Gym Dad Watching The Journey Unfold

Pictures tell more than a story

Pictures show a journey

Evidence of grit, drive, pain, focus...

Sometimes the journey is good

Sometimes bad

Sometimes painful

Sometimes joyful

…and sometimes, the journey turns to a righteous anger at a failed beam routine... 

…that results in one of the most stunning floor routines I've seen in real life...

While on the surface I see skill, glamour, awesomeness...

I also see evidence of that grit and determination that pushes her through hours and hours of training...

Training that pays off not only in top notch skills and routines...

Not only in 1st place finishes...

…but training that pays off in confidence, joy, self-esteem, and an "I can do anything", "I'm taking a big bite out of life" way of living that will propel her through her whole life.

Yeah, sometimes pictures capture a gymnastics event.

But sometimes, if we're lucky, pictures capture the journey of a girl becoming a woman of character.

All photos taken at Chow's Invitational 01/19/2014

What I Got To Gaze At On Vacation

I've recently had some pretty good vacations, and the latest one to Phoenix, Arizona, was fantastic.

During each vacation, there's usually some view that hits me right in the heart…some moment that I capture with a photo that makes the whole trip worth while.

While this photo is a great reminder of a great vacation…

Sedona, AZ. Click to enlarge…I love this photo!

…that isn't why I go on vacations.

This is why I go on vacations:

 I get to gaze at her.

I'm not sure what it is, but I find her more beautiful every vacation. Whether it's inside a cabin (above), or at 6000 feet north of Sedona...

…I just enjoy every moment with her.

Even when I zoom out and take in all that surrounds us…

…I still end up looking at her…amazed at what a perfect companion she's become...thankful that she's tagging along with me still after 20 years.

Whether I capture her lost in thought...

 …or contemplating what could have been…and what could yet be...

...I still get all sparkly inside when I'm with her.

Maybe that's why we take decent photos together...

…not because I'm so in love with the surroundings, although we've been surrounded by some crazy awesomeness...

…but because I'm so in love with the person I'm standing next to.

Thank you, Lady, for letting me take you on these adventures…

I cherish every one, and I look forward to many, many more.