Summer 2012

It has been a great summer. Thanks to my wonderful wife who allowed me to do a few things without her. Went on a overnight-er backpacking trip with Chris Ross and got rained out. so we hoofed it back before dark and the rain storms. Went to Kings canyon with Stein and hiked a fairly steep trail to an overlook of the canyon-that was fun. Drove to Utah and stayed two weeks at Kjell and JC's house. Taking care of two little kids can be tough. We had a great time playing with the kids and being around Kjell and JC.Kasia has a strong will that I have heard will help her in the future as she makes life important decisions. Ryu is reddish blonde with blue eyes. He reminds of the many Australian Sheppard  puppies we had around the house. He moves on all fours just about as fast. He can not be out of Mom's sight,but lets others play with him and he has a constant smile---when he isn't crying for his mommy. During those two weeks I had planned to hike Mt. Timp with Kjell and almost made it but we ran into that notorious snow back on top of a cliff and had no desire to die-therefore we turned around and returned down the trail. It was so beautiful up there and I plan on attempting the summit next year later in the summer when the snow is gone, or use the American fork assent. We should have l; listened to Kjell's friend who told us it would be easier to go that way. Enjoyed attending Kjell and JC's new ward;the church is true even in Orem. Got to sit next to the governor of Utah two times. Well, in the same chapel anyway. When it was time to go home Kathy and I had mixed emotions. Going home is fun;leaving them is not.I also love Utah for many reasons. I had three days to get ready for another Australian football experience. I enjoyed eight days in Australia coaching football(Winning both games) staying at the tallest apartment building in the world (Q1.) Not real fond of Australian food, but always enjoy a good barbecue with Peter, my good bud from Downunder. Coach Gueck and I didn't have any problems with our team and they were mighty fun to be around. We always spend three days in Honolulu on the way back and we got to go to Laie on the North Shore. PCC was terrific and the scenery is always spactular on the drive. The Church has a good thing going over there. In Honolulu we ate Helena's, a Korean barbecue that was featured on the travel channel. It was good. Flew home and slept 18 hours. I was in a coma of jet lag.Keira is our beautiful grand daughter of Stein and Nicolette. We see her now and then. She is so obsessed with her mother. I  am not sure anyone would want it any different. Nicolette seems to really enjoy motherhood and takes it serious. We are amazed that our "Barney" is a dad and he is a good one. Two weeks later Kjell and JC with the kids came to our house for a week and it was fun picking black berries and feeding carrots to   the horse. It was a kick back kind of a week that was extremely fun. Their last three days were spent in the Bay Area with Starr and Skye. Santa Cruz was a blast; especially watching Kasia ride the little roller coaster. We were all amazed at how she didn't scare at all. That girl is not scared or hesitant. San Francisco was fun until we got there. Too crowed and too many lines. We did take the BART and the Trolley cars so that made it a success.So all in all it was a wonderful summer and I am ready to go back to work.

A poem I once ignored but seem to understand it now.

Splendour in the Grass

 What though the radiance
 which was once so bright
 Be now for ever taken from my sight,
 Though nothing can bring back the hour
 Of splendour in the grass,
 of glory in the flower,
 We will grieve not, rather find
 Strength in what remains behind;
 In the primal sympathy
 Which having been must ever be;
 In the soothing thoughts that spring
 Out of human suffering;
 In the faith that looks through death,
 In years that bring the philosophic mind.

-- William Wordsworth

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving visit and dinner at Steins and Nicolette's new home. Keira is just getting beautiful as she keeps growing. It is enjoyable to watch my son be a dad and demonstrate the care and caution it takes to raise a child.  Nicolette is an amazing cook and the dinner was very good. Looking forward to having the entire Stoddard family at the house this Christmas. Good Times!

Summer recap-
Been in school for two weeks, turned 57, and I was wondering why I was so tired. Then I started to think about all the things that happened this summer and decided to give myself a break and  rejoice in the fantastic events that I enjoyed and experienced these last few months. Starr's graduation, Skye's graduation, ,finished my first year as Athletic Director, Shoulder Surgery, Keira's birth and resultant stay in the hospital,Trip to Australia two weeks later, a few weeks off and then off to Kjell's graduation in Phoenix, after Kjell gave birth to Ryu a week previously.Moved Starr to Fremont for her new job-yes she got a raise!( Got to experience first hand the 49ers and Raider's rivalry with Stein.) Skye back to San Jose State to teach!!!
Obviously, my family and close friends just read this blog so I want you all to know how proud of you I am and, this pride goes out  JC and Nicolette, who joined the Stoddard's sphere of reckoning. Hang in there.:)  Anyway, love you all and the next experience is going to the Utah /BYU football game in Provo on the 16th of September. Go Cougs!!! Stein is going too, and of course Alex.

MORE SUMMER 2011 BLISS

THE STODDARD FAMILY WELCOMED TO THE WORLD KEIRA RAYNE AND RYU EVERETTE

Dad's Tremendously Big Summer

STARR,SKYE AND KJELL GOT THEIR MASTERS