"Are you excited?" This has been the obvious and most asked question since we found out that we were actually embarking on this odyssey.
The answer up until today was, "I don't know". Now, you might think it strange to say "I don't know," but considering the summer we have had getting ready you will understand the answer a little better.
My goal at the beginning of summer was to keep you updated on a weekly basis on our preparations, but since my first post was on June 30th it hasn't quite worked out as planned. You would think being a teacher that is off for the summer, I would have plenty of time to keep our blog up to date. Obviously I didn't do a very good job with it, but here are a few of my excuses.
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| Claire, The sand sculptur |
After doing the Mammoth hike, which by the way was almost a disaster, we went to Cecelia's parents house for one last visit as a family. While there, we spent quite a bit of time visiting with family and friends one last time and finalizing details regarding the business we have together. We spent the days being very busy and enjoy the many late nights chatting around the dinner table.
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| Camping with The Jilkes at San Elijo |
We then returned just in time to unpack and head to for The Nature Valley First Tee Open. Those of you that know my involvement with The First Tee of Fresno will understand how important it was for me and my family to be there supporting Jordan Keyser (Jordan is the number 1 player on my girls golf team and also one of my many oldest children) and Clayton Vannata. While at the tournament I also had an opportunity to meet many members of the Clampett family. I have been discussing with Bobby Clampett and his wife Marianna the possibility of bringing the Impact Zone to China while I am away. After returning from the tournament, it was a quick trip with our Nor Cal team to Modesto to play against all of the other Northern California Chapters of The First Tee.
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| Lord Byran Nelson at Advanced Academy |
I then returned home and had just enough time to wash clothes, repack and then drive down to spend an outstanding evening with my wife celebrating our 16th anniversary. I then boarded a plane for Dallas Texas to coach at The First Tee Leadership Academy, held at The University of Dallas and The Four Seasons Resort. It was an amazing ten days working with some of the best golf coaches and professionals that I know. I always like working with the home office staff and Eric, Dedric, Trish and Marian did a great job organizing the camp. It is also very rewarding working with Eric, Dedric and some of the other coaches from chapters all over the country, like Chris Dewar, Tina Barrett, Jeff Donovant, Craig Watson, Sacau from Kansas City and a few of the newer coaches. It is great to collaborate about lessons and really get creative with some of the activities. Put Eric Clark and myself on a practice range with a bunch of noodles and some supplies from The Home Depot and we will put together an activity that is fun and develops golf skills at the same time, as well as resembling some giant Erector set. I'm just saying, we get a little funky with props sometimes.
After all of that activity it was time for me to drive north with my brother Paul to see my Dad in Medford, Oregon. We visited with my Dad and relatives for a couple of days and then Paul and I drove back to Sacramento and picked up my brother Mike and his friend Rick. All of us then drove to Tahoe to play in The TKKD golf tournament. Don't bother asking what that tournament is, it is just too hard to explain. I then said goodbye to my brothers and drove home and just arrived this past Sunday.
So if that wasn't enough activity, when Cecelia arrived home Sunday evening we began to pack the house up so that our new tenants that are renting our house could move in the following weekend. We are moving into a friend's house for a few days, while we await the work visas that are supposed to be here early next week.
So as I write this at 3:40 am on Saturday morning August 25th, the last morning before we move out, I can answer the question, "Are you excited"? "Hell yes I am excited!!!!" I can't wait for this next part of the adventure to begin. I just haven't been able to really think about whether I was excited or not, because this has been one of the most amazing summers I have ever experienced and it isn't even over yet. I don't know, maybe I could fit one more activity into it. What do you think??????
