He's not always sleeping - it's just easier to photograph him when he's not moving!

Helping with online school . . . .

Sympathizing with our youngest who received a black eye when she slipped on the icy deck and fell face-first into a chair

He's awake!

The lengths the kids will go to help our puppy get used to his crate!

A cute puppy is hard to resist . . . . .

Up close and personal

We now have four kids!!

The big gift to the family this year came in the form of a 9 week old black Labrador puppy. We all agree on the pronunciation of his name, but haven't agreed on the spelling: Cobie, Coby, Cobi, Kobi, Kobie, Koby or Kobe!!

In Autumn, 2009, Brett, Bob and I surprised our Dad with a trip to NY for his 70th birthday to see the Yankees play in their new stadium. We also visited FAO Schwarz to tap out a tune on the same piano used by Tom Hanks in the film, 'Big'.

We passed through Times Square on our way to Central Park

Yankee Stadium was impressive and so were the Yankees in a losing effort. There were several home runs including one by Derek Jeter who also had a chance to save the game for the Yankees in the final at-bat.

Jousting for the ball in the final game of the hockey season

"Hustle" is my favorite word!

In the air again with another reception before passing the ball to the center

Coming to a stop before the next pass

The "one meter" rule keeps the defenders at bay

Moving to the open spot

U10 netball with the flying goal attacker!

Cool vampire!

Scary vampire!

One of three carved by the master!

Carving the first "Jack O'Lantern" for Halloween, 2009

William Perry can't beat the new "Refrigerator"

"Wacky Day" at school!

Recovering after a hard day's work

Taking down another runner

The "Line out"

Sometimes the "No 8" gets to run with the ball

"You take him high, I'll take him low"

Taking down an opposing runner

The "No 8" is at the center of the back row (see the fro) flanked by, of course, the blind and open-side flankers

Our boy is playing "No 8" this year for the school team

She enjoyed a short bike ride along the coast with Dad after the hockey game

Protecting the ball from the attacking offense

Our eldest plays hockey at school during the Autumn term. It's not her favorite sport, but she does well on the defensive end.

Usain Bolt with hair

The Hulk - Pose 1

The Hulk - Pose 2

Scary Fro

When not supporting his intrepid wife, Al tracked down the best-looking homes in the area. He was really impressed with the colors and patterns the Germans used to paint their homes (see pictures from the previous trip to Germany in May). We had a great time together, but Diana was already thinking about the London marathon ........!!

A kiss for four-time winner Haille Gebrselassie (engraved on the back). You can find a few photos and a video if you type in her name or race number ('F7149') at the following site ( http://www.scc-events.com/events/berlin_marathon/2009/index.en.php)

One hour after the race, an ice pack and a foot massage from her husband/supporter/trainer

The runners passed through the Brandenburg Gate then ran the final 800 meters into the grandstand area. This is where Diana, who couldn't feel her legs below the knees, broke into a huge smile and forgot everything but the moment!

40,000 runners flooded the streets of Berlin during the race (Diana's not in this picture)

Still feeling good in front of the Reichstag an hour before the marathon

The morning of the marathon!

On September 18th, Diana and I travelled to Berlin so she could run the marathon and we could celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary. The kids stayed home with friends as school was underway. Diana found time to relax in the center of Berlin the day before the marathon.

We really liked Barcelona!

The colors were stunning and the cool droplets of water were very refreshing after a hot day

We ran up on the grass and posed for pictures at the risk of getting ourselves and the camera wet

Hundreds of people circled the fountain and lined the walkways

On our last evening in Barcelona we took the metro to Placa d'Espanya with the sole purpose of watching the Magic Fountain. It was a 15 minute display of water jets timed with light and music.