Holes

Here's a story from a few weeks ago that I'm just now getting to.

I asked Emma if she would like to learn about guns. She responded with an enthusiastic "Yes!"

For all things weapons, one calls the Gun Guru, Mr. Stevie. We talked and decided on the caliber and style of gun that would be a good first weapon.

Then off to the gun show! It was Emma's first time and she was a little overwhelmed. We tried several different models and she found the one - the Ruger SR22. Model 3600. This is a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol with a 10 shot capacity. And because we live in the great state of Texas, we completed the transaction in minutes and were soon on our way home, firearm in hand.

Before using the gun, Mr. Stevie went over all the safety issues with owning and using a firearm. When Emma passed the test, it was time to go to the range.

For Emma's first time, we selected the Athena Gun Club - "Houston's finest indoor shooting range." Or so they say. It is quite nice - well lit, well ventilated, good shooting stations.

Mr. Stevie worked with Emma to find the proper grip and stance. Then he loaded the gun with one bullet and handed it to Emma. She aimed and fired. Then he loaded another. Again, she aimed and fired. The results:

If you look at the upper target above her shoulder you can see two holes. The lower one was her first shot. The second was a bullseye.

Outstanding job, Emma!

And I can report that her first performance was not a fluke. We've been back several times and Emma can consistently hit the target. Mr. Stevie's already looking for her second pistol. Oh, brother.

Emma's Concert Series

A record-setting crowd was on hand to see Emma's final performance of 2013, a year that saw her in all the major European capitals, dazzling heads-of-state and other dignitaries with her keyboard prowess. Here she performs the classic Ding Dong Merrily on High.

Congratulations, Emma, on a wonderful year.

Find a high-definition version here.

Emma - Girl Scouts STRIDERS

Last Sunday Emma competed in the Girl Scout STRIDERS program. This is basically a non-competitive track meet. Each girl chooses six events. One Emma picked was the running long jump. From across the field I was able to capture this series. Click to enlarge, if you dare.

Soccer is a Smash

Last Saturday was Emma's last soccer match for the Fall season. The action started slowly on this rather warm December day.

Emma was keeping the goal. She stopped the first shot attempt with a beautiful two-handed block. On the next attack, she set up for another save.

And then it happened.

In this series of Zapruder-like photos, instead of using her hands, Emma choose to use her face.

She went down. Glasses smashed. Tears. Eye swelling.

But she got up. Put some ice on the eye. And with a replacement pair of glasses soon returned to the pitch.

After a few minutes getting used to the new equipment, Emma made several attacks on the goal, outrunning the defense. Only the attentive keeper prevented her from scoring.

Finishing strong, our hero looks forward to the Spring season.

Congratulations, Emma. A season well-played.

Emma's Spring Piano Recital

Angry Birds? Angry Stomach!

A beautiful spring day found our Dragons facing two tough opponents - the Angry Birds and an angry stomach.

The Angry Birds played tough in the first half, holding us without a goal for the first ten minutes. Once again our offense controlled the tempo, but the shots wouldn't fall.

Emma dominated on defense, playing so well this poor child was afraid to look.

Just before halftime, the Dragons scored twice. It seems we had control of the match.

Until one of our top scorers discovered that the contents of his stomach preferred to be outside rather than inside. As the halftime whistle blew, legions of Dragon fans hoped the team had time to regroup.

The Angry Birds took advantage of our shortened roster to score their first goal  at the start of the second half, cutting the lead to 2-1. Luckily, young people have fast recovery times, and our full complement of players was soon back in action.

During the third rotation of the half, all of our scorers were on offense and completely dominated the Birds. In those five minutes, the Dragons scored five times and cruised to a 7-1 victory.

I'll spare you the picture of a bored Emma tending goal. But you can view that and the rest of the photos here.

And no, I don't have any pictures of Ralph and Earl. You're welcome.

Toughest One Yet

Saturday found our Dragons in their toughest game yet. The Vipers, our worthy opponent, scored their first goal within seconds of the opening kickoff. The rest of the first half was a scoring frenzy for both squads.

The game turned our way after halftime. With tenacious defense and a balanced offense, the Dragons secured the victory.

Emma dazzled the Vipers with her handling of the rock. While the ball never found the net off her foot, she controlled the tempo and kept the Vipers on defense most of the second half.

Looking back through the days pictures, there weren't too many where Emma wasn't drawing a crowd. Which meant lots of open shots for her teammates.

A hard fought game and well deserved win. Way to go, Dragons!

Go here for the rest of the day's photos.

Win Streak Continues

After taking a week off for a Girl Scout event, Emma returned the the pitch on a warm spring morning and helped her team to another victory.

With the team missing a couple of players, Emma really had to shine on defense - and, boy, did she!

Here are a couple of examples of her work. First, she breaks up an attack at mid field.

And in what may have been the play of the day, she stopped this attack late in the game to preserve the victory.

More pictures here.

Emma and the Astros

So last Sunday found Emma and me at beautiful Minute Maid Park, home of our very own Houston Astros. For those of you who've never been to Houston, it looks like this just about every day of the year, with the temperature in the upper 70s and a slight breeze. Every day.

For those of you from Houston, well, the reality will just be our little secret.

For Emma to enjoy the day, she needed three things - new duds, Blue Bell ice cream, and an Astros win. And just because she could, she included cotton candy - in both blue and pink.

After searching the entire Astros team store, this is the outfit she picked. The shirt had the added bonus of matching the hat.

And the final score? The hometown nine decimated the Los Angeles Dodgers, 12-0. We even hit a grand slam homer!

Emma (and I) can't wait to go back.

This Week in Dragon Lore

Another dominating performance by the Dragons this week, winning 7-1, on a windy day. The lone opposition tally was scored by one of Emma's teammates, kicking the ball in the wrong goal. Oh, well.

Most of the Dragon action occurred on the offensive end. This picture sums up Emma's five minutes as goal keeper.

Exciting soccer makes for compelling pictures.

The coach makes them tuck in their jerseys. Look good play good, I guess.

In her time as defender, she did get to kick the ball a couple of times. Here's one sequence:

Emma didn't take many shots on goal. She spent most of her time setting up others for their goals. Leading the charge down field -

The rest of the day's photos are here. Enjoy.

Dragon Soccer

Soccer season is back!

Emma is a Dragon this year and her first game was Saturday. Let's get right to the action.

Emma had several shots on goal, as did the entire team. The final score (that no one was keeping) was 6-0. Alas, Emma hit the post four times.

Always tough on defense.

Not afraid to mix it up with the boys.

And new for this year - additional pictures are here.

And where is Claire? Claire retired from soccer and is spending her time mastering the iPhone.

Emma's Two Goal Day

Great soccer game for Emma last week - her first two goal game! Let's get right to it.

She's going in for her first goal - 

And later scores again. This one was a little easier as the defense melted away under her relentless pressure - 

  

In between her offensive fireworks, Emma found time for some defense - 

The fans were especially excited about the day's performance. Cathy's keeping up with the action. And Claire...well, Claire must be checking the scouting report.

With snack in hand, Emma enjoys the post-game tunnel -

Great job, Emma!

The Five Minute Record

A record setting day for Claire at yesterday's soccer games. The girls wanted some time behind the lens, so here they are. First Emma at Claire's game -

And Claire at Emma's game -

And the record? In Claire's five minutes with her finger on the shutter button, she took 840 pictures. 840. I'm surprised her trigger finger lasted that long.

Emma and the Fireballs

Soccer is back!

The fall season started yesterday and Emma's team is the Fireballs. She's not thrilled with the name, but is thrilled that she has a new uniform color. On to the highlights.

It's been a long summer, so the team started with the basics. Yes, this is a soccer ball.

With the introductions out of the way, it's time to take it to the boys.

Emma quickly remembered how to play defense. She clears one to save the goalie -

And finally, she flies in to stop this attack -

Fall Festival with Jake

Yesterday was our church's annual fall festival. Luckily it was the first cool day of the fall, a bright sunny day, and our nephew Jake joined the fun.

After a quick lunch, the first stop was the petting zoo. Claire made a new friend, a rather aggressive beast that she tamed in her own unique way.

Here's Jake in the midst of the sheep and goats. Emma was a big help today, making sure Jake didn't get trampled or step in anything foul.

Next up - the train ride! Claire wanted the first car, so Jake and Emma shared the second.

A little face painting. Claire knows what time it is.

Jake steps up. Since his poor father attend that other Texas university, I picked the pumpkin for him. Gotta keep peace in the family. I have no idea how that chocolate got on his face. So if Jake's mom is reading this, it was Cathy's idea to buy him a cupcake.

We ended the day in the bingo hall. Emma played several times, with no winning cards. But with face painting like that she's already a winner.