A Trip Down Memory Lane

We attended a charity basketball game last night. It was a benefit for the Cpl. Stephen Bixler Foundation. (Stephen was a classmate of Ryan's who was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq 2 years ago.) The game was a renewal of a rivalry between the 2000 Suffield High School State Championship team and the 2001 Windsor Locks State Championship team. Suffield was only missing one player from that team, Shannon Spears, who is currently serving in Iraq. (We missed you, Shannon.) Of course, many of the boys (men, now) are friends with each other and were happy to play for a worthy cause. As parents, it was fun to see each other and all the kids. We resumed our places on the bleachers and felt like it was right where we belonged.

The Class of 2003 had a big turnout - I'm sure they wanted to honor Stephen's memory.


Wiley and Braeden were instant hits with all the girls.



Wiley told me that they liked his sneakers and that they thought he looked like Ryan.



The girls all wanted to hold him (even though he's a little big for that... he obliged!) I asked him if he liked those girls. He paused for a minute, smiled and said, "kinda."



Just before the start of the game, the guys are lined up on the sideline.




Mike, Jeff and Robbie having a chat.



Mike Cotrone - I think we can all rest a little easier knowing he's guarding our country. The Army is paying for him to get his Masters in Counter-Terrorism. He told Robb, "Don't worry, Mr. Rice, I've got your back." He's about 6'5" and 250.



I think this is right after an airball (one of many, I'm afraid.)



Dan Presser - the organizer of the entire event. For those of you that know Dan, I'm sure you'll find that it's no surprise that he would be able to pull this off.



The starting line-up from that team (minus Jimmy... sorry, Jimmy - you were running the point, I'm sure.) Jeff (in the red shorts) is on his break from playing professionally in Europe.



After the game, the guys lined up together for a group picture. Having watched these kids grow up (literally, all of them from both towns,) I was so proud of the men they've become.



Here's a little video of the lay-up lines. Unfortunately, I didn't get any videos of the incredible dunks - I was too "caught up in the moment."



Thanks again, Dan. Your hard work and dedication to the Bixler Family is admirable.

Co-computing

Wiley and Braeden discovered that they could play games on the computer at the same time if Braeden operated the space bar and Wiley controlled the arrow keys. So far, no fights. (Holding my breath, though.)

Side note: Ok... so the "no fighting" thing didn't last long and now they're banned from the computer for the rest of the day. Oh well.

For Those of You Who Were Wondering....

"When is Nina going to agree to let Robb cut their hair?"

Don't get too excited... it's not above the ears or anything. But, they did get a little trim.





Per Kate's request, here is a picture from literally 5 minutes ago. See, I told you it wasn't cut too much (especially Wiley's.)

Backyard Visitor

We had a guest in the backyard this morning - although she only stayed for a short time.

Saturday Morning

We began the day with our usual Saturday morning breakfast. Then the boys asked to go to the school and ride their bikes.



The traffic circle makes a perfect "race track."



Wiley really needs a bigger bike. When he's riding, it reminds me of a circus clown on a miniature bike.



After riding, it was time for the pool.

Wanna Go Along?

Babett graciously shared her pictures and videos with me. So, here is a clip that she shot while riding. I decided to post the pictures on Webshots - because there are about 50 that I want to share. I'll be uploading them over the next couple of days and I'll send you a link when they're posted.

Maybe this video will give you a glimpse of what our ride was like.

Just a Preview...

Arrived home and downloaded my pictures immediately! (of course) Here's one that Babett took from Stephan's rear view mirror. Naturally, I'm the one wearing the helmet.



More pictures to come when I catch my breath!

Braeden's New Pet

Ah... Yes... Summer days and little boys. Two things that go hand in hand. They don't need much entertainment when they find a frog. (Just look what you have to look forward to, Bethany!)

Crazy HOT!

On Friday, we needed a sweatshirt - overcast and cool. Saturday morning, it was only 60 when we woke up - and 68 at 11 am. Then, in a flash - the temperature soared to 98. That's New England for you - summer arrives literally in the blink of an eye. We're thankful for our "little pool" and Slip 'N Slide. Once again, they were back in action.


Here are the kids after breakfast at M & M's.



Braeden on the Slip 'N Slide



Now, it's Wiley's turn.



The "big boys" hangin' out.



Wiley - just before his cannonball.

Happy 19th Birthday, Kellen!

Well, another biker in the family and this time it's Kellen. Robbie purchased a bike a couple of months ago and then it was Ryan's turn. Now, Kellen can be added to the pack with her new cruiser.

"Robbie's Beach"

Robbie's off on Monday afternoons, so Kellen and I decided to take the boys down to his beach (that's what the boys call it!) We met him there and stayed for a couple of hours. The water was very cold - I think you'll be able to tell that from a couple of the pictures. It didn't deter Wiley, tho. He reminds me of Kellen when she was a little girl. She loved the water - I remember calling her a "fish." After the beach, we followed Robbie to a place called the Crab Castle and had seafood for supper. (Roger, definitely your kind of place!)

We had a lot of fun and are looking forward to the next time.










Despite the temperature of the water, Wiley ventured out into the ocean - jumping the waves. (Sorry about the sound of the wind...)