Summer Vacation - Part 1

On July 21 the Hollywood Four took a summer vacation. Like last year, we traveled to upstate New York. Our vacation comprised of four major activities this year:

1. Ben (Karen's nephew) and Heather's wedding in Painted Post/Corning, NY on Friday, July 22 (and the weekend around it);
2. CanAm Hockey camp for Andrew in Lake Placid, NY;
3. Hiking in the Adirondack Mountains (mostly Dad, Mom and Abby); and
4. Minor league baseball games at the Tri-City ValleyCats and Auburn Doubledays home parks.

Here is a highlight reel from our activities from category 1) above.

Dance Out in Parma

As she did last year and in 2009 and 2008, tonight Abby and the O'Hare Irish Dance Ohio girls performed at the St. Charles Borromeo church in Parma, OH for their annual carnival/fair. It's always a hot, fun event.

Summer at the Cabin

As was the case in 2010, 2009, 2008 and many more years past, the Hollywood Four (or three this year - no Dad) made the summer trek to the Ott family cabin for some fun, fishing, swimming and relaxation on Lake Miramichi. Here is a short video with some of the pictures that were taken by Mom and Abby.

Astros Season Ends

Despite an outstanding regular season in which the Astros lost only 2 of 14 games and finished second overall in the MYBA league, the Astros saw a quick exit in the playoffs. The Astros earned a bye in the first round but were defeated by the Rockies in the second round. We haven't acquired much video footage of Andrew playing baseball this year; and this wasn't the best game for it. Nonetheless, here are the highlights for Andrew (and his friend Nathan). Andrew was walked, was hit by a pitch, had a couple stolen bases, scored a run and made a nice catch in the field. The baseball season is finished ... time for hockey!

Hollywood Four Auto History

Automobiles are an integral part of our lives. We spend a lot of time in them, whether it's going to work or going on vacation or just going for a cruise. The Hollywood Four have had quite a number of automobiles in their lives over the past 28 years (mostly Dad). In honor of our newest addition to the family today (Mom's new Durango), here is a short tribute to the many vehicles that have been in the family since the early 1980's (as best as I could remember, that is, and reconstruct with photos from the Internet).

MYBA Tournament Bracket Set

The Medina Youth Baseball Association season ending tournament bracket is final (11-12 yr olds). Andrew and his Astros finished second in the league overall, and first among NL teams. This gets them a first round bye in the NL bracket. The winner of the NL bracket will play the winner of the AL bracket for the championship. The Yankees, the top seed in the AL, also finished the regular season in 1st place (by 1/2 game over Astros). Astros play the winner of Reds/Dodgers Monday night (click image to right for magnified view).

Happy 4th of July

Our neighbors seem to be taking the 4th of July celebration seriously this year. They have been launching quite an arsenal of fireworks this evening. Fine by me as it is a great show over Lake Frogerick (our back yard). Here is a quick clip of the action before it gets too dark. Happy 4th of July!