Joey-Natalie-Slade-Naomi

4 comments:

The Allens said...: Man I so wish I could come photograph some of his games!! That would be so much fun! One of these days it will happen. Fun to see some new photos Nat! Love you guys, we miss you tons!; September 2, 2010 at 8:00 AM
Unknown said...: Hi Natalie...you guys look great and looks like Austin suits you well. I love the action shots of Joey. The taco stand made me hungry. Hope you are not too lonely while he travels for games.looks like you'll be another auntie times two..so exciting! Lots of love from AZ.; September 13, 2010 at 10:18 PM
Big Joe said...: Awesome pic! ruff and tuff and glad to see you still got it in ya! We miss you guys a ton but looks like Austin is good! Hurry and get back in there.; September 25, 2010 at 2:53 PM
Asay Family said...: Oh Joey, of course I did not forget you!!!!! I apolgize that I only mentioned her, I hoep you know that it is indedd for the both of you. If it was not for you two loving Tre' and wanting to know what he is up to this blog would be non existant. SO SORRY!; September 27, 2010 at 1:06 PM

"Beautiful Like the Darkness Between Fireflies"

Every evening on Richmond's boulevard, our front yard, between the hours of 7:oopm & 8:30pm, the sidewalks are filled with the magical glow of fireflies. There are so many that it is almost as if walking in a fairy-tale. Joey and I try to go on a walk every night at this time and we just watch and enjoy the glow. It is fascinating. I feel like a child again. Last night we were sitting on the couch and Joey caught my eyes following a flying bug. Joey assured me it was just a moth, when suddenly it lit up and glowed! It was a firefly in our house! It must be good luck.

WHALES!

I love whales. Why? Christmas 2006 we woke up to sunshine and glassy water on the west side of Maui. I don't even remember opening presents that morning. We were out on the boat as a family and ready for a Christmas packed with tropical adventure. I was wakeboarding when I noticed that everyone on the boat had become disinterested in me and were anxiously looking to my left. They signaled that they were going to drop me. I thought I was left for the sharks and was less than calm until finally they turned to pick me up. It was a family of whales they had spotted. We watched as they sun bathed on the surface, a mother, a calf, and an escort. I think it was my dad who jumped in the water first. Then several of my siblings followed with their snorkles and soon the adrenaline was pumping as we were swimming with the whales! We were screaming and scared and so excited. I have never experienced anything more thrilling. The calf kept trying to swim closer to us, and he was easily bigger than a car! At one point the escort was about 30 feet under us and we starred him in the eye. You could see every detail. Breathless is the only word to describe it.