So I'm working on developing a "sportrait" look for Great Northern gymnastics. I'm working with Nick, a class 10 gymnast, to get the look down before I start offering packages to the gymnasts and parents. I think Nick and I got the high bar lighting down pretty good on Wednesday. Now I need to work on the other 5 events. I've got a good idea for vault, too...

So I know its been a while since I posted. I have a lot of things to update too - new camera, new grill, new little girl (we're having a girl!)... but for the time being I'll update you on my past week. I had to go to Portland on business, but I went out a couple days early. That means I had to leave my bug for 5 days! I guess while I was gone she made up this story about how Daddy went to the moon and was working way up high in the sky. I took a hot air balloon to get there apparently (so says Ella). So I thought it was pretty awesome that I got the following pictures while I was there to corroborate her story! And yes, we were actually above the clouds at ~9,000 feet - it's not a camera trick.







Those were taken with my new camera (Canon 1D Mark II) and my new lens (Canon 70-200/2.8). I never knew until I got them how easily you can fit a car in the palm of your hand (I sold my Xterra to buy them).

Here's one action shot I got while I was there. My co-worker, Sue, was nice enough to let me stay with her and it was her idea to go up to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. They have the longest ski season around, which I totally believe since these were taken on June 14th. That's insane!


*Click to see the large version

To see the rest (and buy some!) you can go here: "click!.

More later.

There was no one there this week. Ella had the foam pit all to herself - she even found a volleyball as she tried to dig to China. I regrettably did way too much pommel horse and my wrist splints are in full force today. And Joel convinced the three of us to jump through hoops. We didn't get much done in other words, but I need like a 3 week break now. My body is a shambles.



Here's another one from last month when there were more people there. It's hard to believe we're all 30 years old...

Gymnastics Clip of the Week (TeamSpringBoardTucks)

Target launched it's new line of diapers and wipes this weekend, and guess who's features on the size 4 packages? That's right, Miss America herself (as my printer calls her). She's on the plastic packages, which feature two different poses on the front and back, as well as the large boxes that have about 60 diapers, which is a much clearer picture. The only weird thing they did was turn all the kids' eyes light brown or hazel. I can't explain that one. Anyway, check them out - they should be in Target stores nationwide.

Joel put up a better video:

What can we learn from this photo? Well, from this particular photo you might be able to deduce that not only is Ella a "Big Girl" who can walk her own dog, but that she can talk quite well and has a very strong personality (some would say bossy). Yes, she tells us quite clearly and forcefully that she is going to walk the dog now. No more stroller for her. And it worked out just fine until I tried to take a picture a little further away and Digby ran towards me, pulling Ella right off her Pedipeds and flat onto the sidewalk. Father of the year, right here guys! She's fine though.

For those of you with a very discerning eye, you may be able to tell that Ella is wearing her Bee outfit - a tribute to her favorite thing in the entire world (everyday for the last 3 months)...BEE MOVIE! We know it by heart.

I went back to Gleason's Gym in Eagan yesterday with Joel - it's been almost a year, but I was told it wouldn't be as crowded this time. The guy who told me that was conveniently out of town though, and I wouldn't exactly say we had the gym to ourselves. It was definitely less crowded this time. I kind of like it though, being around other gymnasts that are still in their prime. It sort of makes me feel like I'm back in it instead of feeling like an old man trying to do something he shouldn't. I definitely hit it hard too. I haven't done that much at the gym for probably six months or more, and I definitely put my neck through the paces - I had to go see the physical therapist today to put it back in place. Joel took a lot of video which you can see below. The majority of the video is the two of us trying to do a handstand on this contraption Joel found, which he's convinced is what its actually used for. They do have a lot of weird stuff at this place, so I'll believe him. Pay attention to me swinging on the strap bar in the trough and see if you can tell when my neck snaps back and scares the crap out of me!

Gymnastics Clip of Week (Handstands on Pipes)