/IMG_3623.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620145170033710994" /></a><br /><br /><br />Kaelan<br /><br />Kaelan is excited to have started swim team this summer. He is a monster backstroker already, just like his older brother. He also is doing a great job with his butterfly, which is really surprising given the age. He has really started to get the swimming thing down. He is also going to try to start reading the Harry Potter books this summer also. He finished up his baseball season as well. He was playing right field and for the first time ever ran, yep that's right, he actually ran to get the ball. No sliding on the grass. No karate kicking in the outfield. He actually ran. So proud of him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUK3JmDAI-ZRmlEcOs9eBUJm_iUtmSAo50Tuh8Nv3qv6cynrb4NPNvftiElVYZeyqRIQW1AWWGjw3ouJ88mOjEvrRDAwBmh-uT-dcObvwsqMv1PZRsZMUlj4_2FX5RaXdvu9l8fphckfl/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUK3JmDAI-ZRmlEcOs9eBUJm_iUtmSAo50Tuh8Nv3qv6cynrb4NPNvftiElVYZeyqRIQW1AWWGjw3ouJ88mOjEvrRDAwBmh-uT-dcObvwsqMv1PZRsZMUlj4_2FX5RaXdvu9l8fphckfl/s400/IMG_3752.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620140278772351858" /></a><br /><br /><br />JJ<br /><br />JJ is also on the local swim team. He is fast becoming the team favorite because the little guy just won't give up. He jumps / dives off the blocks. Streamlines like a pro. Everyone cheers for him. He loves it. Sometimes he seems to be going up and down instead of forward. He says that he gets a little frustrated because Kaelan always beats him. Such is the life of the younger brother, huh Pete and Dan??? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjNiwTvwYKJBC3oc7lQItzHbJ88RZb5lhRHuaoBVwsr-R5qpHbrkqQPDORZ-PSXN6-ELsRwps7NLilf1QPHY8od-RoUHMArMLffjJFM8DKFcVk-KlwSx9vsEt0tlTitnz02ZAPantGj2u/s1600/IMG_3698.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjNiwTvwYKJBC3oc7lQItzHbJ88RZb5lhRHuaoBVwsr-R5qpHbrkqQPDORZ-PSXN6-ELsRwps7NLilf1QPHY8od-RoUHMArMLffjJFM8DKFcVk-KlwSx9vsEt0tlTitnz02ZAPantGj2u/s400/IMG_3698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620132795142749874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUS_P-17kPMqy38F1s8DcYOiqjrNh3DzSlcVoGB2JNQBFuWQB4apK4WUrmdcJKWL3mu3AhNTxdms3Q8hET3XSl9-zHTOSu4EgnblqQ2_IyyKpj96lxuTaWGYQlm3-vcaPZjfmTm5osShh/s1600/IMG_3699.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUS_P-17kPMqy38F1s8DcYOiqjrNh3DzSlcVoGB2JNQBFuWQB4apK4WUrmdcJKWL3mu3AhNTxdms3Q8hET3XSl9-zHTOSu4EgnblqQ2_IyyKpj96lxuTaWGYQlm3-vcaPZjfmTm5osShh/s400/IMG_3699.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620140261228709554" /></a><br /><br />JJ doesn't quite have the diving off the blocks thing down quite yet. He is defnitely getting closer though.<br /><br />Haeafan<br /><br />Haefan is, and probably always will be a handful. He loves to play, jump, swim, laugh, pout, flirt, and especially talk. Can't understand what he says all the time, but he loves to talk just the same. He and a friend go to every swim practice and take turns running into the baby pool, laughing, splashing, and eventually falling. He loves to wear goggles even though he doesn't like to get his face wet often. He can't wait to start swim team too. Sometimes he is a little too anxious and has to be corralled before he tries to join his older brothers in practice. Just like his bros he has to take a shower after swimming and be wrapped in a towel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcUOe4ZlH4wk_69T74Up__Uoo16_HZE-c-0SAwUPeUTaSRcDbPWLwlcMQGvRvi0NhlF279NOlr4NkzGG0i1NstCQ2awyXt2GF8Sn_wPe_9zfaNz92mWtJZSdOCIjhHjUQ-3YCtrqhQLxI/s1600/IMG_3598.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcUOe4ZlH4wk_69T74Up__Uoo16_HZE-c-0SAwUPeUTaSRcDbPWLwlcMQGvRvi0NhlF279NOlr4NkzGG0i1NstCQ2awyXt2GF8Sn_wPe_9zfaNz92mWtJZSdOCIjhHjUQ-3YCtrqhQLxI/s400/IMG_3598.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620145190771211490" /></a><br /><br />One day, these three kids will finish up all my failed gardening / landscaping projects for their mom. Until then, its caos in the Skeehan house, in a good, fun, busy way if that's possible.<br /><br />Until next time.Skeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-62088078525214960592011-06-12T21:09:00.001-07:002011-06-12T21:27:11.342-07:00Dave's TakeHere I go again. Trying to keep the habit up.<br /><br />Haefan<br /><br />Loves going to swim practice and swim meets. He doesn't actually swim but he loves wearing the swim cap just like his brothers and running around with goggles on his head all over the deck. <br /><br />JJ<br /><br />Doing some major crotch punching recently. Really gonna have to break him of that habit. He also started swimming and was able to make it 25 yards without stopping. There were a couple big arms thrown in between his kicking and side breathing. He has the cutest little belly while walking around in his speedo too.<br /><br />Kaelan<br /><br />Awesome swimmer. Swimming freaking butterfly as a six year old. The kid rocked the big arms and backstroke. So proud of him too.<br /><br />Lathan<br /><br />Is the backstroke monster. Cruised to first place before putting a dent in the side of the pool with his head. Also got baptized yesterday. When did he get so old?<br /><br />Gris-freaking-elda<br /><br />Rocked her solo in church. Made the most awesome cake. Business down the tubes but probably for the best. One mama can only juggle so many eggs before one drops and cracks. Learning more songs on the piano. Playing tennis like a champ. While handling church callings and her volunteer stuff. <br /><br />Me<br /><br />Working. Gonna try running again soon. Usually get one or two runs in a week. May try the local triathlon again this year. Griselda thinks I could get a better time and result this year than last. Might have to see for my self......Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-90774216024410214402011-05-29T10:25:00.002-07:002011-05-29T11:15:02.164-07:00We're Back!!!!Ok. Long time no blog. Today we have the whole family together to tell their story.<br /><br />Boys<br /><br />Favorite thing to do: have light saber wars with the family.<br />Favorite movie: Tron Legacy<br />Favorite song: Fireflies by Owl City<br />Favorite restaurant: Round table<br />Favorite video game: Batman and Robin Lego on the Wii<br /><br />Haefan<br /><br />Haefan has perfected the old west fast draw. He walks around the house whipping out his guns on anyone who gets in his way. He has heard about crocidile wrestling in Florida, and has introduced the sport of Fozzie Bear wrestling here in California. Talking each day more and more. He is constantly covered in bruises and scrapes due to his always having to keep up with his older brothers.<br /><br />Jeydan ( a.k.a. JJ)<br /><br />JJ has started his swim lessons again this year. He is training for his first shot at swim team. He looks really cute in his jammers and goggles. He loves to tease his younger brother Haefan. The pitter patter of little feet running and jumping with Haefan screaming right behind is constantly going on in our home, it seems. He is doing great with reading and often helps read any two to five letter words that we throw at him. He just learned how to ride a scooter, and loves to play ball with dad. He is continuing in his Jedi training having recently acquired Count Duko's light saber for his birthday.<br /><br />Kaelan<br /><br />Is fast becoming a great reader like his older brother. He is currently reading the Frog and Toad books that he got for his birthday. He also started swim lessons recently and is awesome at his dolphin kick and breast stroke. He too is going out for swim team this year. He is playing baseball with Lathan this year. He often gets bored while playing. So he can be seeing practicing his karate while playing pitcher, or trying various yoga poses out in the outfield. His coach isn't a fan, but who can argue with the downward dog or triple leg kicks. <br /><br />Lathan<br /><br />Reading anything and everything. He has finished the Percy Jackson series and is currently on book three of the Harry Potter series. He is anxiously awaiting his baptism which takes place in two weeks. He is also really excited for his birthday party. He is going to go horseback riding with some friends. He is doing great at swimming as well. Perfecting his butterfly and breast stroke the last couple of weeks at the stroke clinics. He is playing baseball with his best friend Weston and little bro Kaelan. He had a breakout game where he won the team ball and was named the MVP after going 3 for 3 on his at bats with two doubles, a single, and 5 rbi. He also made some really great plays on the field - holding one kid to only a single with a great throw to second base with what should have been likely a double or triple. <br /><br />Griselda<br /><br />Can you say amazing. Seriously. She is playing in two tennis leagues. Has started a business with a friend. Went to Women's Conference. Had a snowboard trip to Colorado with some medical school friends. All while trying to keep tabs on the four very active boys. <br /><br />Dave<br /><br />Just working. Sort of trying to get into better shape. Seems like the elusive 190's are always 2-3 pounds away. Guess exercising isn't enough. Gotta also restrict my caloric intake. Sat down one day and figured that I usually eat between 4000-5000 calories a day. Still can't figure out why dropping weight is so hard. Work is going great. California is still the best place to live. <br /><br />We are all excited for summer to come. Lots of swimming, canoeing, fishing, running, biking, tennis playing, and a little bit of work in there too. I am sure that there is more to follow and pics should be on the way too. Unfortunately we lost our computer to a melted motherboard but have recently gone Mac and probably will never go back.<br /><br />Dave, Griselda, and the boys.Skeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-30824783653098632022011-02-24T13:26:00.008-08:002011-02-24T14:29:19.532-08:00Happy Birthday to ME!!!Dear Friends,<br /><br />I am so thankful to have had such wonderful people surround me throughout all my stages of life. I am most grateful for having been sealed to the MOST AWESOMEST husband of all time. Then adding in the best (and cutest!) kids ever?!?!? I really feel so blessed and so undeserving for so many of my blessings. I know I am not easy to live with. I am stuck in my ways and hard to reason with. I'm always right, you know. ;)<br /><br />So to have met and known so many great people, most of whom are of the regular kind, living their lives quietly and humbly, and happy to be the best people they know how while leaving the limelight for others just astounds me in so many ways (yes, to those who are famous and on TV and getting showered with praise and $$$, I love you too, but a little less...ha ha). How could I have ever been so lucky??? I think it was Heavenly Father's way of countering some of the more difficult parts of life I've come to live with, which I must say are really very few; however, that brings me to my point of gratitude...<br /><br />I am most grateful for the one who allowed me to become who am and I wish everyday that I still had that guidance and those arms to hug me: Mama, or Abuelita, as she had come to be known.<br /><br />Dear Mama,<br /><br />Thirty-five years ago today, gave birth to me. A little nugget of a person that had the spitfire soul of her daddy. You survived raising me and seeing my two big boys enter this world. Lathan still remembers you, and some days we all feel like your absence is just as fresh as it was 5 1/2 years ago. We miss you dearly. <br /><br />I know that I am strong, and I know that that strength will carry me through the hard years of raising a family and beyond. You taught me well. Your lessons were received to the center of my core through your example. You loved me even though I was cruel. Those time I was ashamed to admit you were my mom because of your thick accent and/or broken English, you were patient and understanding. You served Mano and I without ever any sign of unwillingness. You made sure we were happy at all costs, I found out later, and never needed a thank you or recognition for your sacrifices. You were the MOST humble human being I've ever known. You were quiet and observant, but were quick to share a quiet, but firm opinion of my unattractive, or inappropriate behavior. Now being a mom, I see that you let a lot of things slide, but never at the cost of showing love, or support for whatever whim I may have had for pursuing different hobbies or passions (how realistic is it really to become a professional snowboarder when snow is a 4-hour commute away?). <br /><br />I was a silly girl, and you loved me anyway. You loved David even more. I think back and wonder if it was because you knew what he was getting into and wanted him to feel your support. Good move. Very good move. He loves you and misses you almost as much as I do. Our boys love looking at pictures of you. It is hard on me to know that the two younger boys never had the benefit of your loving touch. How there are so many things I miss about you and so many more that I regret not knowing about you. You were my whole life for so long and yet I feel like there are things I know so little about you. I miss you. But more than that, I thank you. My greatest hope is that I can be the mother you were. Now if you were to ask me again what I want to be when I grow up, this time I will <span style="font-style:italic;">proudly</span> say, "a dumb housewife." No tears about it all, I promise.<br /><br />It seems to me that my mother was the most splendid woman I ever knew....I have met a lot of people knocking around the world since, but I have never met a more thoroughly refined woman than my mother. If I have amounted to anything, it will be due to her.-Charles Chaplin<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsaWm8NOXRVXmL2pRH_xw0ir7HkRp_gEfdG45vccZrR7kyDr7sH4q3iGFNspD_App1IvIBL9Ype414-3IKDxDd2sgL0K-M3g946vnBG-RwZjY-R3zzDMtjtu-8ACA-kBEf678C4Fu-ZxX/s1600/005_Esther%2526Kids1976.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 385px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsaWm8NOXRVXmL2pRH_xw0ir7HkRp_gEfdG45vccZrR7kyDr7sH4q3iGFNspD_App1IvIBL9Ype414-3IKDxDd2sgL0K-M3g946vnBG-RwZjY-R3zzDMtjtu-8ACA-kBEf678C4Fu-ZxX/s400/005_Esther%2526Kids1976.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577385211241270002" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCEcGSgpJh9rbo0AWy0od_ZzmglR4pH30j61n5Xy9clrJuK3gr6UGy9vdMdq8bLsPulbzJGTT0v79JpzbU0XL4ElQpyXW9MaMSd9T6Cz0xutJnwfoq828BkEMV95FZVtg1lc6x2-3ergS/s1600/009_mom%2526gris.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCEcGSgpJh9rbo0AWy0od_ZzmglR4pH30j61n5Xy9clrJuK3gr6UGy9vdMdq8bLsPulbzJGTT0v79JpzbU0XL4ElQpyXW9MaMSd9T6Cz0xutJnwfoq828BkEMV95FZVtg1lc6x2-3ergS/s400/009_mom%2526gris.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577385213153025010" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wctDr9jUC1unHmeEgJ4hz0jn88OaRbzFjXp6FfHSWH-X0XFeMqYbLOrR7aXt9rB0BAXxv0rSiG2dsnOgSlJJNN7Y3xcoDanXvnx8aV4BKXaEiFbGBh_aLZkBqrY1aux16SJ5HMfKb7D1/s1600/030_Chillan1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wctDr9jUC1unHmeEgJ4hz0jn88OaRbzFjXp6FfHSWH-X0XFeMqYbLOrR7aXt9rB0BAXxv0rSiG2dsnOgSlJJNN7Y3xcoDanXvnx8aV4BKXaEiFbGBh_aLZkBqrY1aux16SJ5HMfKb7D1/s400/030_Chillan1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577385221120515714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oBjxyjka-owl19QpFXdhSY8GMGMyiWgzPIylClNbibTtzHQv3mbXzUXw-Bf1LwRT__q6g7KHNC5JoDwnZZuUreopyt0jgYLLebYPfxNCPkPD0ioECrfNL3EcuIGPVNTw65nKb05X1srO/s1600/121_P5260016.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oBjxyjka-owl19QpFXdhSY8GMGMyiWgzPIylClNbibTtzHQv3mbXzUXw-Bf1LwRT__q6g7KHNC5JoDwnZZuUreopyt0jgYLLebYPfxNCPkPD0ioECrfNL3EcuIGPVNTw65nKb05X1srO/s400/121_P5260016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577385225712771650" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIVzzrIXjpUw6-Jp9sO7i9hVq4h853pNPPfGWTE3JhDiIoxQfHrM-RGgbqGKzu1Z4Nr72lIPchmfnNf25aWZL05u4jWuM_k8f49GEfEIAt-F-976TMX1x_n-zWFrhywGh9SZw56iI-0jc/s1600/133_P8020652.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIVzzrIXjpUw6-Jp9sO7i9hVq4h853pNPPfGWTE3JhDiIoxQfHrM-RGgbqGKzu1Z4Nr72lIPchmfnNf25aWZL05u4jWuM_k8f49GEfEIAt-F-976TMX1x_n-zWFrhywGh9SZw56iI-0jc/s400/133_P8020652.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577385232119371618" /></a>Skeeutopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146614445578452326noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348830997243009949.post-5129689751526009222011-02-01T21:46:00.005-08:002011-02-01T22:17:25.477-08:00Dave's TakeSo, when Griselda and I were first married, anytime one of us managed to do something well we would say, "OK, I guess you are going to be the ______ person now." With that in mind, let me explain to you how I will never be the "teach the kids how to ski" person ever. <div><br /></div><div>We have been going up to Tahoe each Monday to teach our kids how to ski. Griselda takes Lathan, Kaelan, and JJ in the morning and then I take them in the afternoon. During the morning time, Haefan and I go snow shoeing for a couple of miles. He likes to yell, go, go, go, go daddy. I feel like a sled dog sometimes but that is beside the point. So, on to our story. Last weekend was like any other except that JJ said he was too tired to ski in the afternoon so it was going to be me, Lathan and Kaelan. So we decided to go up to the mid mountain area just shy of the top of the mountain. Both boys have been told numerous times to stick together and this time was no different. That being said, once we were actually off the lift and on the run, Kaelan points his skis straight and Lathan cuts right towards the trees. No sweat. I just stay above them and make sure they can get up if they fall. How naive I was. Kaelan had no intention of stopping and is half way down the mountain before I know it. Lathan is stuck up in the trees now facing backwards down hill and scared stiff. I quickly ski over hoping to quickly remedy the situation and track down Kaelan. Unfortunately Lathan is freaking out about being backwards and won't listen to my instructions on how to turn around. I finally get him to try something, he spins around and we are golden. Five minutes wasted. One of two kids still alive and well. Another kid MIA. So I start to ski ahead thinking that Lathan will be right behind me. Nope. Now he is too nervous and is proceeding to cut back and forth across the run taking five minutes to go down what was a 10 second straight away just 10 minutes ago. Finally he starts to loosen up. He heads off to the side to see if he can jump on some of the little rollers. Then I see Kaelan, surrounded by adults, lying on the ground. I quickly ski over, tell them that I am his father, explain why I wasn't around, and tell them not to worry about calling ski patrol. Kaelan evidently twisted his leg. He won't stand up. Meanwhile Lathan has now disappeared and I have reverted back to one lost and one found kid. Great. Anyway, long story short Kaelan won't get up. Falls asleep face down in the snow. Becomes a snuggle bunny for one of the field mice that runs out of the ski patrol's blanket bag, until I yank him up off the snow scaring the patrol and Kaelan half to death. Crazy how quick adrenaline kicks in when there is a moused cuddling up to your kids cheek. I had him shoulder high before that mouse even new what happened. Anyway, Kaelan gets taken down the mountain on a sled. The ski patrol is skiing like a bat out of hell. I am trying not to become another ski patrol accident / problem while still searching for Lathan. Finally I find him. I quickly ski over leaving the ski patrol and sled flying down the slope like a run away train, hoping to catch up with the ski patrol later. Lathan is standing there with another member of the ski patrol. I once again quickly explain who I am, I am the negligent father who abandons his children...blah blah blah.... anyway, she releases him to me. I then discover that he doesn't have his skis. Evidently he had to go to the bathroom so he gave his skis to someone wearing a coat like mine who said that he would watch them for him. Great...... the ski patrol lady kindly tells me that she found him wandering over by the lift and sure enough we find his skis propped up against a sign. By now Kaelan could have been abducted, sold into slavery, who knows. Griselda is now calling me every 10 secs to ask for updates after a garbled telephone conversation that took place right before Kaelan was put on the sled. The conversation pretty much went like this:</div><div><br /></div><div> Kaelan got hurt. </div><div><i>How?</i> </div><div>I don't know I wasn't with him. </div><div><i>Why not?</i> </div><div>I was with Lathan. Anyway, ski patrol is taking him down. He is fine. He says his leg hurt. Can you meet him? I have to run. I have to go find Lathan now...... </div><div><i>WHAT?</i> </div><div> love you bye... </div><div><br /></div><div>So since I don't have time to stop and answer my phone, I sound like a cheesy wedding CD due to my choice of cool lovey ring tones for my hot wife, while carrying a pair of children skis, trying not to fall over while herding my other son in the right direction and simultaneously chastising him for leaving his skis with a stranger. </div><div><br /></div><div> Anyway, no broken bones. Kaelan still is limping. And Griselda swears that the kids can never go skiing with me again. </div><div><br /></div><div> Good times. </div>Dave S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16955086144877098518noreply@blogger.com4