Uh Oh, Better Get Maaco

This car was brand new when Ty began his race around the track. Not really, but Ty did manage to scrape the sides a few times cutting corners as he sped through the laps to finish ahead of the other kids.

Ace In The Hole

We took a morning outing again to our favorite mini-golf game park location in Scottsdale: CrackerJax. Ty led our group with his superior skills and managed to secure the only hole-in-one among us. Here he poses gleefully after that incredible feat.

Desert Mountain Deja Vu

Top: 2007. Bottom: 2010.

Desert Oasis

After hitting the two downtown museums in Phoenix it was time for lunch. We asked someone at the Childrens museum for a suggestion within walking distance. A few blocks later we saw a row of palm trees that led between some buildings and found an amazing park/shopping center. It is incredible that places like this exist in down-towns and this one so well maintained and laid out.

For those that want the travel tip, it's called Arizona Center and you can follow the link for more information.

Facial Distortions

Do not adjust your monitors. The picture to the right is real. Our little scientist was manipulating his image on a Photoshop-like display at the Arizona Science Center.

We spent a few hours in this very cool hands-on museum with Gram and G-Pop during our Spring Break week in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Ty learned about light and sound, watched a great demo on air pressure, and hoisted his own weight using a pulley system.

We recommend this museum to any families who might be traveling to that city in the near future. In fact we found it more fun than the Children's Museum just down the street.

(editor note: Dad has gotten his hard drive fully recovered and will catch up quickly over the next few days with pictures and stories from our vacation)

Tiger Cubs

We signed Ty up this season for a great program that helps support the local high school baseball team. They pair the players up with a few kids and it allows them to learn about each other and the younger players get to participate in some on field activities at home games. According to the coach, some of the current high school players were once Tiger cubs themselves.

Last night we went to our first game for the Stony Point Tigers and Ty wore his special shirt that gets him into the games and recognizes his status. Our player is Matt, a junior, who wears #17. He stood with Ty and the other kids along the 3rd base line while the national anthem played before the game. He told Matt all about his t-ball team and how well he has been playing this season.

Ty then joined me back in the stands. We stayed for a few innings and munched on hot dogs on a nice warm Texas spring evening.

Techical Glitch - Be Back Soon

Fans: One of Dad's hard drives crashed with the latest Ty pics. Attempting to get files recovered. Will return shortly with new images and stories.

Thanks!

SXSW - The Lego Pile

For those of our readers who live around Austin, or venture to our city for SXSW, you know where this place is in the photo. It may move slightly around the convention center, but the pile of Legos is a staple of the SXSWi conference.

We had a late afternoon flight for our trip to Scottsdale on Spring Break, so I surprised Ty with a visit downtown to this notorious spot. We spent almost an hour where Ty made several creations and added them to the display window which features random works of art created by passing attendees.

It was a gorgeous day in Austin that afternoon and we followed it up with dining alfresco at the downtown burger stand just across from the ACC.

Legos, burgers and thousands of nerds. Keep Austin Weird!

Back on the Diamond

Spring has arrived in Texas and it's time for baseball. Ty joins back up into the Round Rock Youth Baseball League as a member of the powerhouse 6U Astros. He is very excited that one of his classmates is on the team.

These were shot at the opening ceremonies held recently.

Mad Scientists

Ty and his friend Josh had some fun experimenting with sponge capsules recently. The giggled as the little capsules slowly popped open to reveal space themed tiny sponges. Later we stuck them all up on the mirror where they remain as part of his decor now.