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!

Christmas Chuckles

Christmas Day brought glee and laughter but along with it some tears.  You see, even Santa Claus is not perfect and sometimes makes mistakes.  I guess we should have known that something was awry when we came downstairs and noticed that the stockings weren't filled.  Darn Santa, how can you forget that?!  Clue number two came from Spenser when he discovered that Santa did not respond to the letter he left next to the cookies.  Strike two Santa!  Strike three occurred when Rob went to set up Santa's gifts (32" flat screen tv's for both Sienna and Spenser).  After putting it all together he discovered the screen was broken  (Santa - YOU'RE FIRED)! Spenser's smile was turned upside down and then the tears commenced.  This of course upset Rob too and mommy had to calm the waters and say everything would be o.k.  I then suggested to set up the other t.v. and we would try to return the damaged goods to a local store that accepts returns from Santa.  Once t.v. number two was set up successfully in Spenser's room, the smile was back and Christmas was saved.  YEAH! 

Despite the difficulty with Santa's gifts, many other presents were opened, enjoyed, and appreciated.  Here is the evidence!

Sienna and Spenser, enjoying Grandma and Grandpa's gifts!

Sienna loved her I-pod touch from her parents

and Spenser loved his kindle fire!

You can't forget HESS trucks from Grandpa!

And mommy loves her some Harry Potter!  All 8 movies on Blu-ray!  YEAH!

Oh, and I can't forget the best love story of all time!  Bella and Edward!!

So yes our christmas had everything, merriment and mishaps, but isn't that just a microcosm of life?

Thanks to God, our family, and our friends for the love and lessons we've shared this year. 

Cheers to a happy and healthy 2012!