3000m

Kiersten likes the looooong races... so until she is old enough to race the 5,000 meter it's the 3,000 meter for her.

Now in the intermediate age group she competes against high school sophomores so the competition is tough, but she did well. She started out too fast, which is one of her weaknesses, but that's a lesson learned for the next meet.

Discus

Kees got to the throwing ring just as competition began so he didn't get in any practice throws. He normally needs about five or six practice throws to get into his rhythm and get his distance, so without that he threw about ten feet short of his potential.

It was amazing how tall some of these kids were... Kees is 12 and about 5'3"and tall in his class... there were 12-year olds throwing who were easily 5'10"!

Getting in the miles...

The kids getting in some training along the golf course... they both have cross country and soccer (Kiersten high school and select, and Kees select) in the fall, and Kees is also playing football, so they've got to run all summer to get into and stay in shape.

Dead cat?!

Just kidding... Sampson napping and no matter what we did he was dead to the world... no cats were harmed during the taking of these photographs!

First meet

Kees' first meet and the first time in a year that he's thrown competitively. It went well...he won... but he was way short of his PR so he has his work cut out for him.

His coach, Hickel Woolery, from Jamaica, placed 7th at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Outdoor Championships this weekend and earned All-American honors as well.

Kees has now been coached by two All-American's: University of Texas' Derek Randall and A&M CC's Hickel Woolery.

Chores

Yes, Kiersten and Kees do chores...they have since elementary school... and pretty well, I might add.

Here, Kees is mowing the lawn in the 90-degree heat and fighting off the Texas-sized mosquitoes!

Track Camp

Kiersten training for the 3,000 meters and Kees for the discus... both events they've qualified for and competed in the Junior Olympics...but this year will be just for fun because they have too many other activities in addition to track.

Weather

A late-season cold front brought in some stormy weather last night and I tried to snap a few lightning shots... got one keeper...

Fun time!

National Honor Society

Kiersten getting her National Honor Society pin... way to go kiddo, I'm proud of you! Keep it up Kees, because you're next.

8th Grade "Prom"

Memorial Day

In honor of the brave U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.





The kids looking at the memorial in the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial in honor of the Army and Army Air Forces soldiers who died during WWII.

My father served in the Army Air Force during WWII so my kids developed an interest in the war. We toured several battlefields of the Battle of the Bulge during this trip to Europe.

My mother and her family lived in Rotterdam during the war and suffered tremendously (as did all the Dutch) at the hands of the Nazi's. After years of hardship and torment, Holland was finally liberated by the Canadian and U.S. troops in 1945.

Although having never served in the military I have a strong personal connection to the armed forces of the United States of America and much thanks to give.

The kids at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, located in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.

Post Playa!