1st Place!

Usually, the family runs a 5k here in Benicia to support our local schools. But most of the family lost interest in the 5k. However, Emery had her eyes set on higher aspirations than running the 5k.

She finished 1st place in her age group (14 and under) with a 1:05 time for a 10:34 mile place. She got to be embarrassed on stage too.

I did not fare so well. I came in last place for my age group of only 8 men! Haha! Oh well. At least we had some fun daddy daughter time.

Varsity

This year, BHS had a boys varsity volleyball team for the first time in a long time. Andrew made the team and surprisingly, was a setter. He had no interest in being the setter, but the team needed him.

He did end up getting some hitting in too.

And some blocking. He did a real nice job blocking.

It looked like they had a lot of fun. It looks like Andrew got into it!

I even got a little assistant coaching in too. That was a blast for me.

And for a first year program, the team wasn't in last place! That's a huge accomplishment.

Great job Andrew!

Captain Matt

Matt was a captain on his volleyball team this year. I think he loved every minute of it.

Just about the whole team had first year players.

So Matt was busy passing,

blocking,

setting,

and serving. I promise he didn't do it all. But the team started out a bit rough since he was only 1 of 2 returning players.

In the end, they played very well as a team. They got 3rd place in the league playoffs. Very nice job!

Romans 12:14-21

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. 20 "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

Acts 20:35 and Philippians 1:21

Here are some old videos of Matt reciting verses. We're still doing them!

Acts 20:35 "In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

The Card Artist

I forgot to mention that Emery also makes cards now. They're pretty funny.

This was for my birthday. She can get a little snarky sometimes.

They are custom made and very fitting. This one was for Matt's birthday. She knew all of the things he likes - the shoes, the jeans, the chain, the bag, the muscles, the watch and the hat. She got it all spot on.

The Artist

Emery and her friends won a public art contest here in Benicia.

Her friends painted the 4 seasons in one tree. Emery did the summer season.

It's pretty cool that every time I drive by the high school, I see their art.

Great job Emz! And on top of this, she just got selected to do another project. What an artist!