Exterior work on the sun porch, deck, and shed is nearing completion just as the first snowfall arrives. To say that Jeanine is excited about the sun porch would be a huge under statement. This will most certainly become her sanctuary. As I type, she is out there planning for furniture placement. I on the other hand am already organizing the shed (located under the deck).

Nicolai was in action this evening and had a fantastic game. He continues to improve and holds his own with his peer group. He had several assists and a goal as his team cruised to victory.

Nicolai took this photo of me this evening. In thirty years of playing soccer, it is the only one that exists of me scoring a goal (despite having scored hundreds over my lifetime). I received a nice pass in the middle of the field and crushed a full volley into the lower left corner. You only need one shot like this every couple of years to keep you wed to the sport. That perfectly timed shot, struck with authority, that finds the back of the net in the air. Click on the photo for a larger view.

I just returned from a 2-day Avid meeting held in Manchester, NH. After introductory comments from our CEO and new GM to the entire organization, teams of 30 attended 45 minute breakout sessions. My presentation covered Engineering and I gave it a total of 16 times over the 2-day event. I normally do not talk this much in an entire month and will need about that long to rest my vocal chords.

Maya was in charge of breakfast this morning and prepared French toast for the family. She has turned into quite the little chef.
Later in the evening, her father prepared pork loin cutlets for dinner using the “Baby Bam” mix she made last week for seasoning.

At one point, Kyle juggled the ball in the air and off-his head traversing 2/3 of the field before laying off a pass.

Kyle’s indoor soccer team was in action this evening and turned in a very one sided victory.

Nico was quite dapper sporting a button down shirt (tucked in, after a very long discussion about whether this was stylish or not), cranberry tie and nice sweater.

This evening, we enjoyed hearing the 6th grade Concert Band, in which Nico is one of the percussionists. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a photo of him while he performed because the drummers are behind so many of the other musicians. Nico’s performance was flawless and the band has reached that point where you actually enjoy the music.

Maya looks through the trivet she made for her mother’s Christmas present.

Jeanine has recuperated sufficiently to make her first excursion from the house today. Her crutching techniques are no match for Nico and she wisely chooses to go up and down the stairs on her backside.

For those wondering how the Colts could come from behind to defeat the Patriots in such dramatic fashion they need only study this photo for the answer. At crucial moments of the game, Kyle would pause to kiss his Colts door mat which he places strategically in front of the TV. Each kiss was followed by a Colts touchdown or Patriots turnover. The Pats got their early lead because Kyle was attending his Owl program and did not start watching the game and making out with his carpet until the end of the first quarter.

Nicolai rips his entry during diving practice. I have a feeling Nico could become a very serious diver if he stays with the sport.

Maya hanging with her crew at basketball practice this morning.