90 degrees today

We were finally able to utilize our air conditioner today as temperature topped at 90 degrees around 2:00 P.M. I'm not saying that I'm looking forward to that $200 PG&E bill, but understand that since we had our central air conditioner unit installed last spring we've had to use it sparingly. Last summer was very mild compared to the insanely hot summers of 2002 and 2003. Lisa liked to joke to her friends that they could thank us for the mild weather since we must have caused the heat wave to cease after purchasing our air conditioning unit :)

6:00 A.M. at the golf range

Yesterday, I made the mistake of telling him that I would take him to the golf range "next weekend". I was awoken at 6:00 A.M. this morning (Sunday) by Tyler who confused "next weekend" to mean today.

As discussed in earlier posts, Tyler is a big sports guy and he particularly loves golf, even going so far as sleeping with his golf ball, tee, iron or driver. We've only taken him to the driving range once before (in Kauai last October). He must have been so excited that as soon as he awoke from his sleep that he rushed over (pitter-patter steps could be heard from across the house) to tell me it was time to go to the golf range. Groan.

It was just 2 nights ago that I had been worked until 4:00 A.M. and I still felt a little sleepy. But how could I let the little guy down. I couldn't. I did my best Rocky Balboa impression and splashed some water on my face and got myself and Tyler dressed to drive over to the P.A. Municipal Golf Course. After a few stretches, I felt pretty good and knew this was as limber as a 30-something body would feel this early in the morning. As I started to do some toe stretches I began to wonder whether my legs have been growing because I could barely reach my shins with my fingers.

Tyler was absolutely thrilled as he watched the balls spill out into the green basket he had placed under the machine's opening. A single expression of "Wow!" came from Tyler. Ahhh.....the simple pleasures in life.

Tyler & Gray

Tyler working on his jumpshot

Tyler has enjoyed shooting baskets almost since the moment he could hold a small Nerf ball. Whether Lisa and I like it or not, we have a feeling he's going to be a gym rat as he gets older. My friend, Brian Tanabe, is partly to blame for this. Brian made us a DVD of an NBA 3-point contest as well as the dunk contest. How many other 2-year-olds know what the "money-ball" is in basketball or the concept of a windmill slam? And for the record, it was Tyler who insisted that I draw the 3-point arc and free-throw stripe on our patio. Then again.....who knows, all this love of balls could just be a phase (we hope).

Lisa the gardener

Cozy little cat

Our household cat, Bailey, acting smug before the camera.

Lisa with Logan (3 months)

"Tyler Woods"

Fore!

Tyler occasionally likes to watch the Golf Channel. He also likes to play in our backyard with his plastic driver, iron and putter. This morning we went to Shoup Park where he practiced on his driving and irnon shots while Lisa and I had a pop-squat with the sandwiches we purchased from the downtown Togo's. I'm always amazed by how much loft he can generate on his shot. I have a feeling that he'll break 90 well before I do.

Tyler, when he's not playing golf.

Tyler dribbles left-handed

This morning our family went shopping at Costco. Not surprisingly, Tyler always wants to head over to the sporting goods section when we are there. He has been quite the ball dribbler (started at a very young age, probably right at age 2) and hasn't stopped since. He can now dribble about 3-4 times with his right hand. At Costco, I told him, "Why don't you try dribbling with your left hand? Try it and practice on it." Expectantly, it was a difficult assignment, but he kept at it for the 10 minutes while we waited in the aisle for Lisa to pick up the Odwalla, frozen fish, diaper wipes, etc. Then, tonight, as we were in playing our nightly ritual of shooting hoops with the inflatable Gymboree beach ball (Logan's car seat sitting atop our sofa acts as the basketball hoop), Tyler dribbled the beach ball 3 times on the ground with his LEFT hand! I was stunned and amazed, though it's certainly not the first time I've felt such emotions when observing his motor skills. He is such an amazing little guy. I just love him to death.