WE SPRINTED THROUGH THE SUMMER GAUNTLET

Last week Tyrel entered the Punt, Pass, and Kick competition. It was a first for Tyrel and he learned some valuable strategies- after the fact. Exactly one pass, punt, and kick later the competition was over without much informatioon from the judges. Apparently, they tell everyone they will contact them via phone at a later date. Poor form gentlemen, poor form.

Amy and I enjoyed watching “Clubber Clyde” in her last soccer game of the season. While watching these girls run around with the soccer ball it occurred to me that these games more resembled trying to herding a bunch of cats. The coaches would have better luck trying to hold back the tide than moving these little "players" in the general direction of the ball. "FOCUS" is the key to these games. I noted some girls playing Red Rover while others Ring-A-Round the Posey’s despite the soccer game going on around them. Others were sulking just because. Some were more worried about the after-game treats or how their hair looked and ran off the field to have their mom check their ponytail. Then there is the last group, you know the kind you can’t beat away from the ball with a stick. Clubber Clyde is this zealot kind. She ended her season in fine fashion scoring 5 goals of her own! GO CLYDE!

Just when we thought our soccer cheering for 2008 was done we learned Tyrel and the Crocodiles will be entering the playoffs. This is a first for us and we are excited.

This week was the beginning of the deer hunt for me. I fancy hunting the muzzleloader hunt as there tends to be fewer hunters at one time to compete with. I should preface the rest of this paragraph by saying that at one time all of my hunting stories were true. So here is the report. Most of the water sources have dried up resulting in dry feed in many areas. With dry feed and scarce water, the deer have moved around quite a bit. That's all I have to say about that.

Erin is the most die-hard hunter among us. Each time we see a buck she is adamant this particular buck is a big one and that I “…go get your gun and shoot that buck.” She repeats this same mantra on the 20th buck of the day with the same enthusiasm and vigor as she did on the 1st buck we spotted. We are still hunting- enough said.

We Rage On

In years (or maybe decades) past I remember by grandparents making a point of mentioning December 07 in remembrance of those killed in the attack on the Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. They were able to recount where they were and what they were doing when this event occurred. Likewise, my parents have specific memories of their location and doings when first hearing of the President John F. Kennedy assassination and when U.S. astronauts first walked on the moon. I suspect 09/11 is one such event for my generation.

Amy and I were talking about our locations and actions on the morning of 09/11/01. Certainly, our actions were common in that for the most part we were going about our daily lives. I remember coming home from working a graveyard shift and winding down a bit by watching TV before trying to sleep. My routine that morning was not much different than any other morning after working a graveyard, however, the events of that day allow me to specifically recall these routine actions. Of course, all the TV stations were reporting an airplane crashing into the World Trade Center. Accidents are not uncommon in my line of work so it was easy for me accept this tragic incident at face value. However, when the second plane collided into this same building it was obvious these two events were no longer a coincidence. The whirlwind then started.

Erin recently won her bout with a cold. In one of her truly Erin moments she informed me Jailey, from daycare, gave her this cold and Erin didn’t even want it. Erin then continued by revealing her plot to give this cold back to Jailey when she finds her next. If only it were that simple.

Our family cast votes and decided to now start behaving as though summer is in the waning hours and to not allow fall to ambush us. We decided to send summer off with truly summer events- soccer and going to the lake.
Tyrel and the Crocodiles traveled to Parowan to take on an undefeated team. It was a good game despite some very favorable and one-sided officiating (it wasn’t until after the game that we learned the referee had a grandson on Parowan’s team). Despite this hurdle, the Crocodiles left the field with the score 2-2. In talking with some of the parents of the Parowan players we learned the Crocodiles were the first team Parowan had not defeated. Personally, I am still learning the in’s and out’s of soccer and I confess I struggle with a game that is allowed to end in tie.
We then took a trip south to Sand Hollow for fun in the sun. The kids played hard building sand castles while Amy and I just relaxed. When the kids completed their masterpieces Tyrel opted to be the guinea pig while Erin and I buried him in the sand. I think Erin got the biggest kick out of leaning on Tyrel’s head. After more fun in the water, we went out for dinner and then home. We all slept in the fashion of the slumber of the just.

Soccer or Ultimate Fighting?

Amy and I had our anniversary this week. In reflection, we both concluded that neither of us have done any one thing for as long as we have been married. A good time was had by all. It is great to be married to your best friend.

Last week, I was finally able to finish with my work responsibilities in time for the Robinson Family pool excursion. Each Labor Day weekend my parents rent the swimming pool. The grandkids swim until they are full from drinking pool water or cry (whichever comes first) while their parents get to act their shoe sizes instead of their ages- for a moment. You know, feats off the diving board we label “flips” ofare better categorized as one of those things we “usdacould”. With each additional year these more accurately resemble belly-flops.

Most impressive are the University of Utah Utes. The Michigan Wolverines couldn’t protect the “Big House”. In listening to College Game Day on ESPN before the game you would have thought the Wolverines were going to be the only team on the field. You would think these “professionals” would learn from these last years that there is football outside BCS teams. This week appeared to be more of a warm-up. Go Utes!

As usual, Saturday found us worshipping at the church of soccer. It is interesting watching the parents on the sideline. They range from the “slightly annoyed to be out of bed early on a Saturday” to the “zealot”. I occupy my mind and hands with a camera to avoid the zealot label.

Erin (aka Clubber Clyde) and the Bumblebees are unlike any other girls 4-5 year-old team in the league. There are 3 strong personalities on the team who will be in every play. You know the player who will run full throttle into a scrum and send other players scattering like bowling pins. Or if no scrum is found they take the ball from anyone, and kick at anything (no ball need be in the vicinity). I keep telling myself you can't teach a player heart (ha ha ha). Anyone care to step out on a limb and guess if "Clubber Clyde" is one of these three stars? I heard one of the parents from the Pink Lightning comment that “…those three girls should be playing with the boys in the 6-7 year-old league.” Erin’s coach has the patience of a saint and does a great job rotating these characters so there aren’t fireworks between teammates.

The Crocodiles routed their opponent. As usual, they played an exceptional team game against a team lacking both sportsmanship and any concept of teamwork. The game was stopped 8 times in the first 4 minutes because someone breathed wrong on one of the members of the other team. Despite these displays, the Crocodiles played their game unphased.

After all the threats, gestures, and crying the Crocodiles won 6-0 with Tyrel scoring 2 goals and 1 assist.

The Same: Plain Vanilla & Rocky Road

Now for the weekly soccer report. Tyrel and the Crocodiles left the field victors. His coach confessed this particular team is difficult to position players as the best scorers are also the best defenders. The trick lies in placing the best mix to both defend and score in any given set.
Amy and I are proud as Tyrel has emerged as one who is able to set the tempo of for the team, get his teammates involved, and play very hard. Even better, he is happy to play in whatever position he is needed.
Erin’s team, the Bumblebee’s, are a unique lot. The little girls on this team are easily shorted in two types. Those who are content to watch and turn in circles as the ball moves around them and those who you have to beat with a stick to get them to give the ball up. In case there was any doubt, Erin is not afraid to get the ball, even from girls on her own team, and then usually finish with an emphatic goal- even though that goal may be for the other team. Somewhere in her brief soccer career Erin has developed a flamboyant goal celebration- for a 4 year old.

This week has ended with many firsts for us as well. Late Friday night 10 people from Cedar City tragically lost their lives in an airplane accident in southeastern Utah. Many of these people were acquaintances, and one of them we counted among our friends. It is tough to watch these families learn of their loved one’s passing then struggle to pick up the pieces before trudging forward with life. These families in general and the loved one’s of our friends are in our prayers. This event has caused some serious reflection in our lives and certainly stands as a stark reminder to live as we should and take advantage of life.

Saturday ended late for all of us as we attended a St George Roadrunners game. I was admittedly apprehensive taking Erin as a 9 inning game is long. Her fascination with the mascots wore off but treats helped to keep her interest. It was a great effort by the Roadrunners that nearly ended in extra innings. Erin confessed the game was boring but the fireworks after the game were “cool.”

IT TASTES LIKE BURNING!

While in the middle of some house cleaning I sent Erin downstairs for another roll of paper towels. I was certain there was another roll down there, but at the same time I wasn’t surprised when Erin announced there was not another roll paper towels. She then went about her 4 year old life.

Moments later Erin came unhinged. Her actions could be described as weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Through her panic I was able to determine that her eyes, nose, and mouth hurt. The professional in me kicked in and I set about asking questions of Erin about how this burning came about. It was quickly apparent Erin was not interested in telling me anything.

Amy quickly entered this confusion by announcing Erin had sprayed something in the storage room that had also caused her to have a coughing fit. To Amy’s chagrin I had to smile which was not an acceptable response to Erin’s current state. I was thankful Amy could not see me laughing uncontrollably on the inside. I already knew what caused the problem and how to fix Erin.

I needed no more information about what had happened as I had been in Erin’s shoes before; twice on the receiving end and several more instances on the much preferred administering end.

My first experience was mid-summer 1995. Suffice it to say nothing focuses the mind quite as well as this pain. I think I lost sight in both eyes, and the world sounded like it is made of rushing water. I was certain I had located a uranium spill and my nose felt like I had just snorted Drano. Furthermore, my ears were ringing and a myriad of uncontrollable curse words were running through my mind. Funny thing about being on receiving end was I immediately recognizable the sound of the nearby spectators laughing at me just as I was now laughing at Erin.

Back then my first conscious thought was, “I’m going to die.” An eternal 2-3 seconds later this thought morphed into, “I wish I would die. At least it won’t hurt anymore.” At some point in this misery I thought it a good idea to stick my tongue out and drag it along the asphalt. Surely that would aid in helping my tongue feel better. I’m happy to say now that the tongue thing went no further than a thought. But, after what felt like 50 gallons of water over my face, mouth, and eyes and nearly 30 minutes I was confident I would indeed survive.

Erin was subjected to the same cure. Unfortunately for her, I was around with the camera to document the aftermath. With time and water the panic element in Erin’s crying finally left and my suppressed laugh erupted into a full belly roll. Amy just glared at both of us.

I then ventured into the storage room and found the offending object. Somehow that curious 4-year old had retrieved this stuff from where it is stored on a shelf some 5 feet up.

The moral of this story is don’t mess with your dad’s pepper spray!

Back to School, Yeah!

School started for Tyrel last Wednesday. Despite his claims of not being excited we knew better as he was up and getting dressed on his own by 6:30 A.M. On a good day Tyrel is finally able to wrestle the mattress off his back by 8:30 A.M. By day’s end he reported school was fun, but when he had homework on the second day it was apparent to us that the newness of the 4th grade had run out.

As Tyrel’s dad, the thought of your child as a 4th grader is sobering as I have many lucid memories of my own from 4th grade. Taking that thought a step further; I remember my dad telling me stories of his own 4th grade escapades. I am that dad!

Erin, on the other hand, sauntered through the transition to our school schedule without breaking stride. Curious about how she would respond, I asked her why she was not going to attend preschool. In true Erin style she informed me that she already knew all that stuff. By the way, humility is her strong suite.

As is our custom, Saturday was soccer day, at least until noon. Erin’s team played until they were tired. Personally, I think that should amend the rules of play for that age with a catch phrase along the lines of whichever team is able to keep their players focused the longest wins. Or, whichever team cries last wins.
Erin’s team had yet to start when she was already asking treats from her team’s soccer mom. A thousand easier and cheaper ways come to mind if Erin is there for the treats only. All funny stuff aside, it is more relaxing for me to watch Erin’s games rather than torment myself though Tyrel’s games. I have to be the worst soccer parent as I know little of the rules. Ignorance of the game seldom keeps me from trying to coach Tyrel from the sideline. I swear when the game is over I have paced and perspired enough that I am afraid someone will mistake me for soccer player.

Not wanting to concede the summer vacation just yet, we once again took a pilgrimage to the lake on Saturday. As usual, the water was warm, the mood exceptional, and most of all the snacks were divine (e.g. red vines bottled water and gogurt). In the time we were there Amy and I concluded we could “sacrifice”, if we had to (ha ha), to live on a tropical island. In the meantime we’ll just pretend this is the case from the lake.

Finally, Tyrel takes every chance he gets to remind me of the animated Stars Wars movie currently playing in our local theaters. There is no doubt in my mind we will find ourselves at the theater in the immediate future.

Soccer- the ballet of the masses.

The rules of soccer are very simple; if it moves, kick it. If it doesn’t move, kick it until it does.

We spent a good part of Saturday at soccer games. It was fun to watch the kids and get sunburned at the same time.

In the opening minute of Tyrel’s game, the Crocodiles (Tyrel’s team) found themselves badly out of position which allowed their opponent an uncontested goal. The Crocodiles quickly gained momentum and countered with 3 goals of their own before the half (Tyrel assisted on all three goals). When the game ended, Tyrel was once again the second highest scorer in the game and the lead all players in assists. We were impressed with Tyrel’s team play and with the high-five’s he used to congratulate his teammates. It chalked-up a great team win against a very tough rival.

Erin, as you well know, is a creature of a different sort. It is a fair to say that Erin possesses an unabashed “in you face” quality that is only amplified by her outgoing personality. I wasn’t sure how she would do in a team sport as she is such the individual. We couldn’t have been more pleased. She did what her coach asked, didn’t purposely kick anyone else, scored 2 goals, and still had time to drink too much water. When the dust had settled, the Bumble Bees had fun playing the Strawberry Shortcakes.

Tyrel confessed that he told Erin to be mean and get the ball or her team wouldn’t score any goals. He was quite impressed with the outcome that he attributes solely, I’m sure, to his stellar coaching advice.