Update on the move

As we rapidly approach the 3-month mark of our move down under, we are realizing that our time to get ready is quickly evaporating. Had the big garage sale yesterday and rid ourselves of much of the "essential stuff" that had filled our garage and closets for the past 6 years. Somebody even bought the old "Mini-Nightmare Champion 1998" baseball cap. Don't worry, I still have the rock, in case anyone disputes the award. Memories of shoes being left in the mud come rushing back to mind. Still awaiting word from the NZ Ministry of Health, but not expecting any issues on that end so we will be submitting our visas in the coming month. Ordering a math textbook for Sydney so that she can be sure to be on track when she arrives in the middle of 10th grade. Not too worried about Galen as his main focus is playing rugby and snowboarding when we arrive. Tyler will be given a backpack upon arrival and will hopefully stay out of the local legal system until he returns for school in January. I'll just give him directions to Rick's house in the event he needs to perform hard labor to earn spending money. All in all, the move preps continue to go smoothly and we are really looking forward to the transition from desert sand to total green surroundings.

JS XC at the first meet, before uniforms

Gonna miss those runners

While we are all excited about the temporary move to New Zealand, one part of my life here that I am really going to miss is my cross-country team. We were able to start a running program here at Joshua Springs with a group of middle-school runners who went from a motley crew of joggers to a team of fantastic runners. Here is a photo of our award winners from the end of the year Middle School XC Championship Race in Moreno Valley. With the entire team looking forward to the 2009 season and hoping to recruit even more runners, there is a lot of excitement of things to come. Unfortunately, I will be coaching via internet training plans and the team will be in the hands of one of the dad's who will do everything he can to keep the kids motivated in my absence. Hopefully, within a couple of years, we will have a highly competitive varsity team training in the hills of Yucca Valley.
Good Luck JS Cross Country!