Nasty storm

knocking over anchored soccer goals, like in the first picture below. Then it let up just a bit an considered a "microburst" and a severe thunderstorm. No matter what it was called, it wasWell it's not officially being called a tornado despite numerous sightings, but it is beingd the kids were claiming they saw a funnel cloud. Some took that lull and ran to their cars. But most stayed put a little longer. That's when the hail started coming. At first it was cover. Some headed for their cars (mistake). Soon the rain was pouring and the wind was kicking up ferociously. We were all directed to the concession stands and bathrooms to take directed everyone into the dugouts in case of lightning. That lasted until the wind started the distance. Radar indicated the storm was passing well to the north of us. The umpire quite an experience. We were getting ready for Kevin's baseball game and could hear thunder in pea-sized, but then it progressed to quarter and golf ball sized hail (with just a few even larger). It was so loud banging on the roof and everyone was afraid of windshield damage on their cars. Kevin and I just wanted to get HOME to our family and check on the girls. The fog coming off the hail was unreal.

This picture was taken almost 2 hours after the storm cleared. These are nearly golfball sized hail stones even after that much time passed.

Baseball players checking out the fog and hailstones after the storm.



We finally got home, but had to do some adventurous driving through fog like I've never seen and through people's yards to avoid downed trees and power lines. The family was fine and, thankfully, NO damage to our house. Others were not so lucky.



Today, the girls stared cleaning up the leaves that were stripped clean off the trees.


This is Elena in front of our house as soon as I got home.

This is a house in our neighborhood that was smashed by a tree that was blown over. Once I got home and made sure everything was OK, then it was time to check on friends. Most had minor damage, but one house was worse than the picture below.


Kevin and I had to grab a chainsaw and start taking an enormous oak tree off the house of one of our church friends. We'll be going back there after work today. We worked there until it was too dark to see and another storm started coming in and the lightning got bad, so we went home for the night. The whole city was out of power most of the night. Ours finally came back on at 4am. We still don't have Internet. I'm doing this at work. What a storm!

Anyways, all is well now and we were blessed to not be harmed and our property not damaged other than tree limbs.

Service worker

Service worker
Originally uploaded by Dream2Make

Elena wanted to help serve the free hamburgers and hotdogs and drinks
at the grand opening of the new soccer complex this weekend so I
snapped this picture of her serving.

Kevin's team undefeated

Kevin's team undefeated
Originally uploaded by Dream2Make

Kevin's elite soccer team finished its final game last week with a 7-1
win. They went undefeated and took first place for their division in
our state. Here is a picture of him with his medal that was presented
at a ceremony for the grand opening of our new soccer complex with the
county commissioner and other leaders.

We took the girls and Marci too and they had a blast on the bounce
houses and ate the free food provided. It was tons of fun but Elisa
got a sunburned face.

Daddy daughter date

Daddy daughter date
Originally uploaded by Dream2Make

Elena's friend had a dance recital at the college today. It was the
perfect opportunity to have a date and I took this picture.

Elena's Mothers Day contribution

Elena's Mothers Day contribution
Originally uploaded by Dream2Make

Elena wanted to help with the Mothers Day dinner I was making for
Elisa. She really got into it with the apple slices and cheese and
grapes and made this display. She was so proud of it.

Another picture of Elena's creation

Another picture of Elena's creation
Originally uploaded by Dream2Make

This time with Elizabeth looking at the work of art. Elisa thought it
was cute and wanted this picture posted too. I agree.

More of Elena's creations

More of Elena's creations
Originally uploaded by Dream2Make

Here's one more dish Elena created for her Mom. It is apple slices
covered in peanut butter topping with sprinkles.

Kevin's band concert

Kevin's band concert
Originally uploaded by Dream2Make

Kevin played in his band concert tonight. He is doing really good with
the trombone. We're so proud of him and his band sounded great!! One
song featured the brass instruments and you could really hear him
playing. I took this picture to post here. Good job Kevin!!

And as a side note, when Kevin came up from changing into his white
and black, his Mom couldn't stop staring because of how grown up he
looked. It's hard to see from this picture, but he is really growing
into a good looking young man.

Kevin's year end soccer party

Kevin's year end soccer party
Originally uploaded by Dream2Make

Kevin started at left wing for his middle school soccer team. Not bad
for a sixth grader. I snapped a shot of his award. We are proud of
him.

Elena's trophy

Elena's trophy
Originally uploaded by Dream2Make

Elena got this trophy at her soccer party. She played really well in
soccer - especially the last few games.

Elena's soccer party

Elena's team had its end of season soccer party today. Everyone including Marci went. I snapped this picture to post here.

Mom reads to kids

One of the reasons our kids are such good readers has to be because their mother spends so much time reading to them. I caught them today in the act and had to post it.

Marci staying with us

So my sister Marci has come to stay with us for a couple of weeks. My parents are in Denmark on a trip by themselves for the first time since they were married. Marci is having fun here. She likes to sort the kids' books. She has also enjoyed going to Kevin's sporting events to watch baseball and soccer.

Andrea too!

Andrea also wanted to leave a note on my board. She's too sweet. We love you, girl!!!

Hanging with Dad

I took this picture of the drawing Elena left on my whiteboard in my office. I had no idea she was doing it. It was really cute and I wanted to post it on my blog.