Suited up

The Martin men in their snappy dress.  Seany boy's first suit....

Ambers Musical 2011 - Camp Will-A-Mocky

Amber had the privilege to participate in the leading role of Megan Riley in the traditional musical show Camp Will-A-Mocky.  It is a story where children are impacted by the love of Christ and it transforms them into lives different from how they were.  Amber's part as Megan could not be a bigger contrast from how she is in real life.  Megan is a princess, full of selfishness and pride.  Amber does a great job in playing the part for sure.

So glad she loves the performing arts.  It helps that she has been blessed with the desire to sing, dance, and be willing to go in front of a crowd.  Thankful for the Saint Pat's teachers and staff who made this night possible. Also, thankful for the wifey's work in setting up the background set.

Enjoy this clip.  Wait for the singing - its worth it.

Happy Birthday Dear Mother.  You are one amazingly lady at the age of 69!

The family and I had the pleasure to dine at the Full of Life Flatbread in Los Alamos, Ca.  Started with some pea soup, and then some amazing flatbread pizza.  Pepperoni, prosciutto, potato, egg, onion, avocado, and many other goodies on the flatbread for our delight.

The desserts were over the top!  Brownies, creme brulee, and date ice cream...

It was an awesome time tonight and seeing my parents so encouraged in the time together.  Had a great time together tonight. 

Jenn caught the wine in the foreground of the picture with the label of Kummu - meaning family.  Perfect wine for the time...  God bless you mom and happy birthday.

Romance and Bromance!

Pinch me!  Living the dream in a big way.  Had the opportunity to hit the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains this past weekend for a long overdue fishing trip with my brother in law.  To my delight, we also got to mix it up with our wives on this brief trip since they decided to jump on to our once established "guys" trip.  What a time indeed.  It was extra special to have my wife with me on a fishing trip...

(The romance!  The wifey enjoying the hotel creekside - she snowboarded the next morning)

We all stayed in Bishop, CA and enjoyed a beautiful creekside setting in our accomodations.  Jenn took advantage of some rest, reading, running, and wine sampling for the day until I got back from fishing.  We enjoyed some food and time together that evening.  It was awesome to see her just enjoy some quiet time before hitting the slopes the next day.  She is such a trooper to let me run in the outdoors and do my thing...  

We fished the east Walker River approximately 50 miles north of Mammoth Lakes under the instruction and guidance of Dave Neal of Mammoth Lakes, CA.  This is the second time I have had the fortune to be under his guidance and care in his backyard playground and business office.  Dave's experience and care did not dissappoint.  We fished our tails off for 2 full days along the miracle mile and landed some fine and fat German Brown trout along with an occassional football sized Rainbow trout.

John and I are close and he is definitely considered one of my brothers.  Fishing has been a big connection between us both and this time brought back memories that are precious.  The time was simply magical and full of fun.  I look forward to more times with John on the water and hooking 'em up!

(Both of us with full blown grins!)

(Check out the color of this fish John caught - he slayed 'em the first day!)

(John, Dave Neal, and yours truly - celebratory beers for the bromance!)  

Dave is the real deal.  He fit in just like a long time friend.  He is a cycling guy, outdoors guy, and loves his family - he fits right in... We loved hearing his experience in both life and fishing and really enjoyed his local mountain knowledge.  John and I decided we are going to treat ourselves at least once per year under his guidance and make him a family friend.  I highly recommend Dave should you be in Mammoth for fishing.  His website and blog is attached at http://flyfishingmammoth.typepad.com/fly_fish_with_dave_neal/ and www.reelmammothadventures.com.

This last photo was taken on the first day of the trip and I hooked up for the first time.  It was nothing short of awesome.  Fishing takes me back to so many childhood memories.  I am thankful that I have many close friends and brothers such as John who have helped me enjoy the outdoors.  My mom and dad made it a priority to be in the outdoors and I am truly grateful for this.  I look forward to handing this tradition on to my dear children Amber and Sean.  I enjoyed taking in the landscape and this mountain wonderland.  God is the ultimate artist in His creation.  I am grateful and humbled to play and experience the wonders of His creation and His creatures.  Thank you God for these precious times and joyful memories.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created though him and for him - Col. 1:16.

God created fishing for his Glory and I get to share in it!  Thanks for reading.