Watching Some Soccer - REAL Cup

These guys had a good run again at the REAL Cup this year.  The weather was crazy with massive swings in temperatures and storm delays added to the mix.  In the end, they couldn't quite come home with the first-place finish, but they played well.  This is the biggest and best tournament in Colorado with fierce competition.  Great job to this crew!

Riding Some

Finally getting out for a bit of riding.  This isn't something I have been doing quite as much as I sort through my own physical and mental issues, but working on some fitness always makes me feel a bit better.  It is hard to beat the mental health benefits you get out of letting some miles role by.  I also really like these nice white Boulder Racing kits...at least you can look fast until you actually make it!

Old School - Coors Classic Style

Bob found me this old vintage Coors Bicycle Classic jersey from 1982.  The best part was that it happened to fit me just about right, if not a bit loose!  Part of the Coors Classic course is not too far from our house and goes up "The Wall" by superior and is part of the Morgal Bismark course as well.  I ride that loop often and has three fairly nasty little climbs in it.  It also has a fairly beautiful view of the flatirons as you descend into the very south end of Boulder before heading back east toward Louisville.  Thanks for thinking of me Bob!  

Presentation Ready

Each year at Westlake Middle School they have a year-end presentation for this COOL program.  This is Gage's second year participating and you can see his presentation board behind him on The Housing Crisis in The Americas.  He researched and then presented his ideas about the problem and potential solutions that all tie back to the challenges people have with being homeless across not just the US, but Central and South America as well.  Well done, buddy!  We are proud of your effort and your presentation.

A Game at the Colorado Rapids!

We had an awesome opportunity to go to a Rapids Game with Gage's team after one of their league games.  The best part was that they were able to arrange field level pre-game warmup access, so we were able to come right down onto the side of the field to watch the teams.  Behind us, the two goalies are warming up.  It was interesting to see what their routine is versus what Gage does.

Here is Gage with his good friend and teammate Alexander.  They are quite the pair for the team as anchors on the offensive and defense sides.

These guys were super impressive to watch, and you really get an appreciation for their size and quickness.  Above was one of the highlights Gyasi Zardes with the blonde hair who was somewhat of a celebrity and member of the US National Team as well.

We were able to stand down below the stands and the guys would come over and say hey and give high fives in between warm up sessions.

Here is the crew standing in front of the field for a last picture.  We then headed up to our seats which were in the bottom ring just above where we were standing here.  What a great experience and a fun time for the whole team!

Iris Blooms

Iris' are still probably my favorite flower and it is great to see them bloom every spring.  They have far less shade this year as we replaced the towering Aspen Trees in our front yard with this small, new tree.  I guess they get more sunlight this way and seem to be spreading fairly prolifically throughout the small garden. 

Choir Concerts

This is Gage's 6th grade spring choir concert.  He was chosen to read a description of one of the songs before they sang that gave context and historical perspective about the particular song.  What is funny is that most of these kids that have to do this speaking piece are so nervous to be up there that you can either barely hear them or they read it so fast you can't make out the words.  Gage did fairy well-being up there in front of an intimidating setting.

Here he is in the middle waiting for the rest of the kids to walk up for the singing piece.  It's been great to see our kids involved in music.  Both Tara (choir) and I (band) had music as a central experience of our upbringing and place a high value on the impact it can bring to your life.  We will see if either of these guys continue on with it given all of the competing priorities.