Mariners FanFest 2010

This past weekend we packed up the girls and headed to spend some time with family and the real reason, to go to Mariners FanFest.  We had a great time!  I was able to "surprise" my wife with a Mariner's jersey as an early Valentine's Day gift.  I say "surprise" because I had to shamelessly consult with her on sizes to make sure I got her the right one.

That is us on the left, one of the highlights was being able to "run" around the bases. (click here to see my slide into 3rd)  This year, attendance was doubled and unfortunately everything had a long line.  Towards the end of the day, when my parents graciously took our three girls home, Jamara and I were able to run around the bases and snap our traditional picture in the visitors dugout.

After last year's team pulled together to win 85 games last year and some key off-season acquisitions (Cliff Lee, Chone Figgins, Milton Bradley and Eric Brynes), attendance doubled this year with twice as many people on Saturday, the day we went, compared to all of last year.  I knew it would be a special day when I saw former Seahawk and Husky QB great Brock Huard in the parking garage.  He was very gracious as we took a couple minutes to discuss the latest potential gem, Eric Byrnes.  We both agreed this could be a great pick up if Eric remains healthy.

This year we also brought our youngest daughter, she is 3 1/2 and my Mom with us to enjoy the festivities.  After lunch, it was straight over to the face painting booth to get ready for all of the festivities.  Next it was time for some hot chocolate as the wind coming off Puget Sound made for a chilly afternoon.

My Dad took the girls over to get balloon animals and I listened to "Dugout Dialogue" with one of my Mariners heroes - Jay Buhner.  It was hard not be optimistic hearing Jay talk about how excited he is for this year's team.  He is one of the last good guys that still gives his time during Spring Training to spend time with the young guys, teaching them about how to play the game.

Our day concluded with the magic of touring the Mariner's clubhouse.  This was the main reason my Mom wanted to come and I think it was worth the wait.  While the lockers weren't set up like they will be during the season, it was exciting to get an inside glimpse of where these guys get ready to play.

It is only 14 days until Valentine's Day, or as my wife will tell you, "it's the day that Pitchers & Catchers report".  I am so thankful God blessed me with such an amazing wife, mom and Mariners fan!

Swing and A Miss

This morning marked my fourth and fifth times ever shooting skeet.  My scores would look great on a golf card, but not so well on my skeet score card.  I am averaging a robust 3 targets hit out of 24.  While I find myself enjoying this, it parallels my feelings about golf, an expensive hobby that I could enjoy if I didn't suck at it.

Since so much of my week is consumed with work, whether at the office or at home in my "off" hours, I try to focus my weekends on my family.  In keeping with that tradition, I brought my girls out with me to the Coeur d'Alene Skeet and Trap Club this morning to watch me shoot (and hopefully hit a few clay pigeons).

My 8 and 6 year old were excited to put on some ear muffs and eye protection and watch Daddy shoot, from a safe distance of course.  Thanks to JD, who works out at the club, for making this an enjoyable experience for my girls.

I asked my girls what they thought of it and they said they thought it was cool and want to try it some day when they are older.  

I shot two rounds today to make up for missing last week since I was out of town on business.  I will miss again this weekend because we will be in Seattle for the Seattle Mariners Fan Fest!  Can't wait to run around the bases and play catch with my Dad and wife in right field.

As I continue to shoot, I learn that I need to just breathe, relax, stop thinking and point and shoot.  I also realized this a sport that takes an immense amount of practice.  The seasoned veterans also make it look really easy.  While I am not a very good shot now, I know that with practice I'll improve.

I am grateful to my friend Jamie's dad Ed for loaning me his 12 gauge and for the patience of everyone on my team as I strive to get better.  Sitting at home sipping hot chocolate with my girls talking about their experience at the club this morning, I realize it is the experience and time with my girls, not the number on my score card that really matters.



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