Nats Clinch Playoff Spot!

Baseball returned to DC in 2005. The Nats flirted with the division title before fading and finishing 81-81. Tonight the Nats beat the Dodgers and clinched Washington's first playoff berth since 1933! They're not done, they are trying to win the National League East Division and their lead over the Braves by 5 and a half games. Magic Number is 8.

I would love to see the Nats go to the World Series. It has been almost 30 years since I personally went to my last World Series (1983 Orioles vs Phillies). Over in the American League, the Orioles are battling the Yankees for the division title.

Could we see the Nats and Orioles play in the Fall Classic? Stay tuned!

Fall Soccer: Game 1

Ben's first game of his third Fall soccer session with SYSA. He is learning more skills and is really enjoying himself. This game ended 5-5 with Ben scoring the first goal.

Fall Soccer Begins!

No only did Ben start first grade today, he also started Fall soccer. He is in the Under 7 age group and this means he plays on a larger field and with bigger goals.

Tonight he took advantage of the extra room and did his drills flawlessly. He loves the sport and it is hard to believe this is his seventh session since 2009 (4 Spring, 3 Fall). In watching Ben's first practice, I like his team a lot. He has two school mates on the team and also a co-worker's son is on the team as well. Hopefully the weather will cooperate this Fall season.

Ben before practice

Goal cam!

Ben and Jerome working on a drill

Learning the beautiful game

Ben during dribbling drill, making it look easy!

Nicholas tries to dribble past Ben

Ben during a ball control drill

Here's to a great Fall season!

Our First Grader!

Today was the first day of school and Ben entered the first grade. In looking at these shots I realize Ben is not a little boy anymore. We had a great Summer but it's time to start school. He was a little nervous but warmed up when he saw his friends. It's going to be a great year!

Traditional front door shot

Weena and Ben walking to his first grade class

Ben is in the First Grade Red class

First day anticipation



Father Mike greets the kids with a fist pump



Ben and his classmate and soccer teammate Jerome share a laugh

Sign of the Cross

Father Mike addresses the students, parents and teachers

Ben's cousin Jacob, also a first grader, heads to his class

Ben gets an escort to his class by his new teacher

Images from Emerald Isle, NC

Here are shots of our beach vacation to Emerald Isle, NC. We used this beach week to re-unite family as Weena's sister Liesel and her son Ariel came with us, as well as Weena's parents. I was so happy to see my nephew and it was great he was able to spend vacation with his cousin Ben.

We stayed at a place called Dune Magic. This was the second time we have rented that beach house and it has been a perfect place to stay as it is close to the beach, attractions and the grocery store as well as the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier.

On Wednesday, Weena's sister in law Wynell and her son Tim dropped by as well as my Mom. On Friday, my cousin Mac and his family stopped by for a day at the beach. Everyone enjoyed the surf, sun and sand. We had beautiful weather.

Since we had so many folks at the house, I took advantage of the extra time and freedom to roam around a bit with my camera. I walked on the beach at the crack of dawn, drove and took shots that I found interesting on a highway. I did my best to capture the sun rising and setting and also I just wanted to see my family having fun and enjoying themselves through the lens. I accomplished that and a lot more. Overall, it was a very good and relaxing vacation.

On some shots here I used the black and white enhancer in Photoshop and have posted them next to the original shot. I love this feature and will use it in future photo outings, including sports.

So click on a photo for a larger shot and a rather lengthy slideshow. If anyone has any photo tips, pointers or thoughts about what is posted here, please feel free to leave a comment. I am always interested in learning more about photography. Thank you!

Saturday August 11th: The Arrival

Ariel and Ben soaking up the beach atmosphere

Sunday August 12th: NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores










Shark week!




Ernie Eels


Director Ben making a phone video


Ben and Ariel enjoy the book store





I see gator, Weena sees shoes and a handbag...




Strike a pose...or pose to strike?


Outside the aquarium




NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a must visit


Sunday August 12th: First day at the beach

Morning rain stopped so Ben and Weena boogie board


Ariel and Liesel enjoy the surf


Ben, chilling out


Ariel can't stop smiling




Surfer Ben




This may be my photo contest entry with Bluewater GMAC


Maybe this will be my entry too as Liesel enjoys the surf




Kids + Ocean + Boogie Board = Fun afternoon!




Beach activity










Weena and her sister Liesel enjoy boogie boarding


Birds




Pelican brief






Monday August 13th: Morning
Beach house near the oceanfront close to ours


My morning commute








Beach walk


Sunrise




The ocean




Running on




Love the colors, wish a bird was in it though.






Family time


Day at the office






These are outside every house. No idea what these are.


Monday August 13th: Afternoon

King of the Beach


Ben checking out shells


Surfing USA!




Yeahhhhhhhh!!!!




Beach bathroom break?


Best water park ever: The ocean!


Somewhere in there is Ben's cousin Ariel




Everyone loves the ocean!










Tuesday August 14th, US 58

Vine Swamp General Store. Do stop by for a soda and a game of pool


US 58 South


Tobacco farming


Old house along the way


Black and white version


Haddock, Scott, Stilley and Johnson cemetary in Jones County, NC



















Swamp


My favorite stop


Cows mooing but not moving as it was hot


The goats couldn't wait to see me as they thought I had food


This guy wanted to ride home with me.




Nice view of the farm




Dig this!


Alice Conway Collins Memorial Cemetary










View from my car window heading back to the beach house


Crabs and Monopoly championship



Weena and Ariel vs


Ben and Liesel


Wednesday August 15th: Beach and family shots














Weena enjoying her book on the deck


Beach house view from our deck


Ben constructing a sand castle


Weena, Mom, Ben and Ariel enjoy the beach


Castle


Ariel having fun


Monopoly champ Ben as he defeats Daddy


Calm before storm


Cousins Ariel, Tim and Ben


Weena's Mom, Wynell and Weena's Dad enjoy dinner


Weena, Mom and Liesel at dinner


We celebrated Ariel's tenth birthday


Singing Happy Birthday to Ariel!


Family shots








Thursday August 16: Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier


Ariel fishing








Got a bite!


Liesel casts




Ben and Ariel enjoy fishing








Game face!




View from the pier


Thursday evening shots from our deck at the beach house




Friday August 17: More family visiting
Erika and Mara strike a pose


Erika, Mara and Clay




Ben cools off


Ben with his Aunt Liesel


Back for more gear!


Clay digs the sand


Queen of the Beach


Cruisin'


Ben pitching


Showing no-hit form


Tom Kite


Boat dredging the ocean? Not sure. We named it Steamboat Willie


Ariel


Ben and Weena


Weena, Ben and Steamboat Willie


US Coast Guard


Clay




Steamboat Willie still chugs along while everyone stays cool


Weena and Ben enjoying the surf


Clay, Mara and Erika having fun


Old school. I used to do this in '82. Radio, seat and beer!


Clay and the ocean
















That's all folks, we had a blast Emerald Isle, NC. We will be
back again soon!

Emerald Isle on Dwellable