Long overdue tennis wrap up

I was meaning to share a tennis update at the end of May, but with Bammy's visit and then Madeline's recital earlier this month, I never got around to it.  So here it goes.  

May...

He played 10s green dot in a USTA Super Series with/against his buddy Charlie.  He took third for singles and first for doubles with Charlie has his partner.  Charlie won for singles.  The boys had such a good time playing doubles together.

Caleb also played in a local Grand Prix 11 and up yellow ball.

Madeline helped hand out awards.

He just missed second place by one point, behind his friend Nathan.  Then he came home after playing for over two hours and hit the ball some more against the house.

June...

The first weekend in June, Caleb played in the USTA Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships.  This is the highest level tournament for 10 and under in Florida.  Most of the kids playing have been doing so for years.  A lot of them play up in the 12s during the year but play down in their natural age division for the state championship.  The only thing we expected Caleb to do was to get out there and have fun and play hard.  And that he did.

He saw his buddy Charlie (they could've passed for doubles partners in their matching colored tennis attire.)

Caleb played so well.  He won one match and lost three, two of which were in come-from-behind-third set tiebreakers.  We're so proud of his mental toughness.  He really enjoyed himself at the tournament and even commented to me recently that he was bummed he had only one more chance to play in the 10s state championships next year.

This past weekend we headed back to the same tennis complex for another USTA 10 and under green dot Super Series. He saw his buddy Charlie, who again took first.  Caleb was awarded third place.  Both Charlie and Caleb had to get an official for the questionable line calling by another player whose name will remain anonymous.  Not cool.  At all.

But the biggest highlight of the day (apart from seeing my sister and her family) was learning that Caleb had been presented the State Championship Sportsmanship Award for boys 10s!!!!!!  This is an award that was voted on by fellow players, officials, parents, and spectators at the State Championships earlier this month. He was presented a nice plaque (that I still have to get a photograph of) and given a lot of praise by the tournament staff.  He had his whole entourage beaming with pride.  

I'm telling ya, tennis isn't just great exercise.  It's a wonderful opportunity to build character.  Caleb is naturally a bit shy, but he's learned he needs to stand up for himself and get an official when he believes his opponent is making questionable calls.  (He actually had to do that in the state championships also.)  We're proud of him for sticking up for himself. We're proud of him for maintaining his composure in tough situations.  We're proud of him for complementing his opponents on their nice shots.  Apparently we're not the only ones who think he's attitude is remarkable.  This Sportsmanship Award is hands down his greatest accomplishment to date, far greater than any winner trophy he might have earned so far.  

We love you, Caleb, and are so proud of you.  

We can't wait to see what your future has in store for you!

Memorial Day weekend fun and other happenings

Yep, I'm a bit behind.  These photos are from last weekend, but I'm just now getting around to sharing them.  We had a busy week while Bammy was here visiting.  We were constantly on the go.  Last Sunday our church's Asian American Fellowship group put on a big picnic at a local park.  We got to see some folks that we haven't seen in a while.  So that was really nice.  We also got to hang out with the family of one of Caleb's tennis buddies, Nathan.  We ate great food, did some dancing, participated in games, and the dumplings swam in the pond.  We had a fantastic time, even if it was hot.

Caleb and Nathan had fun climbing a big tree.  Caleb is a bit scared of heights, but after some encouragement from Baba, he did fine.

Then on Memorial Day, one of Patrick's colleagues had a bar-b-que at his house.  The kids had fun swimming in the pool and going down the inflatable water slide.  Caleb's buddy Lucas had cut his face earlier in the day when he collided with another boy while going down the slide.  So he had some stitches placed and graciously sat out the rest of the afternoon.  Havi had a blast in the hammock.  Then the kids did poppers and lit sparklers and had a great time.

We had such a fantastic weekend.  Even after Bammy left, Havi kept asking for her.  She clearly enjoyed having her "Nammy" visit.

Well, school is out in our neck of the woods which means summer programs are starting up.  Caleb will begin his intense tennis training this week.  He will be training 5 days a week, sometimes twice a day.  And this weekend is a really big tournament, the highest level there is for Under10 in Florida.  Caleb is so excited, and his coach is even thinking of making the drive to watch him play in the tournament.

Madeline's dance recital is just two weeks away.  Two weeks ago, we got to observe her class during a trial run for the rectial.  It was the first time I had seen her perform her two routines.  Oh my!  I love the choreography.  The numbers are just too sweet!  And the girls' costumes are just perfect.  I can't wait to see the rest of the children's program at the dress rehearsal next week.  Madeline is currently dealing with a splinter in her foot that we can't get out.  So we are hoping it doesn't interfere with her recital.

In completely unrelated news, I'm happy to announce that I finally finished my first roll of film!  I sent it out on Saturday, and now I can't wait to get my scans!  Shooting with film has really slowed me down.  I really have to think before I press the shutter.  I can't believe it took me two weeks, yes two weeks, to finally use up a 24 exposure roll!  I can't even remember all the different shots I took with that roll. lol  Needless to say, I've already popped in the next roll and am not being so apprehensive.

Well, that's it from me for now.  Happy Monday!

One day

It didn't occur to me until I uploaded my photos from shooting one day last week that I pretty much shot all day long, from early morning to sundown.  I guess I really wanted practice at lugging around my new, super heavy lens.  It sure is a workout.  No doubt my arms will thank me later.  So, here's the day...

Caleb likes to hit the tennis ball against the house.  He does this every day. And don't even get me started on how grown up I think he looks here.  Somebody tell time to slow down.

I took some selfies with Havi.  I just love how sometimes the focus is off or soft.  The images just so seem so raw and in the moment.

Madeline got a new delivery of ants for her farm.

Then  we headed over to the tennis courts for a little practice and match play.  I took all these shots through the fence, on purpose.    So that is why they look a bit soft.  I also forgot the lens hood.  Still, I like how bright and airy they are.

I love this shot above.  It looks like he's looking right at me.  In actuality, he's looking at the point of contact. 

 Next up, his Raffa follow through.

I tried to capture a little flare and fun on the playground with Havi while Caleb was on the courts.
Really, she did have fun. lol

Then Havi and I headed home while Patrick took Caleb and Madeline to the store.  As I was sitting outside with her, she pointed to the sky.  I turned around and saw a rocket being launched.  I quickly ran into the garage and grabbed my camera.  I didn't even change the settings from earlier and just started snapping.  That worked out fine as I tend to underexpose my shots at sunset to capture more color in the sky anyway.

Those black specs in the photo above are actually birds.  Then I snapped a few shots of Havi as the sun was going down, all on auto white balance.  You can see the color of the light change over time.

Then it was time for some sunset snaps and silhouettes.

Patrick had made it home with Caleb and Madeline by then.  So I asked Caleb to do a jumping shot.
Not bad for a first try in this location.

Anyway, I really enjoyed shooting that day.  My new lens does pose a problem with my beloved camera backpack.  You know, the one I bought for our China trip but still use every day?!  It can only fit if the lens is attached to the camera body when stored.  So that means shifting some things around.  With this lens, though, I'm finding that I'm only bringing one extra lens with me, my 35mm f/1.4, leaving my other two prime lenses at home.

Well, this weekend Caleb will be playing in yet another tennis tournament.  I'm so excited that Bammy will be able to watch him play.  Be looking out for a monthly tennis recap, as it's been a busy one.

One last bit before I go...I want to give a big Happy Birthday shout out to Bammy!  She's turning 39 again.  And we have the privilege of celebrating with her.  Have a great weekend.  And keep cool! We will be hitting the beach!