Colts Camp

This past Friday I took the kids down to Terra Haute to watch one of the Colts practices.

Anthony Gonzalez (wide receiver) getting some
catches from the passing machine right in front
of us. Gonzalez was a rookie last year and
he is one of mine and Kyle's favorite players
to watch. Kyle kept calling out his name but
he never looked. Practice is serious!

Coach Tony Dungy! and Offensive
Coordinator Tom Moore behind him.

Reggie Wayne (wide reciever) and
Joseph Addai (running back).
Right before this picture Kyle called out Addai's
name and he turned around and gave
the peace sign to Kyle.

Gary Brackett (linebacker) signing autographs.
Kyle and Jessica got Brackett's autograph as well as
Robert Mathis (defensive end), and Jamie
Silva (a rookie defensive back).

A video clip of Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez
catching some passes.

Preseason begins tonight! .... Go Colts !!

Vacation

This year we spent our summer vacation at Wisconsin Dells. We rented a camper and spent 5 nights relaxing and 4 days of summer fun! We went horseback riding, went to a magic show where Kyle got picked as a volunteer for one of the illusions. He ended up dancing on stage and having a 12 foot colored ribbon being pulled out of his mouth! We went for a Jet Boat tour, spent an afternoon shopping, spent a day at the water park, and had time just to relax and swim at the campground. An awesome way to wind down the summer!

Kyle's horse was named Pistol.

Jessica's horse was named Charlie.

Leanne was riding Jet and I had Magnum.
Let me tell you Magnum was pretty stubborn.
We went through a tunnel and half-way through
Magnum decided he was done so he just stopped. No
matter how hard I kicked him or slapped his
rear he would not move. Finally the guide gave over
the lead position to Jessica and came back to coax Magnum
out of the tunnel. He also took his own detours off the path
occasionally and liked to ride me up close to a tree. I finally
figured out his game and pulled on the reigns really strong
prior to sideswiping the trees.
The kids got a big kick out of my adventures on Magnum.

This picture was taken after the Jet Boat. We chose
to go "Zoom Zoom" rather than "Quack Quack."
In other words ... we chose to take the 700 horsepower
Jet Boat for some fast action rather than the slow moving
ducks. Guess what? We got soaked - But had a Blast !!

The campground was on the Wisconsin River so
there was an area to do some river swimming complete
with some giant floating slides. They also had a pool
if you wanted a little bit "cleaner" swim.

You can't go camping without having S'mores!

Water Park Fun!

Jessica and Leanne took advantage of the
complimentary wet suits. It really wasn't that
cold but Leanne and Jessica always seem to be
on the chilled side.

Jessica said she felt like a super hero
in her wet suit. Go ... Spidergirl!

Kyle bought a slingshot and then turned around,
sold it to Jessica and then bought another one.
He also bought a pocket knife.
He's pretty proud of them.

All in all we had an excellent 2008 vacation!

Fun Up North

While Leanne and I were at camp the kids got to spend time with their Grandma and Papa. They went to the movies and to the Indiana Dunes. For a special treat they went to eat at Medieval Times. The Medieval Times is a theme restaurant where knights joust and sword fight while you eat (with your bare hands) and cheer on the knight that represents your section.

Needless to say the kids had a great time with Grandma and Papa.

Mom didn't want this picture included because

it looks like she's scolding the kids when really
all she was doing was telling them to be careful
and stay close to the shore while swimming.

Actually ... I think pictures are worth a thousand
words and I think she was really giving it to the kids.
Kyle looks scared! What a mean Grandma!
(just teasing - love ya mom!)

The kids also got to spend time swimming
at my Uncle Jim's.

They also got to spend time with their Uncle Keith, Aunt Dawn, and their cousin, Alex. They LOVE seeing Alex and spending time with Keith and Dawn. Dawn is a really good photographer (I'm still saying start your own business, Dawn.) She took the following pictures.

In The Woods

This summer I was in charge of a Jr. High week of wilderness camp. I had a great group of faculty helping out including Rick and Tammy Weir, Leanne, Rosalind Trusty, and Robbie Ketcherside. We had a great week. 5 days in the woods (no electricity or running water) with 33 Jr. High kids! This was the camps biggest week of wilderness camp.

Battle !!

Hey what's summer without a good 'ole water gun fight!