Mariners & a pretty view

We didn't go camping this Memorial Day Weekend.  Really, in the 7-1/2 years we've lived here (and in the 20 years we've been married), we've actually only camped 4 times over Memorial Day Weekend.  But somehow, we consider it a tradition.  The group at Banks Lake has gotten so big, that it's difficult to play the booking-game to get us all into one loop on such a premium weekend.  And with the kids all getting older, missing a few days of school is more difficult, too.  So we decided to postpone the Banks Lake weekend to the week after school.  Given the weather this year, I think it was a good call.

In an attempt to give the kids something fun to do, our friends invited Laurel and Aubrey down to their place to spend the night.  We would meet on Monday to pick them up.  Doug remembered that the Mariners had a day game today, so we suggested just meeting at Safeco and watching the game together.

It was a beautiful day for a game.  And our $7.50 center field bleacher tickets were awesome.  We decided to get food at the game...Malcolm and Baub ate hotdogs; Dana ate chips & cheese (think 7-11 nachos); Doug ate a steaming bread bowl of clam chowder; Laurel ate pizza; and I had (way too many) garlic fries.  the guy at the cash register teased me that the total was $100...I don't think he was too far off.

We're glad that we got to see the Tharps -- and look forward to seeing them at Banks Lake in just a few weeks!!

After leaving the game, we drove up to Kerry Park on Queen Anne so I could take some quick pictures.  I love the view from there, and I wanted to test the drive to see if it's "doable" from work (it is).

the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat (aka District Track Meet)

Malcolm participated in the 4th & 5th Grade District Track Meet this afternoon.  Even though I left work early, I still managed to miss him running the 400m race.  I think it had something to do with the fact that there is nowhere near enough parking at the high school.

When I found him and asked about the first race, he said that he didn't do well -- that his asthma bothered him.  Which I thought was odd, seeing as 1) his asthma has never presented after physical activity, and 2) that he hasn't taken a treatment for over 3 years (maybe even 4 at this point).  At that point he was having fun with his friends, so I went and sat with the Schinnick family to glom some treats and a big towel for warmth.  Despite the fact that it was no longer raining, and the skies were almost blue, it was still a bit nippy for no coat.  I took some pictures of people I recognized.

Finally it was time for the 5th grade boys to run the 800m -- Malcolm's other event.  As they lined up on the Start line, I could hear Randy White calling to Malcolm, "Don't go sprinting out ~ take it nice and easy, Malcolm!"

yeah -- right, Randy!

At the end of the first lap, I could tell that Malcolm was struggling.  He was grabbing his side, and didn't look too happy.

But I lost track of him as soon as I saw his friend Scott heading into the final stretch.  This boy had some serious kick left in him at the end of this race!

And then I had to look for Malcolm again.  He had taken off his track shirt in an attempt to make himself more comfortable, but it didn't do much for the awful cramp he was experiencing.

He crossed the finish line, and headed straight to me and collapsed in my arms crying.  I almost lost it right there with him.  He wanted to lie down on the ground, and as I was attempting to keep him on his feet, Randy came over to walk with him and talk to him.

I am sure there is some scriptural reference about friends walking by our sides, or helping to carry our burdens, but for now, I just know that having Randy there was a big blessing!  By the time the two of them walked back, Malcolm was ready to get his things and head home.

I'm proud of Malcolm.  He may not have "won" the race, but he embarked on a challenge, came up against a physical challenge, and persevered and endured to the end.   And that makes him a winner in my eyes!

strange strangers

Last night when we got home from Malcolm's lacrosse game, we were greeted by two very strange strangers.  Luckily, they didn't stick around long.  But they did come back today ~ I think they were trying to get into our house.

Be on the lookout for them!

Lacrosse End-of-Season Jamboree

At the end of the season, the lacrosse boys have a tournament.  Each team plays 3 half-games and battle it out.  Our games today were at 9am, 12noon, and 3pm.  49 minute games (including a 5-minute half) and then 2 hours of waiting for the next game.  Kind of makes for a long day for both players and the fans.

Doug took Malcolm up for the first game.  Then Dana and I met up with them shortly before the second game (Aubrey went to Ethan's baseball game with Audrey, and Laurel had a babysitting job).

Our 5/6 Gold Team is awesome.  The score doesn't always reflect how hard they play, and how much they've learned and improved this season.

It was Malcolm's first time playing defense (ever) and he borrowed a d-stick from one of his teammates.  I was really proud of him for getting out there and doing his best to learn a new skill on the fly.

At the end of each lacrosse game, our team Honors the Game.  The Coaches remind the boys of the Roots of Lacrosse, and then two players from each team award two players from the other team with an award (usually a helmet sticker, sometimes a game ball) to recognize them as a lacrosse player who honors the game.
     Respect Rules
     Respect Officials
     Respect Opponents
     Respect Teammates
     Hold your Self to a higher standard



Today Malcolm was chosen to receive one of the awards after the third game.  I am so proud of him!  And bummed that I'd already packed my camera way.

So now lacrosse is over.  Except that it's not, because Malcolm wants to play in two tournaments this summer.  So the fun will continue!


Speaking of fun...when we got home we were greeted by this strange stranger...recognize her?

my Photo Safari | Museum of Flight

Several weeks ago I took a photography workshop ~ all lecture, no practice.  This afternoon I finally got to take the 2-hour practice portion of the workshop.  I think I learned a few new things.  But I still, STILL don't think I "get" light metering...but I'm working on it.

Here are some shots from my photo safari at the Museum of Flight.

practing panning action in order to blur the background.  I do better when I'm not trying

practicing "stop-action" ~ it makes me laugh every time, this shot

Night Game (no lights needed)

Malcolm had a mid-week night lacrosse game this fine evening.  Dana and Aubrey and I treked up to Woodinville to watch our 5/6 Gold Team play a great 7pm game.  I'd say that this game was by far Malcolm's best game to date.  He had one play where he must have rolled off and/or around 8 different players.  It was so exciting to watch!

right now this is my new very favorite photo.  The girls were so excited to go get Malcolm after the game was over.  I'd love to know what they were talking about...

Lunch Time Photo Outing

On my team at work there are two other avid photographers.  We've been itching to take photos at the new campus.  And today was gloriously sunny and NOT RAINY, so we spent our lunch break shooting up the outside...

We liked it so much that we're going to see if there are any other budding photographers amongst us who would like to get together for a regular outing.