USAA Group 110 Reunion

Manhattan Beach won out as the location for this year’s reunion, and quite a few families made it to the get-together! Polliwog Park. Ironically, a previous post is titled “From Toddlers to Tadpoles to…” Anyway, the park is very nice, and the pond is a central part of it; but, many of us were amused at how the play areas are fenced but the pond is not! “The Polliwogs win! The kids drown?” No, that didn’t happen: ever-watchful eyes. Some of us have girls from earlier adoption trips to China, and still others have American-born children that are a bit older: it was a good mix. They seemed to get along well with each other, having fun individually, and in a group, as a group. The kids seemed fascinated by the turtles in the pond, and some of the girls tried to jump rope. Playgroung “swings” are always a big hit. There was plenty to do, and plenty to eat!

Some of us have older children, but these 3-year olds we all traveled together to China to adopt are finally walking and talking and playing with each other without parents needing to coax them to do so too much. It’s great! Hopefully they will be able to develop lasting frendships with each other, right? Isabella has always been a somewhat socially well-adjusted child, confident in who she is, able to keep herself amused but equally enjoying playing with others… Victoria, on the other hand, is unhappy playing by herself; so, this was great for her to be able to spend time with so many other girls she calls “my friends.” But Isabella claimed this reunion for herself, exclusively. For her this wasn’t “a” reunion but “my” reunion (it was for all of our 3-year olds). As you can see by the picture below, it was a bit cold when we first arrived; but it got hot & humid in a hurry, didn’t it? Thank God for the breeze created by the Gazebo… Notify Us Via eMail If You Request a CD of Photos

Isabella was able to pal around with Olivia & Sarah Marie hung out with Victoria quite a bit, so it was fun for both of them. It was great to see so many people there: Peaking at Mary’s e-mail this morning, it’s obvious this was a group effort, something the wives/mom’s worked on for weeks. Great work, everybody! What did I do? I took pictures. Here’s a good one of Kris & Ebba-Marie. But taking pictures generally gives me the bulk of being responsible for watching the kids, by default - so, I had fun! Mary had fun talking with lots of you. It’s all good: win, win, win… for everybody! When will we be doing this again?

 Polliwog Park, Manhattan Beach

 

 Thanks, Bill & Kelly, for hosting this event!

Nice location: Polliwog Park on Manhattan Beach Blvd. west of Aviation Blvd. Kris came with Sophie & Olivia (without Bill - - this time) . Adam & Allison were there with Addicus & Esmay (I forgot that they had moved to the beach from Pasadena awhile ago); Andrew & Annette were apparently the catalysts for Paul & Jean coming down from The Bay Area - winners of The Long Distance Award this year.

Regular winners of The Long Distance Award would be Robert & Diane (sorry, guys!). We not only spent time with them at the reunion but also at Redondo Beach afterwards! That was a lot of fun: Victoria enjoyed playing with Sarah Marie, who taught her how to dog crawl into the surf (caught on video, and it’s hilarious!); and they also worked together with Isabella & Grace building a sand castle… I mostly talked “politics” with Robert, while Mary & Diane got to know each other better. We had a great time!

Just getting started uploading pictures, so check back! Thanks, Ron

The Brett Favre Circus

Stunning! “The Dog Days of Summer”  have been replaced this year by: The Brett Favre Final Chapter. With The New York Jets? Yep. Is it any wonder Ryan Grant is a holdout problem now? C’mon! What will Green Bay do? Run the ball, so Aaron Rodgers doesn’t get “booed!” Last year, Ryan Grant gained yards successfully as a decoy due to Favre’s penchant for throwing the long ball, but now opposing teams will be all eyes on the running backs…

The Legend is… no longer with… The Legendary Green Bay Packers. They couldn’t grasp the tension in the life of this aging “gunslinger,” an easy first ballot Hall of Fame QB that simply wasn’t ready to retire - yet. The Lou Gehrig of The NFL, Brett Favre has played with amazing resiliency through injuries that would have easily crippled your average quarterback in this league.

And the Packers now go forward with Aaron Rodgers, whom they believe to be ready to take the helm; for him and for their fans, I sure hope Packers management knows what they were doing. But all signs point to this being a bad idea. And will it really help the Jets improve that much from a 2007 record of 4-12? Can they really expect to make the playoffs? Not likely. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, being successful in the playoffs was a possibility; but The New York Jets will be lucky to improve anymore than an 8-8 finish.

I know bad football, I’m a San Francisco 49ers fan - diehard, from the 2-12 John Brodie days. Thank God for memories of Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott, Roger Craig… But Brett Favre to the Jets, I feel sorry for him. Is there a “poison pill” in the contract preventing the Jets from trading Favre to either the Vikings or Bears? I’m sure the fans in New York will come out to watch this legendary star - who seems to still be able to inspire & excite fans, and maybe just maybe I am not giving him enough credit that he can lead this group of misfits, motivating them into a more promising future.

All I know is: It’s refreshing that a pro athlete turned down a $20 million personal services contract from the Green Bay Packers to stay retired! Obviously Brett Favre believes he can still sling the rock and kill Goliath. I’ll be watching. How about you? Will Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson have a job next year if Aaron Rodgers is a bust? The NFL will be interesting this year: Giants not likely to repeat without Strahan and Shockey, Cowboys better, Packers with a difficult schedule even with Favre not likely to go 13-3… Stay tuned.

Isabella’s Birthday Party

Wow!  This was a very exciting day, especially for Isabella, our birthday girl, but also for all of her friends that were able to come to her Ariel theme, “Water Fun” Birthday Party!

“Isabella, how old are you” I asked again, after the party, already knowing what reaction I will receive.  And right on cue she responds, again: “I’m three!!!“ - at the top of her lungs.  She can be very, very loud, but it is so incredibly cute how she works into it, and it always comes with a joyful smile.  She had been looking forward to this day since Victoria had her birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza a few months ago.  Until then, Isabella had desired us to get her a “Minnie Mouse” birthday cake; but after Victoria’s party, with total confidence and conviction she settled on a “Ariel” theme for her birthday party.  Isabella seems to have a knack for how to do things, so I’m sitting back and watching the show unfold before my eyes every day.  I know, I know: Little Miss Producer at the age of three!  If you ask her, “Isabella, whose idea was it to go see the poppies?” (See ABOUT Page for Poppy photo) It was her idea; and, she remembers it vividly - even though it was months ago. Well, anyway…

We were excited that Bill & Kris came up from “down below” with Sophie & Olivia, as we have enjoyed the friendship we have forged with them adopting our two girls from China on the same trips, spending time with them on holidays, at birthdays… We weren’t sure how many people would be coming to this birthday party, but we parked our cars next door, since it is currently vacant, just in case the space was needed in our cul-de-sac for the cars of the parents bringing the expected 18 little kids.  Most of their friends are more “local,” from their time together with our main babysitter (who is really more of a Private Childcare Provider) or from our church family.  Isabella gets to do it all over again when my sister visits in a couple weeks with her daughter, and my cousin comes with her 2 girls…  I believe we topped out with a head count of 13 kids, which was definitely enough.  They first did crafts, then off to have fun in our doughboy pool and our water slide.

 

Once they all dried off, it was time to play games: Dig for Buried Treasure, Catch a Fish, and a version of “Pin the Tail on The Donkey” that has morphed into “Place a Sticker on The Picture of… (Ariel).”  The kids enjoyed all of it.

  

Of course, Isabella’s favorite part was likely the Ariel Birthday Cake, being the center of attention as we sang to her “Happy Birthday.”  And then the blowing out of candles, but mostly the eating of the cake.  Isabella has quite a big sweet tooth for a little girl.  But there really weren’t any kids saying, “No thank you!”

And it was good cake; I had seconds…  Lastly, there was the opening of gifts in the front living room.  That was pretty cute, too.  All the kids seem to enjoy watching Isabella open all the gifts.  Well, “Mommy” helped her a little bit…

birthdaysatisfaction

From Toddler to Tadpoles to…

Victoria & Isabella love to go to the beach!  Our favorite beach destination is to go to Santa Monica Pier, and find a spot just north of it (enjoying the rides on the pier, too!)  But living in the desert during today’s economy woes doesn’t always make that a sensible choice for us to make.  How are you coping with today’s gas prices?  Yikes, they’re sky high!

Since we will now be taking less trips to the beach, I bought them a toddler-size water slide unit I found at our friendly neighborhood CVS Pharmacy.  They have enjoyed that so much, and so have our friends’ kids, that Mary then decided that just maybe we should buy a small above-ground pool.  That was a great decision, too!

Our girls have a natural tendency to enjoy being in the water, and they are soaking up the learning process of water safety: bubbles, breathing under water, floating, kicking, etc.  They’ve had some formal lessons recently, too, at a local Swim America location: 6, total.  And that’s probably enough right now for them to have confidence in Mom & Dad that what they are learning from us is appropriate.

These “tadpoles” are smart!  Okay, so they are not tadpoles; but it got your attention, didn’t it?  They don’t question everything we say, but they do occasionally tell us: “That’s not right. that’s not the way you do it…” about other things.  Sometimes it’s hilarious; other times, you get this itch to tell them “You need to listen to Mommy & Daddy.”  But for the most part, as it relates to swimming in our pool, they have accidentally drank water enough times that they know we love them enough to speak with them “in truth and love” (Ephesians 4:15) and not to question what we tell them in those moments.

Soon, Isabella will have a Water Play Birthday Party to celebrate turning 3 years old.  And tomorrow will be a preview, a test, of interacting with another famly bringing their two girls over to our house to enjoy playing with Victoria & Isabella.  I suspect that there will be some swimming involved in that scenario.  But it will be a “All Girl Day,” their dad working tomorrow - and so am I.

I finally downloaded all the photos & videos off of our digital camera, so I am hopeful Mary will take some PIX of the event tomorrow so I can enjoy it in that way.  Besides, the kids absolutely love to see the photos we take of them.  Of course, they like to be the ones taking the pictures, too.  But that story will have to wait for another day…

Local A.V. Get-Together

   Tonight was a fun night, even with a strong wind while outside at a park in Palmdale (visiting with other friends with adopted Chinese children - one couple soon to return to China for another child! Congrats, Joe & Terry!).

Jackie came with her daughter Katie and Katie’s friend, but Dave couldn’t make it due to car/commute issues.

   It was quite the festive place! Parking close-by was next to impossible, so it must have been “the place to be,” right? People were everywhere.

There was a live band, and, my personal favorite, long lines: for food, for everything… But that gave us, the adults, time to chat! Great to touch bases with you, Jackie. Always good to see all of you! Whose idea was it to do this? Nice job!

   By the end of our stay, some of the girls had their faces painted. Earlier, they were able to enjoy a “bounce house” together, and also a puppet show.

There were a couple young ladies dressed in costumes like they were bees that was amusing to the girls (they were part of the puppet show).

The face painting was fun for the girls, but may have been a first & last for the parents!

That line moved slower than a snail! Oh well. It was worth it. Right, guys? I mean, “gals”? I keep tripping over that one…

Someday I’ll get it right. Right, girls?

   It was fun. Always good to get together with friends. Had a great time.

   P.S. This is a updated blog from one previously created.
          It may take some time to get through an intended ”re-construction” phase.

   Thanks for your patience,

Ron

Another New Beginning!

I know, I know… Blogging is probably becoming passe for you all who have been doing it for… say, before NetFlix ever rented the first of their billion videos! We started with a basic website that we still make use of; take a look at http://www.runsvold.net if you have time…

But we have only recently, finally, taken the plunge, and it still feels strange to do it at all - this “blog” thing. But, it’s a fast way of sharing the most recent moments of your life with others - and that’s a good thing, especially if people are impatiently waiting for your busy life to slow down long enough in order for you to copy digital photo onto a disc for them to enjoy.

Life: How is yours? What is yours like? Any advice for us? As husband & wife? As a mother & father? Would you want any advice from us? Insights? Maybe not. We have been known to get things wrong. I could probably give lessons on how NOT to do some things: balance a checkbook, for instance. But God is good, leading me to marry a wonderful gal who is good at crunching numbers!

That leads me to one last point: Is any life truly lived well if it isn’t lived in a relationship with The Giver of Life? How is your relationship with God? He wants to relate on a personal level with you. Do you know Him?

We are enjoying our life with the two girls God has chosen to bless our lives with; they’re wonderful. Victoria & Isabella are full of life, abounding in energy, a joy in every way… even when they need to go through those teachable moments all kids go through.

About - Expanded

LOGIN HERE

Welcome to a blog Mary & I use primarily to share information quickly with those we know or have met recently, usually due to special events for our children Victoria & Isabella, or what we do together as a family on various trips, vacations, or spontaneous moments…

We travel worldwide! How about you? Victoria calls herself “The Travel Girl,” and she is only five years old! Mary has traveled the most, having done so long before we met; she’s THE “Travel Expert“ - in case you didn’t know (No, it’s not me. Really!). But with my primary occupation as an Air Traffic Control Specialist, we complement each other very well. I have enjoyed showing her my favorite places like Yosemite National Park, and she has taken me to a number of places, too - like Niagara Falls - that I might not have otherwise chosen to see.

Other topics on this website could include anything from sports, religion, politics to teaching, writing, and overcoming adversity (I have been battling “Valley Fever” for a very long time, and I am more than happy to discuss those matters with others who are trying to cope with this irritating illness). Enjoy our blog! Check out our companion blogs, too, if you have any interest in matters pertaining to God, The Bible, or, as first mentioned, links to travel. We will do everything we can to put together the best group vacation experience for you, or you can go it alone via our booking site at http://www.seetheworld.net

Make it a great day!

Thanks, Ron

Sports - Expanded

I grew up as a ”sports-junkie”…

In what way did “sports” shape your life as a youngster?

What meaning does it have for you today?

That the athlete of today now views his craft no longer as a sport he has the privilege of playing with childlike enthusiasm into his adult years but as a business is a disappointment for me. Because of that, all of us who consider ourselves fans of any one team or another have had to endure

• multiple player’s strikes (not just one!),

• the lack of a team “identity” due to free agency,

• endless contract holdouts, and

• a continuing stream of NEWS from the tabloids trashing players making poor choices in life

because…

ATHLETES somehow became the ROLE MODELS of our society (???).

As a former “sports junkie” I am still interested in good play. A pro athlete, and a professional “team,” should be able to play a fundamentally-sound, competitive game! And thankfully I live where our local baseball and basketball teams generally play that way. They are enjoyable to watch. Since there is no team in Los Angeles, I am free to continue on as a football fan of the San Francisco 49ers! Yippee!!! By the way, I have been a real fan of the 49ers since the 2-12 John Brodie days; so, I have earned the right - unlike the fair weather fans (who are now gone) that showed up during the Joe Montana, Steve Young years with the likes of Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice… Of course, Terrell Owens did a great job of dismantling that franchise, singlehandedly, with a repeat performance in Philadelphia… seemingly maturing (finally) with Dallas. But the 49ers have a long way to go before they are even “good.” Right now, they are simply awful - 32nd in scoring in 2007, making them dead last in that category (not much better on defense).

I view a game moreso from the perspective of a “coach” than that of your average “fan” (I was once a P.E. Teacher, for just a couple years, “back in the day” - mid-80’s). My favorite professional team of all time, of course, is the Los Angeles Lakers, and they will always be the main staple of my attention throughout the year. The first game I ever coached was sitting in The Fabulous Forum, “The House That Jack Built,” where The Lakers originally played after they moved here from Minnesota. I sat where Pat Riley sat. The kids I coached were battling over who sat where, whether they wanted to sit in Kareem’s chair or Magic’s chair… I still have fond memories of that day: Mike Sutyak, Matt Hovet, Jean-Pierre LaClette… I wish for them all to be doing well in life. In many ways I wish I was still coaching. But life happens. Off tangent, back to script: The Lakers. Even when opposing teams might be secretly hoping The Lakers are going through a re-building phase, as so many other teams do periodically, somehow this organization is able to keep a good product on the floor. In a word, they are continually a very “competitive” team - “the team to beat” (”i.e., the chant: “Beat L.A.! Beat L.A.!”) Let me put it this way, the MLB season doesn’t start for me until around the 4th of July, with The All-Star Game. Why? Because…

“The NBA is fan-tastic!“

Go, Lakers!

The Lakers are seemingly always playing deep into the post-season (May-June), losing in the Finals this year to those dreaded Boston Celtics yet again. Evenso, they play an interesting brand of basketball, that is both fundamentally sound and enjoyable for the fan, any fan of pro basketball, to watch. It doesn’t hurt that they have had players like our current star Kobe Bryant to keep us attentive, but he’s just one man on a long list of great NBA players who have played for The Lakers: Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, James Worthy, Kurt Rambis, Gail Goodrich, George Mikan; and, oh yeah, some guy named Shaquille O’Neal…

Oh yeah, good job Celtics playing your “team defense” against us. Whatever.

Next Year. “There is always next year,” right? Well, this time the Lakers will have a healthy Andrew Bynum back in the starting lineup; so, yes, things could definitely turn out differently - better! But you never know what moves a team will make in the off-season. Will Lamar Odom, or will he be traded? We lost Ronnie Turiaf to the Golden State Warriors, so we actually need to keep every big man we can keep to work a “triangle” offense that is apparently somewhat difficult to learn: Aaron McKie never did, Jason Kidd doesn’t want to… And that brings me to

“The Amazing Trade” Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak pulled off getting rid of Kwame Brown and receiving Pau Gasol: He was a perfect fit into the lineup Day #1. Period. And for Lamar Odom to then tell John Ireland (or was it Sean Farnum?) in a post-game interview shortly thereafter that it was amazing how well Pau fit into the system was a moment of sheer irony for me. Why? Because Odom still hasn’t really figured it out! Still, we should keep him.

As far as the L.A. Dodgers are concerned, I don’t know: Is attendance up with the arrival of Joe Torre? Wasn’t every game a sellout last year? Don’t the Dodgers always lead the league in attendance every year? Frank McCourt has done a great job upgrading Dodger Stadium but the talent on the field is seemingly either very, very young, or simply marginal, with overly-high expectations. And why do we keep signing veteran outfielders who don’t have anything left to give to the game they so passionately love? Oh, I forgot: “It’s a business.” Well, nice job, Andruw Jones - way to go, buddy! You ain’t worth a penny to this team. Could you please crawl back to Atlanta or help them self-destruct? Or were you sent here to destroy your arch nemesis? Go, Dodgers!

NFL. Bret Favre, I don’t know: I’d still like to see him play; but that seems doubtul in Green Bay.

NCAA Football, NCAA Basketball. My parents both attended UCLA; so, that’s my team; but, you have to really appreciate the turn around Pete Carroll has brought to the cross-town rivals, USC. I like the new coach for UCLA, Rick Neuheisel; that’s a great choice for the program. But they’re going to be awful this next year. Can they win even 7 games? That would be a great season for them, if they did. Since Mary graduated from The University of Nebraska, I have learned a lot about the Nebraska Cornhuskers, which is, again, a fundamentally sound team, making it fun to watch. Well, it was a great team under Tom Osborne, a good team with Frank Solich, but they got fairly poor results with the Pete Callahan overhaul to a “west coast offense” that never took hold. Hopefully they will go back to their trademark “wishbone” attack. Time will tell.

Let me know what you think. I’d love to toss ideas back & forth with some other former “sports junkies,” assuming you have time available to do so. Fantasy Football has re-ignited an interest in NFL football for me again. Thanks, Joel, for inviting me to play last year! Hopefully I’ll finish better this next season…