Ocean Isle Beach - 2005

You have not idea how hard it is to get 18 people in position, hold still, smile at the same time and end up with a picture you like. It turned out well despite the oncoming storm.

It was a great summer vacation and we love to visit Ocean Isle Beach. It is our home away from home and special because our family gathers there every year. We like it so much, we decided to buy property near by (Calabash) and intend to retire there someday.

We are looking forward to having a new addition to this picture in 2006 when Laura officially joins the family in September. She and Darrell will be married September 9, 2006.

Debbie's hired photographer took a lot of other pictures. Not sure how many made the archive. It was great to have everyone together and at least we made it back to the car before the downpour.

2005-06 Hockey Season

While our youth hockey season ended mid-March, I continue to get my fix with the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.

Our first season with the Dayton Bluehawks was great. The kids played about 60 games so getting enough ice time wasn't a problem. Our travels took us to Toledo, Detroit, Chicago, and Cleveland. While we didn't win a lot of games, it was "the year of development" and we look forward to next season. Our team was a AA U18 Midget travel team but many of the players didn't even have a drivers license. Consequently, this is like the JV team playing varsity level. That being said, the boys competed very well at this level and will do even better next year.

Michael transitioned from defense to offense. This was a big change physically and mentally. We noticed much improvement in the last half of the season; taking more shots, being in position, puck handling and confidence all improved. Most importantly, he enjoys playing offense so that's what really matters.

We finished up the season in Cleveland at the state tournament. We didn't place well but competed against the top teams in Ohio (Youngstown, Cincinnati, and North Coast). The Cincinnati game was close and we came back in the third period to tie the North Coast Kings. That game went to OT and ended in a tie. It was a great victory for us. My understanding is Cincinnati will lose all of its players next year except three so they had a very senior team.

We can't wait until next season. One more year and we will be done with hockey unless Michael decides to play at the club level in college. It's been lots of fun...lots of $$$ too!

Reference the Dayton Bluehawks website for more information on teams, players, schedule, and more: http://www.daytonbluehawks.com

First Blog

This is our first blog. Inspired by "jaysjabberwocky", I decided to take and few minutes and create our blog page and post.

Lots of activity lately, mostly with kids and family. Kara is getting ready for the senior prom this weekend. Michael made the AA Midget hockey team again and didn't even put on his skates. Kevin is doing fantastic in track and becoming our star hurdler. Kellen is making great progress at UC and surprises us constantly with grown-up thoughts.

Ricky and Debbie are getting ready for Summer and we can't wait for July 4th. Debbie is learning how to maneuver her new 17' Carolina Skiff. Rick is learning about the hidden cost of a performance boat but the proud owner of a 32 ft. Sunsation. At 750 hp and 95 gal. per fill-up, marine gas prices require a credit card and deep breath.

Stay tuned...More to follow once I figure this out!