"Paper Plater"

That's some serious concentrating by our "Paper Plater," number 122, in his very first BMX track race.

On Sunday, October 14th, we met up with our friends, Mike, Natalie and their four kids, at the BMX track in Manteca. Their two oldest sons have been racing for some time now and, ever since he watched videos of them, Preston has been itching to try it too.  Preston borrowed a bike from them (a huge bike in comparison to his own!), wore his regular bike helmet, John registered him and they placed a paper plate with the number "122" on his handle bars. The first-timers are fondly referred to as "Paper Platers" because they don't have a number plaque on their bikes.

Our paper plater was so brave.  A new bike, a new experience, a crowd of people, a dirt BMX track - - he's never ridden on that terrain before. Everything was new and potentially overwhelming and he... well, he just did it!  It made us so proud of him to see him so sure of himself and excited even while feeling nervous.

Preston, John, Mike and Camden heading up to the starting gate for some practice runs.

Cam patiently rode with Preston as he got the feel for the track.
I love the way Preston is watching Cam catch air.  I am sure he's thinking he can't wait to do that, too!

A father and son moment... getting some pointers and water from Daddy after a couple of practice rides.

Hanging out, visiting, cheering on the boys! 
Nana and Papa came down to watch Preston, too, which he loved!
Sweet Cora, who like Gracie spent her night awake, slept through the day.

The boys after the qualifying races! Cole, Sam, Cam and Preston.
I'm sure Gavin will be in the mix soon enough!

Miss Gracie enjoying hanging with Natalie and balancing on Sam's bike!

At the gate with Mike who was giving him some advice and support as John clicked away.
He bites his cheek (just like me) when he is thinking or nervous.

And there they go! 
After a few practice runs and the first two qualifying races, Preston had more confidence on the new-to-him big bike to stand up some of the time!

Love this shot and his sweet, concentrating face!

The final leg of the final race!

I love the way he proudly posed as he crossed the finish line!
2nd place overall in his age group!
Camden did a great job, too, and placed 3rd in his age group and Cole rode his heart out in his qualifying races.
We are so proud of how brave Preston was and how he went up to each of the boys in his group and congratulated them on their great race.

Receiving his 2nd Place Plaque and getting it signed by a professional BMXr!
(These shots complete with track dust on my lens!)

Adorable, snack-covered Sam cheering on the kids who were receiving awards!

Preston's race is the second one in... the "Dinky Dudes" as the announcer called them (5 and under)!  Preston was the only one of the three who hadn't raced multiple times before. Check them out... they are adorable!

He is hooked, at least for now.  Looks like searching Craigslist for an affordable, used racing bike is in our immediate future and our Sunday afternoons are officially booked!

'S' is for... Special Olympics

On June 12-13, the Southern California Special Olympics were held at California State University Long Beach. If you've ever been involved in the Special Olympics, you know that it's a wonderful, inspiring experience. You also know that law enforcement plays a huge role in both the fundraising for the events and the games themselves.

In California, local law enforcement agencies and specialized agencies are out in force, supporting the athletes and their families. Aside from the athletic events, one of the highlights for many of the participants is a photo-op with "Chipper" from the California Highway Patrol. This year was no exception. And, I am quite certain there has never been a more appropriate officer in the role of Chipper... both in personality and life experience.

Chipper giving an Olympian a big smooch

Chipper bustin' a move

Unfortunately, the kids and I arrived after Chipper had left. Well, sort of...

"Chipper" with his family

Yep... that's my husband. And yes, he had fun as Chipper! I am so bummed that we missed it, but very grateful for the pics. The weekend was just days before Gracie went in to get her PICC line placed and she wasn't feeling that well, thus, she didn't enjoy it as much as I hope she will next year. Preston made a valiant effort to have enough fun for both of them - - though, from the photos, it's hard to tell! He was quite overwhelmed by the photographer wanting to get so many pictures!







That's "Barbie" with us... Gracie wanted to touch her earrings and dress so badly!

'S' is for... SWAT

Preston was in hog heaven climbing around the SWAT tactical vehicle

Foto Friday vol. 25

I said a couple of months ago that I would post some more of our favorite photos from the shoot Catherine did for us in June. There are so many that we love... so many... that it's truly hard to narrow it down! Here are a handful that bring us such joy.

Five minutes of fame

Click here to link to the California Early Start Home Page.


On the right: John and Gracie in December of 2003. (On the left: I don't know!)



Over five years ago, our family was asked to take some pictures by our local Early Intervention office for some publication materials. I am still not sure to this day how our local office got to choose a family (out of all the offices in the state) or why they chose us out of everyone they knew and served.

When the photoshoot date was scheduled, I was out of town on business and so it was a "Daddy and Me" day for Miss Gracie! We knew then that their images would appear in a few Early Start/ Early Intervention publications. Later, we learned that they not only appeared on that poster (which hangs in offices, therapy clinics, and educational sites all across the state!), their picture was on calendars and brochures for the state as well as individual counties throughout the state! They were famous for a bit!

Turns out that the poster is still around... and the picture was "revived" for several different brochures. In the last few months, three people have mentioned seeing John and Gracie's picture! So... in case you missed their initial five minutes of fame... here is the "main" picture used five years ago... and again, today! Who said you only get your "five minutes" once?!

Last Weekend... some precious "Daddy Time"

Daddy and his boy

Gracie LOVES to check out trees. I can't wait for the day that she can climb one!

John's life at the Academy is stressful and intense, to say the least. His days are filled with rigorous physical activity and hours of academics. He is holding his own and taking it, literally, one day at a time.
(Check out this article in the Sacramento Bee from Sunday... John is in the picture on the front page!) http://www.sacbee.com/107/story/1158454.html


His weekends are crazy busy, too. In order to keep up, he studies quite a bit. Clearly our home is not suitable for studying (uh... way too crazy!)so he is often gone by 9 or 10 am and usually home for dinner/bath time. These are precious moments that are soaked up by the kids and me.
Last weekend, we had a special treat... all four of us went to one of the new water parks on Saturday evening. (A lot of the new parks have multiple play structures and water features - - which is beyond great in this heat!)
We had a ball... all four of us played and played! :-) (And it helped soften the blow for the serious "Daddy Deprivation" we experienced this weekend.)

Gracie had fun gently reaching out and feeling the water while Daddy and Preston ran around. Then, the water features switched and we got drenched! She LOVED it and laughed!

Preston ran right in... and got soaked!