A Visitor from the Preserve

For the first time since we moved to Arizona, we had a wild animal in our back yard, other than birds and rabbits. A bobcat made him/her self comfortable in on our lawn for about 20 minutes. Needless to say, the Brittany and Cabo were safe inside the house until our guest left.

The Game & Wildlife people assure us that bobcats are not interested in pets or people, they're favorite food is quail. However, not to take chances, we stayed inside.

Although, while taking morning jogs, I have seen a couple and they show no interest in me at all. In fact, the one I saw was trying to "pounce" on a bird. If you didn't consider the size, you'd think it was a cute little kitty.

A Great Summer Start

Alisa & Jack had their first tournament on May 29th at Lone Tree Golf Course sponsored through U.S. Kids Golf. They did great; both came in first. Alisa shot a 39 and Jack shot a 40.
Alisa had a new caddie for the tournament, Greg Dunn. Greg is our neighbor's son and he did great. Alisa loved him. Greg is going to caddy for Alisa on her June 5th tournament at the Wigwam.

This week the kids played on the JGAA (Junior Golf Association of Arizona) two-day tournament at Cave Creek Golf Club. The JGAA is a little different than U.S. Kids; U.S. Kids is very similar to PGA Rules, where-as the JGAA doesn't allow caddies or laser sites. Even the PGA Tour allows caddies and laser sites. But, it is good experience for the kids.

The first day of the tournament Jack shot 2 under par. Sometimes he seems to do better without a caddie. On the other hand, Alisa has a tougher time without a caddie. The first day she shot a 50. But, she came back the 2nd day and shot a 44. Overall, at the end of the two-day tournament Jack came in 2nd place and Alisa came in 3rd place. They were just thrilled with their trophies.

The tournaments are just beginning; they have another tournament tomorrow (Friday, June 5th) with the U.S. Kids Golf at the Wigwam Golf Resort and then a 3-day tournament at Maryvale with the JGAA.

Spring 2009

It's been awhile since I wrote, but that hasn't stopped the birdie twins from playing golf. Theymainly practiced during the spring, since there are no tournaments. We've switched to Las Sendas Golf Club, which is where the kids golf coach, Ben Weir, is located. They practice 3 times a week and an occasional weekend.
Alisa was accepted into the Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies next year for 5th grade. The Academy only accepts children with specific qualifications, grades and AIMS scores, so we're pretty happy. She has mixed feelings; excited about the learning platform but nervous because she'll miss all her friends from Red Mountain. Mom is happy about not having to lay out clothes; she has her choice of which red, white or blue shirt to go with her khaki pants.
Both the kids went to Ping, located in the west valley, and was personally fitted for golf clubs. Lou and John at Ping were great. They showed the kids around the facility and took time with them during their fitting. The whole experience was very impressive.
It took a week to get the feel of the new clubs, but once they had it, the ball was going higher and longer. Even their bad hits looked good.
Alisa & Jack will have a very busy summer; tournaments through July and then Pinehurst. Now that school is over, Scott is really working with them. The improvements are amazing.

Ohio State Fever

Ohio State made it to Phoenix once again. This time to play against Texas. I'm not even going to talk about the game, HOWEVER, I will discuss the fun we had prior to the game and up to the final 30 seconds.

Our nephew, Michael Jender, plays the baritone in the OSU Marching Band (TBDBITL, The Best Damn Band In The Land). He graduates this May, so this is his last year in the band. My how they grow. He's been in the band since a freshman and this year he made it as the squad leader. We're all very proud of him, especially his dad, my brother, who also played in the Ohio State band.

When OSU plays in Phoenix we've hosted my nephews baritone section, 14 students ("M-Row"), in activities around our house. This year we took the M-Row on our boat at Saguaro Lake and did a little off-roading in the Red Mountain area, followed by pizza at our house. We also had a few of the kids over one night for a little relaxation by the fire pit and howling at the coyotes.

While attending one of the Ohio State activities, The Buckeye Bash, both Jack and Alisa had the opportunity to get a picture with the two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Archie Griffin, along with his autograph. Uncle Robby (my brother) bought Alisa and Jack Ohio State golf caps and Mr. Griffin signed those and also signed Jack's OSU jersey.

We also took The M-Row to In-n-Out Burger; they don't have those in Ohio. While we were there, the entire cheerleading team showed up. It was amazing, the restaurant was filled with about 30 students from OSU all dressed in red. Alisa got her picture with a few of the cheerleaders.

While my brother, Robby, Pat (one of the other dads of the band member) stayed at our house, we attended the activities where the band played. It is no wonder they carry the name The Best Damn Band In The Land; wow......are they impressive.

Jack was SO-O-O excited; he attended his first Ohio State game. He got his face painted for the occasion, and an amazing paint job it was. He was able to find his cousin Michael at the game and took a picture with him.

My brother's youngest son, Matthew, has been accepted at Ohio State. We're all hoping that Matthew makes the band next year so we can continue this tradition.

Southwest Regional Championship

The day after we arrived home from our Cabo trip, the kids participated in the Desert Shootout, Southwest Regional Championship, that was held in Phoenix at the Wigwam Golf Resort. It was a 3 day tournament with children from all over the states and some participants from France, China and Guatamala.

Jack had tough competition and a difficult course. One of his holes was a 120 yard, island green, Par 3. If you didn't land it on the green or in the sand trap, it was in the water. Jack finished 30th in stiff competition. Alisa finished 6th, competing with the number 1 & 2 girls for her age group in the World.