Sprinkles!

I have sprinkles of randomness to share today and can think of nothing other than that to call it.  And now that I've said it, I realize it's so cute!  Who doesn't love sprinkles?  They're colorful, sweet, and cheery, and add pizzazz to any concoction.  I think I'll have to keep them in mind as a blog title in the future.  

Spring weather finds Sienna out on the tennis court.  Pretty good form here.

Rob played with her first, and then I hit the court for a couple baskets.

I'm coaching Gilbert High School tennis after school a few days a week, which may have inspired us all to get out on the court.

The Hunger Games is a hot commodity right now, although I read the book some two to three years ago.  But because all my students like it, and I do too, I added some memorabilia to my classroom.  You can see Katniss Everdeen, the female protagonist, over my left shoulder.  To my right you'll find three figurines from the movie as well.  It certainly makes the classroom environment more fun!

Spring pictures are in too, and here's what Sienna's looks like.

Spenser's are on order!

He also tested into Honor's Language Arts and Math for Junior High, so kudos to him!  Hopefully having parents adept in both those subject areas will help him succeed. 

Good Friday will find us in Tucson for ADOT's annual Roads and Streets Conference.  It's the one time a year to blend work and a mini-vacation together.  Rob goes to break-out sessions and presentations, and we lounge at the pool.  I'm looking forward to that!  With Easter Sunday looming as well, the family will make their rare appearance at Mass.  Check for an upcoming picture to prove we went!  Tee hee!

Hope you enjoyed the sprinkles!

Spring Break Part II

As promised, here comes the Spring Break Report - Part Deux!  As much as I enjoy sprinkling in some French (only one word, but it still counts), it should be more aptly called Part Dos, in homage to Sienna and Spenser who will both be taking Spanish next year, and to their cousin Lauren whom I believe also shares a love for the language.  But anyway, back to the tale.

After returning from Tucson, I had the rest of the week to spend as I wished, as Rob and Spenser were preparing for their ski trip.  Knowing that I wasn't going anywhere else, I felt the need to complete some type of project around the house.  I had painting in mind, but when the mood never materialized, I decided to reconfigure our computer area.  I purchased and built a shelving system and then began the 'remodel.'  Most of the work just involved cleaning, sorting, decluttering, and rewiring.  So Rob went to work Tuesday morning and came home Tuesday evening to a clean and inviting computer area.  Wanna see?

The boys then headed to Sunrise Ski Resort on Wednesday for Spenser's first skiing experience.  Here he is all bundled up and ready to learn how to stay upright on the slippery sticks!

Here he is in Ski School, learning the fundamentals. 

Then they show them how to ride the ski lift.  Here is Spenser, a brave and solo rider.

Of course, once you've ridden the lift, then you've got to ski down!  As a beginner, that can be scary.  But Spenser's got mad skills!

According to Rob, Spenser's instructors were impressed with Buddy's abilities in only one lesson. Here is Spenser riding the lift with one of them.  Believe it or not, his name was Cheapo. And just so you know, Cheapo does not count as a Spanish word.  Tee hee!

Now it's time to show you the sights and sounds of Spenser and Rob skiing. 

Rob is skiing and videoing Spenser at the same time in the previous and next video.

Now you see where Spenser gets his mad skills from! 

Here is one last picture of our ski bunny!

Check out the cabin the boys stayed in.  Quite quaint I say.

Before heading back to the big city, the boys reflect on their surroundings. Skiing is fun but being away from mommy - not so much!

Adios receso de primavera!

Spring Break Part I

Spring Break finds the Samour family staying put in Arizona instead of trekking to California like many spring breaks before.  I think the theme of our spring break this year is a variation of the term "stay-cation."  We are still finding fun activities to do that are near home, don't take too much travel time or cost, and make us feel like we are vacationing.

Our first activity that was literally five minutes away was a trip to the Ostrich Festival.  Chandler hosts this event/carnival every year, but we've never gone before.  Often times we are driving by it on our way to the freeway for the long trip to California.  Since that wasn't happening, we decided to take in our local fare.

Ferris wheels and elevated swings....

enthrall Sienna and Spenser.

Sienna, Rob, and Spenser took a turn on the ferris wheel.

Sorry, Spenser is still in his 'make funny faces' phase.  Thankfully Sienna isn't!

The next day Sienna and I headed to Tucson for a girl's weekend.  We drove straight to the U of A to catch NMSU men's tennis play San Diego State.  As soon as we sat down in the bleachers, Coach Vargas noticed us and waved.  It's hard to believe Carlos still coaches, since it seems like ages ago when I played for him!  Actually, it has been ages.  The last year I played was 1992.  Wow, 20 years! He still looks great even though he has turned 50. 

Here's a view of the bleacher area which has a full view of the number one court.  The girl reading a book near the A sign is Sienna!

This is Matej and Luis, the number one doubles team.

They lost, but Sienna and I still enjoyed watching them.

Sienna multi-tasked the whole day, supporting the Aggies, and finishing the Hunger Games Trilogy.

Here is the only time she must have set her book down!

After the match was over, Carlos invited us to dinner with the team.  We had lots of time to catch up, which was nice.

We watched NMSU battle the U of A the next day as well, then it was time to say goodbye to Carlos and head home. 

The girls had a great start to spring break.  Now the boys are headed to the snow for some skiing.  Stay tuned for the Spring Break Part II report, coming soon.

Third Place!

Basketball season ended yesterday with Spenser's team playing for third place.  A win would secure third and a trophy, a loss would mean a medal.  It was a tight game, not very high scoring, and came down to a buzzer beater.

Spenser had a good game, passing the ball, taking some shots, and landing one too!

Here he is landing a basket!

The opposing team actually made a basket that would have tied the game and send it into overtime,  but time had run out, the buzzer had sounded, and the game was over.  Way to go Scorpions!

Until next season.......

Picks and Passes

I'm not too versed in basketball terminology but I know passes are necessary to keep the ball moving and in open hands.  Picks, on the other hand, you want to take but not allow.  I think that's the gist of it but if you need further information you'll have to talk to Spenser, not the blog author.  Spenser is pretty adept at making passes and avoiding picks, which was evidenced in Saturday's game. 

Here he is passing the ball to a teammate....

and here he is showing skill under the basket,

and finally some dribbling and offensive moves ending in a three pointer!

Although they lost the game, Spenser was awarded player of the game for his picks, passes, and rebounds.

Atta boy, Buddy!

Bounce, Dribble, Pass, Score!

Another Saturday has passed with the same hustle and bustle that normally accompanies it.  This time it was a public meeting on the reservation (for Rob), drum lessons, basketball practice, and a basketball game for Spenser.  In addition to those activities, Rob also had racing team duty at Canyon Raceway Friday and Sunday!  But don't worry, it all worked out just fine. 

Spenser had a great game, and led in scoring and assists.  Here are a couple videos he wanted me to share with you.

Here he is dribbling, and then driving toward the basket to take and make a shot.

Here are two more videos of much of the same.

They won this game thanks to Spenser's efforts!  Now they are 2-1.

Son's Skills Abound

As you know Spenser can play some drums and he continues to awe us with his musical talent.  Yes he has typical tendencies of an 11 year old, like playing video games for hours on end, but he can also pause the game at any time and sit in on a song with a seasoned guitarist and play a tune, even if he's never heard it.  While Rob and I might take weeks or months to learn a song, Spenser can master it in days.  Oh that youthful little bugger!

As tickled as we are with his musical inclinations, we also are proud of his academic accomplishments.  He continues to earn straight A's in the 6th grade, and recently was one of three winners in his class for his science fair project.  Here he is with his project called "Sub-Zero Substances."  

I'm not really sure about the science of it, you'll have to ask him.  But here is his ribbon!

He's also pretty good at basketball!  League started this week so here's a video highlight of his skills on the hardwood. 

 

Although they didn't win, Spenser had a great defensive game, leading the team with 6 rebounds. That's our Buddy!