Kyle was diagnosed with mononucleosis on Monday and he is really suffering quite badly. His throat and glands are so swollen that he can not swallow nor can he sleep at night. It is so difficult for him to speak that we can hardly understand his speach. We are scheduled to leave for vacation on Friday, but he is in no shape to travel. Jeanine will stay behind to care for him and should his condition improve they may try to join up with us on Sunday.

 
Today we received our invitation to the Shane’s Inspiriation 2008 Gala. Nicolai is being honored at tha black-tie event for his climb of Kilimanjaro and fundraising for the Free Wheelchair Mission. This is a photo of the invitation describing Nicolai’s accomplishments. The foundation is flying Nico, Jeanine and I out to Beverly Hills for the $250 a seat gala to be held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on March 9th.

 
Most normal children do their homework at a desk. Maya seems to favor the kitchen floor. If not for the fact that she is doing well in school, I would be somewhat concerned with this practice.

 
Nico has another near pin using his massive upper body strength to advantage.

 
With a deeply set cradle, Nico nearly pins his opponent.

 
Nicolai had another wrestling tournament this weekend and continues to amaze us with his ability. He had far less experience than his opponents but improved with every match. We reviewed video footage after each bout and he would apply the teaching points in the subsequent match.

 
Each team was permitted to write the word down, compare notes, and give a final answer. Kyle was on hand to witness his sister’s performance which meant a lot to her.

 
Maya on stage with teammates Allison and Lydia at the Willard 3rd grade spelling bee. Her team did not miss a single word. The girls fashioned their own team uniforms and named themselves the Dominators.

 
Klye strips a defender of the ball in a playoff game which ended just before midnight. His Chaos team came from behind in the final minutes to win their first round match. A goalie save at the last second preserved the victory in an extremely exciting contest. Their second match was a one sided loss to a very unsportsmanlike team. Kyle’s sarcastic congratulations to a non-playing loud mouth from the opposing team spawned a shoving match. It took all the restraint I could muster to supress the urge to punch this kid in the nose myself.

 
Maya inspects the fresh snow while waiting for her bus this morning. She recieved her report card yesterday and is doing very well in school.

 
Kyle did a little strength training this evening with the help of his sister. Maya’s general utility around the house never ceases to amaze me.

Democracy in action. I voted in the primary this morning because of my stubborn wife. Since we are backing different candidates for the nomination, our votes cancel each other out. None the less she insisted on voting thus forcing me to neutralize her ballot. 

Kyle started a class in photography the semister so I challenged him to capture an image for the blog. When I first saw this picture, I assumed that Nico had launched Nala across the room with some newly devised wrestling move which involved decapitation of the victim. In realty, I am informed, Nala had jumped into the air to snag a stuffed rabbit. All in all, I would say that Kyle has captured a very compelling image on his first official attempt. 

 
Nico’s father wrestling for Stanford against Notre Dame 28 years ago. Please notice the singlet I am wearing. I had to wait almost three decades, but could not be prouder passing it on to my son.

He won his second match with a very impressive pin. Please notice the singlet he is wearing. 

 
Nicolai decided to enter the Big East Middle School Wrestling Tournament today. He has not competed in 4 years and only practiced 3 times this season. Despite the long hiatus, Nicolai won his first two matches before his strength waned and he lost his second two. I have no doubt that with some additional training and skill development Nicolai could be very competitive in this sport.

 
Peter is Maya’s age and returned to the dinner table for dessert quite amazed that Maya had taken him down five times during an after dinner wrestling match. Growing up with two older brothers has not been without its advantages for Maya.

Younger sister Anna is working on a gravity maze, the prize she won after successfully completing a scavenger hunt which kept the children busy while the parents had some adult time.

 
Chloe Bruning is a classmate of Nicolai’s and their friendship was responsible for bringing the families together.

 
We were invited to join the Brunings for dinner and had a wonderful time. Having completed my cleanse, I was free to indulge in real food again. I can tell you that brie on French bread has never tasted so good.

Later in the day I ventured out to the Great Meadows Nature Reserve for a nice walk and a little photography. 

 
Maya shows off her shooting form at basketball practice this morning. Last week I worked with her on proper technique which essentially requires a one-handed release (tough for a little kid facing a ten foot rim). She has mastered the shot and was very pleased when her first attempt of the day resulted in a swish.

 
Kyle successfully completed his 21-day cleanse and celebrated with a breakfast of French toast. I started the day after he did and need to serve one more day of my sentence. Sarcasm aside, I feel great and have lost 12 pounds.

 
Nala has pretty much claimed the couch as her own. On the positive side she is no longer trying to eat it.

 
Today is half-and-half day at Maya’s school. She is dressed as a soccer player on top and as an equestrian on bottom. Her right side hair features a bun and the other a braid. In other respects, I see her as half way between a child and young girl.

Kyle and Nala in a face-off. Please take a look at the source of the controversy by looking over the contents of Kyle’s right hand. 

 
Jeanine’s amaryllis is in full bloom. I believe she grew this from a bulb sent to her by her father.

 
This is the reaction I get every time I try and photograph Chloe. Perhaps next time I will hand the camera to Kyle or Maya for a better result.

 
Kyle’s girlfriend Chole is like a big sister to Maya and took the time to give her French braids which I think look very nice on her.

 
I liked the available light in one particular room and coaxed Jeanine to pose for me. This is her come hither look. It works every time.

 
After their performance, the dancers invited guests to learn a few steps. I passed on the swing, but had to put my cameras down and find Jeanine when the Salsa music started.