Being Dealt With

I know you only read this blog to see pictures of my family, but I can't help but pass along this juicy quote.  As a sports fan, I sometimes wonder at the control exercised by the commissioners in the NBA and NFL.  (It is bad, but not as bad, in MLB.)  Yesterday, in announcing a $100,000 fine of an owner for saying the wrong thing, NBA commissioner David Stern said, "[T]hat was not something that Ted was authorized to say and he will be dealt with for that lapse in judgment.”  Part of me recoils at how un-American that sounds.  The other part of me wishes this sort of accountability could be imposed on our government officials.

Seal Training

Last year, Alan asked me what a sniper is.  We found a video on YouTube of Navy Seal Snipers.  You can always tell when you you have hit on something natural in the soul--a geyser erupted.  The boys are all now in training to become Navy Seals.  Here, Gregory has written up a description of the training regimen.  I am going to suggest they add a class on spelling!

(Double-click on the picture to see it larger.)

Cute as a Button

Just like we ordered.



Viva, Tommy!

Although the Dodgers were eliminated the night before, Alan and I were willing to drive to LA to take in the game.  We joined the 25 other fans who arrived before the game started in singing Happy Birthday to Tommy Lasorda (now 83).  The Dodgers lost, but in so doing knocked the Giants out of first.  I looked around for, but did not see, Frank M.  He must have had a long day in court.

P.S.  Those of you who were hoing to see a photo of, you know, someone related to me: I forgot the camera.  There was a guy at the stadium who took a picture of Alan and me that I was going to buy until I found out the digital copy was priced at $59.99.  So, you get to see Tommy.

A Simple Pleasure

A couple of days ago, the kids were talking and somehow chocolate milk was mentioned.  Stephen asked, "What does it taste like?"  What!?  My five year old has never had chocolate milk?  Doesn't this show his grandparents have not been keeping up on their duties?  Tonight, he got his first taste. . . and his second.

AHG Campout

Isabel and Juliana are now part of an American Heritage Girls troop.  AHG is basically a Christian form of Girl Scouts.  Our troop is sponsored by our Catholic parish.  They have had one meeting and then went on their first campout.  A kind, little snake wriggled by to provide some entertainment for the girls.  By the time of this video, the screaming had subsided.  An interested but still cautious Juliana observes as one of he dads holds the snake.

As you may have guessed, I do not yet know how to edit video.

I'm his Uncle! I'm his Uncle!

On Sunday, we went to Angel Stadium to see my nephew and his Little League team be honored before the game.  They marched in from right field, stopped in front of the opposing dugout--we had been told to wait by the Angel's dugout--and marched out.  You can see Michael, number 9, on this shot of the big scoreboard.

Rockets' Red Glare

Homemade, from a kit.

The crew prepares for launch.

And takeoff!

If you're lucky, you might get yor rocket back.

Time Flies

Paula at 3-1/2 weeks and more recently.

Santa Paula Airport

On the first Sunday of every month, the Santa Paula Airport hosts an open house.  Owners open up their hangars.  Vintage and modern aircraft can be seen up close, and the owners will chat with visitors.

We also watched from the side of the runway as planes took off and landed.  There is a program that offers free flights to kids 7 and older.  We couldn't get in this month, but we will defintely be back next month.

Honored Guests

Madeleine--this is not Isabel--wants a baby girl of her own.

Dan was able to be there.  He is an old pro at baby girls.

Serving at the Altar

A great privilege.  This was Gregory's first chance.

Naomi's Baptism

The rite begins at the entrance of the church.  The first exorcisms are done before we even let the baby in.

In the extraordinary form the priest covers the baby with his stole as they move to the baptistry.  (It is hard to crop the pictures much in a church like this one.)

The three-fold pouring of water and the words that explain them.

Catherine fulfills her duty as godmother.  Naomi just wants to eat.