Showing posts with label Ethan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ethan. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Graduation Day

Ethan in the Procession
Maryland Live
Hanover, MD
June 6, 2023

 The day began early and lasted until late. 

It was a day of pomp and circumstance. Hundreds of newly minted graduates marching together for the last time as they completed the Maryland mandated curriculum and accepted their diplomas. 

I think I enjoyed the ceremony mostly because it went quickly and smoothly in a fantastic facility. I had not been in the massively large room at Maryland Live and was very impressed with the size of the room and the video support that the ceremony received. 

But wait, the day was all about the graduates, their families, and their friends. As it should be.

It was fun.

Me, Ethan, Chris
Odenton, MD
June 6, 2023
It was fun to watch my oldest grandchild walk across the stage and transform, in that moment, from student to graduate. Now I believe that we never should stop being students--there is always more to learn, but celebration of completing of 13 years of COVID interrupted learning was a momentous occasion.

A moment to celebrate and remember.

The ceremony provided many meaningful moments, but I found two statements especially meaningful.

First was a from East of Eden, by John Steinbeck:

And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world. And this I would fight for: the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected. And this I must fight against: any idea, religion, or government which limits or destroys the individual. This is what I am and what I am about. I can understand why a system built on a pattern must try to destroy the free mind, for this is one thing which can by inspection destroy such a system. Surely I can understand this, and I hate it and I will fight against it to preserve the one thing that separates us from the uncreative beasts. If the glory can be killed, we are lost.
John Steinbeck, East of Eden


And the second was the charge given to the graduates from their principal:

"Go do something you are proud of." 


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Repeat Maryland State Champions!

 

Stock Market Game State Championship Investment Team 2023
Arundel High School
Odenton, MD

Today is a total brag blog!

I am so very excited that two of my grandsons, Ethan and Jax Haslup) are part of a Maryland State Champion Squad for the second year in a row!

No, it is not a sports team, is it the Stock Market Game Team. Ethan was on the team last year and is repeating as a champion. Jax joined the team this year, as he is a freshman.

From the high school's Instagram posting:

For the second year in a row, “Team Om & the Ethans” have won the Maryland yearlong championship for the Stock Market Game by beating 750 teams this year 👏👏👏

This is an incredibly difficult feat along with the fact that even with a relatively flat stock market this past year, this team more than DOUBLED their initial $100,000 to end the game with a portfolio value of $219,200. Even more impressive, they beat the second place team by an astounding $62,000 😱📈💪💰

Congratulations to Om Desai, Ethan Nauroth, Ethan Haslup, Ethan Howe, Afolami Elabanjo, Caden Houck, & Jax Haslup 💚

(Instagram)

I want these guys to manage my investment accounts!

Winning one state championship is a grand achievement and resume worthy, but winning two in a row is phenomenal! 

Congratulations to the whole team! You have established a record that may never be equalled.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday, April 14, 2023

Turning 18

Me, Ethan, Chris
Odenton, MD
April 13, 2023

 It is a momentous day; turning 18. 

We celebrated Ethan yesterday as he crossed over to adulthood. 

It was quite a day. 

Ethan's favorite football team, Washington, announced that a deal to sell the team had been reached. 

WASHINGTON -- Dan Snyder has reached a preliminary nonexclusive deal to sell his Washington NFL franchise to a group led by Josh Harris, who also co-owns teams in the NBA and NHL, for a record $6.05 billion, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday. (ABC13)

But wait--there is more.

Ethan was given tickets to the afternoon Orioles game against the Athletics. It was game 4 of a 4-game series and the Orioles needed the win to secure the series 3-1.

It was a rough day on the mound for the Orioles starting pitcher. After 5 innings the game was tied 7-7 and the relievers for both teams were called in to settle the batters. No runs were scored by either team until the bottom of the 9th when, with the score still tied, the Orioles' first batter of the inning walked to the plate. It was, of course Adley Rutschman, the Orioles catcher. Adley is Ethan's favorite Orioles player. Adley was hitless for the day (0-4) and in danger of ending his consecutive games with a hit streak at 6. Orioles Magic was back in the park at that moment. Adley hit the second pitch over the fence for a walk-off homer to end the game, 8-7. Ethan was seated 7 rows from the field right next to the Orioles dugout and felt that he was part of all of the action.



But wait, there's more! How could a birthday be complete without a massive dinner to cap the momentous day? And there was. A visit to Fogo de Chao, the Brazilian Steakhouse, was in store for the evening. And the meal was grand; of course there was far more food than can comfortably be consumed. But it was perfect for celebrating an 18th Birthday.

Wow! Happy Birthday Ethan. What a day.


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Birthdays!

Chris and Ethan
Odenton, MD
April 13, 2022
We enjoyed a birthday celebration last evening. 

Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States was born April 13, 1743! Most people don't remember his birthday, but I do

because . . . 

sharing a birthday with the 3rd President is our own oldest grandson. They are a few centuries apart, fortunately.

So we enjoyed an April birthday party and watched the Orioles snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. 

But more importantly, Happy Birthday Ethan!


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

The Banquet

Ethan Receiving his Personal Record Medal
Arundel High School
November, 16, 2021
Last evening Chris and I were honored to attend the Arundel High School Cross country End of the Year Banquet. 

It was really good to see all of the runners gathered together in a relaxed atmosphere. Although I had only attended two races this year, I could see that the runners, boys and girls, had blended into a true team. 

The coach did a great job talking about each one of the team members and describing their strengths and contributions to the team. The evening took me back of the football banquets I attended when I played high school football, however, with so many boys on the team the comments were not nearly so personal except for those who made the largest contributions. Last evening each member if the team, from freshman to senior, was recognized for their contributions and growth during the year. 

And at the end of the evening, Ethan received a tee-shirt from his other grandmother that really summed up the bond that cross country runners share. I found the saying on-line and put an image of a sweatshirt with the saying on it for all to enjoy.

Cross country truly is tough.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, November 14, 2021

State Cross Country Finals - Not for the Weak

Ethan 1 km from the Finish
Hereford, MD
November 13, 2021
 I must confess, although Ethan has run cross country for the past two years, I never really appreciated the sport until yesterday.

Yesterday was the State of Maryland Finals for Cross Country. It was quite an event with hundreds of harriers from across the state gathered at one high school for the finals. It was a sight to see.

What was more impressive were the throngs of fans, mostly parents and grand parents who made their way to the competition and braved the cold rain and temperatures to cheer their competitors. It was weather that makes the stoutest of heart faint considering the runners were wearing only shorts and running shirts. They made me cold looking at them in the mud and the cold rain. And when I say cold, my watch indicated the temperature was 43 degrees. 



The rain was unrelenting for the entire run. The mud was becoming a problem on the course and for the spectators watching the event. The boys did a great job running. Ethan runs for Arundel High and they are the team in green in the middle of the start. The Arundel High team placed 10th overall and Ethan was 4th on the team.

Braving the rain and the cold--what a day, what a race, and I have a new appreciation for the sport.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Same Dog, Different Day

Lily Joining the Fun
Elkridge, MD
June 29, 2021
Ethan Airborne with Lily Watching
Elkridge, MD
June 29, 2021

 
Yesterday I posted an image from April of Lily running on the pool cover. Today, the same dog is shown racing around the pool on a hot summer day playing with her humans!


It is the perfect pool scene: boys, dog, water, and more importantly--fun!

What better activity to enjoy on a sweltering summer day? And the advantage that a home pool has over a public pool? The dog! 

The entire family gets to play together. 

Of course, another floatie was destroyed during the fun, but after all, that is what they are made for. 

I only wish that I had been there to enjoy the pandemonium and the fun, but alas, I was stuck at work. I did enjoy the pool after coming home, but by then the fun was long over.

Summertime is here and tomorrow my favorite month of the year arrives!


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Special Birthday

 

Ethan Blowing out the Candles
Odenton, MD
April 13, 2021

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!

It happened yesterday, my oldest grandson turned the magical age of 16! 

Wow, do I feel old. 

We celebrated Ethan 's birthday last evening and of course we spent some time reminiscing about the actual day of his arrival on the planet. But mostly, it was a celebration of a great kid who has brought incredible amounts of joy into the family. 

I remember that it was during the last 17-year cicada, Brood X, uprising when Chris and I learned that we were to be grandparents. We noted, that it would be on his or her 16th birthday that the noisy bugs would return. A special celebration, indeed. And the bugs will be arriving soon.

We enjoyed a great evening and a special once-in-a-lifetime celebration.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Sunset over Tequesta

 

Sunset over Tequesta
October 8, 2020

Sunsets and sunrises can be spectacular. I especially enjoy sunsets when there is water involved, even if from a place that I have enjoyed many times, for instance the Intracoastal Waterway looking at Tequesta from Jupiter Island.

Ethan Watching the Sunset
Jupiter Island, Florida
October 8, 2020

I have enjoyed many sunsets there and they are never boring. I enjoy the colors and the reflection on the surface of the water.

Sometimes I have a subject in the foreground to play with, as I did the other night when Ethan was snorkeling. It makes the scene different yet again and reminds me of the beauty that is so easily taken for granted. The sunset the other night was especially enjoyable because we had suffered through almost a week of overcast skies which blotted the sun from our view. 

Sunrise off my Condo Patio
Tequesta, Florida
October 10, 2020

As I begin the last day of my escape in Florida, I am reflecting on the over two weeks of time away from Maryland and finally living in my Florida condo. The condo has begun to feel like home because I have spent multiple weeks in a row here. In fact since late August, Chris and I have been at the condo more time than we have been in Maryland. Right now I am enjoying my 3rd Saturday in a row here, although we will be leaving early tomorrow morning to make the drive back to Maryland.

The image of the sunset and this morning's sunrise will help me to help remember this place because it will be too many months until I can return. I am like a reverse snowbird--I seem to go north for the winter.  


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Sand, Beaches, and Dogs

  

The thing about going to the beach is the sand. It gets everywhere. I am not sure how it migrates into the places that it does, but it finds its way into the smallest crevices and requires thorough cleaning to remove when we return home. My truck is becoming morel ike a sandy beach than a truck. We bring the sand in on our feet and our bodies even though we try to wash it off. The sand clings to the chairs, the umbrella and the bags we carry on and off the beach.

Ethan and Finnegan
Jupiter Island Beach, Florida
October 6, 2020

I brought Makayla, my Keeshond, with us on this trip with the intention of introducing her to the ocean, but I have not wanted to deal with the amount of sand her curly fur will collect. Yet as the vacation winds down, sadly already I am more focused upon the vacation's ending than the activity of the day, I need to introduce the old dog to the ocean and the beach. And I need to be prepared to handle the sand that she will accumulate during her visit to the ocean.

Dogs have a special way of enjoying the beach. And I enjoy watching the dog enjoying the beach from my chair with my camera rolling. I find it especially humorous when Finnegan is startled by something and jumps straight up with all four feet.  


Ethan and Finnegan did get to play on the beach last evening as we celebrated Happy Hour. It was fun to watch the two of them run and play on the beach.

Another day.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, Florida 


Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Wash, Rinse, Repeat

 

Lefty Throwing the Football
Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida
October 5, 2020

As I have written before, I do not know what to do with or how to characterize Tuesday. It is the day caught between the beginning and the middle of the week.

I was sitting on the beach last evening actually thinking about today and how my vacation would be over next Tuesday and I would be back at work. What a depressing thought. As I enter the last week of fun in the sun, my mind is already beginning to prepare for my return to the North and work and the grind of my daily life. 

Ethan Receiving the Football
Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida
October 5, 2020

Yesterday was a great day for the beach. I got to play catch with my grandson who is visiting and we also splashed in the waves for a bit. The yellow flag was up and the waves were rough. There was a strong current and potential for undertow, so we were cautious. 

It was fun to be on the beach in the afternoon as the rain had cleared and the day brightened. Ethan was in school until 3 PM, so we didn't get to the beach until about 3:30 PM. But, it was fun nonetheless. Being able to be in school from anywhere in the world is a definite plus, if only the world were actually open. I saw a drone flying the beach and I realized that I have my drone and for some reason have not flown it so far on this trip. Perhaps today.

And so for Tuesday, I am hoping that it is a wash, rinse, repeat kind of day. The days remaining of my Florida escape are becoming numbered and we are already beginning to think too much about leaving.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday, July 30, 2020

To the Beach

Ethan, Chris, Jax on the Beach
Ocean City, MD
July 29, 2020
We made it, finally, to the beach.

It is not Florida, but it is the beach in Ocean City, Maryland.

We went for a quick overnight since we could not make it to Florida, at least right now. 

We practiced good physical distancing and did not venture onto the Boardwalk or any of the usual locations where large crowds gather. But, as a family, we had fun on the beach enjoying the sun, sand, and surf. A lot of the surf. The water was warmer than usual and so we actually did some wave jumping and body surfing. Mind you, it was not the 84 degree water of Florida, but it was very enjoyable.

Be responsible and practice physical distancing and wear a mask when off the beach!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ocean City, MD


Thursday, June 4, 2020

Finding a Normal Again


Pool Party
Elkridge, MD
June 3, 2020
It was hot yesterday! It was our first 90 degree day since October 2019 and the 96 degree temperature reading was 50 degrees hotter than the temperature on Monday morning, just two days previous. 


I loved it. 

Pool Party from Above
Radio Flyer above Elkridge, MD
June 3, 2020
With the arrival of the hot weather, we had our first pool party of the coronavirus era as our family works to find the new normal. Their community pool remains closed and so two of our grandsons along with three of their friends arrived about 11:30 AM for a day of fun in the heat! It was great to watch them swim and play in the water. The draconian rules that will be implemented at most public pools will preclude kids actually playing in the water, for a good reason and for their own protection. But a vetted family and friends group, such as the one in my pool yesterday, is perfect for a private pool.

It was such a nice day that I even took Radio Flyer up for a short 9 minute  to a maximum altitude of 55 feet flight to capture the scene from above. At one point the boys threw balls at the drone--so I had to anticipate the throws and move away from the potential danger.

I believe that the pool will see a lot of activity this year from family and close friends due to the reduced opportunities to enjoy the water in their own neighborhoods. 

We are all struggling to find the new normal as we learn to live with the coronavirus.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Thursday, February 27, 2020

The All Stars


The All Stars after their Games
Ethan and Jackson
Arundel Middle School
Odenton, MD
February, 26, 2020
Last evening was a celebration of youth and basketball. Ethan and Jackson were both representing their teams in the end-of-the-season All Star games for the GORC league. It was a very exciting time since they both were selected as All Stars.

Jax at Mid-Court before the Game
There was a lively crowd on hand and the best referees from the regular season officiated the games where it was a lot of fun watching the best kids from all of the teams that we had seen play during the season came together to play some exciting basketball. 
Ethan at Mid-Court Before His Game


And the skills were definitely on display. Fouls were kept to a minimum and the boys played basketball. It was fun to see the skills on display and remember how all of the players developed during the season. I had attended almost all of the games and witnessed the players development during the season. 

And now, Basketball is done and it is on to Baseball! But, for one last evening filled with highlights, three-point shots, spectacular defense, and gritty play Basketball was celebrated. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Holiday Concert, Part 2


Ethan on the Risers
Arundel High School
Odenton, MD
December 17, 2019
Music runs in our family. 

Last evening, Chris and I attended our second Holiday Concert in two weeks. This one was held at Arundel high School and was principally a choir concert. There was a short interlude with a guitar ensemble which was very nice. 

The high school choral concert did not disappoint and Chris and I recalled our years in high school when we both sang in the concert choir.

But, last evening it was about Ethan, who is a true bass and sang some excellent holiday music. 

The music was a pleasant mix of songs for the season and the two choirs also reorganized by gender and performed as all female and all male choruses. 

It was enjoyable evening, even with the rain! Which has not stopped for two days. I am not really complaining because it could have been snow.

Well--on to the holidays!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Sunday, October 27, 2019

The Tournament


The Team Between Games
Hummelstown, PA
October 26, 2019
The team played in its first tournament yesterday. I must confess, there is a special excitement about playing in a tournament and meeting other high caliber teams. Our team is making the jump from being a recreational league team to becoming a travel team. Every time we play, the boys get better and see what is expected of them as they play at a higher level.

Jax and Jack Chilling at the Hotel
Hummelstown, PA
October 26, 2019
While the outcomes of the games are still not what the team desires, there are more and more positives that we can focus upon coming out of every outing. Sadly, the Sunday game got canceled because they believed that they were going to win that game decisively based upon the strong performance in the second game yesterday. The boys are gelling as a team and it is truly sad that the season ends next week--with a doubleheader on Sunday. 

Singing Cars
Hershey's Chocolate World
Hershey, PA
October 26, 2019
It was fun to get out of town to a tournament and spend the weekend with the boys and their families in a hotel. I truly hope that we can play in more tournaments next year to get the boys ready for the weeklong Cooperstown Tournament that we will be playing during late-June 2020. 

Chris and I did get out with Ethan to Hershey's Chocolate World for some enjoyment yesterday morning before the first game. It was very different from the lat time I visited, which was during the 1960's. I must say--there was a lot of chocolate and the singing cows were just a bit over the top. It was a moo-ving performance.

A great weekend so far and since there is no game today, we will be heading home soon.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Hummelstown, PA

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Racing Across the Brown Grass


Ethan with Team Before the Start
Arundel High School
Odenton, MD
October 5, 2019
The regional drought continued yesterday. The grass is getting dry and brown in most areas. It was also very cool yesterday morning and that made it a great day to go attend my first cross country meet.

The JV Team Singing Sweet Caroline
Arundel High School
Odenton, MD
October 5, 2019
Ethan was running for the Arundel High JV team. 

It was great to be there to see the race. I decided that I like cross-country because it is over in about 25 minutes. Ethan ran a hard race and is showing significant improvement every week. I am learning that the time on the scoreboard is only a guide because each course is different and some are much harder than others. 

It was fun to watch the start of the race. I was lucky to have my iPhone at the ready to capture the start of the race. It is very impressive. I think seeing so many boys racing across the dry, brown grass is quite a sight. And Ethan is clearly visible towards the end.



-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Grandson Day


Ethan at the Maryland State Fair
Timonium, Maryland
August 31, 2019
To note the passing of the month of August, the transition into September, and the last weekend before the start of another school year Chris and I hosted our grandsons for the day and an overnight.

Chris with the Boys Ready for the Farris Wheel
Chris, Ethan, Jax, Lucas
Timonium, Maryland
August 31, 2019
It began about noon with a surprise trip to the Maryland State Fair. I have to admit, I have not been to the state fair in a number of years. Sadly, it has not changed much except that the prices seem to have tripled. Rides are $5-6 each. Games are $2-5 and everyone seems to be trying to part a fool from his/her money. 

The boys enjoyed a number of rides and we made the obligatory walk through the livestock barns to get back in touch with farming. The boys all commented that they did not realize that cows were so big! I just had to smile at that. It was refreshing to see the kids with their prize livestock. Many of them were nervous in preparation for going into the judging ring. What a different life they lead from that of my grandsons'. 

Jax Headed into the Pool
Elkridge, MD
August 31, 2019
The day at the fair culminated with all of us becoming Scat Masters in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources exhibit. Who knew I'd be able to distinguish different kinds of wildlife poop correctly? I did have trouble with the coyote poop, having never seen it in the wild. From there it was back home to enjoy the pool for some refreshing activity. The pool was cool, clean and ready for action. 

Jax and Ethan at the Fire Pit
Elkridge, MD
August 31, 2019
It was an enjoyable early evening which saw pizza and wings get devoured in near record time. 

And then it was time for S'mores around the fire pit. 

The S'mores were enjoyed as the fire raged and then it was time for the scary stories. We told tales of the hereafter and unknown for a while and everyone contributed. The fire grew dim, the mosquitoes arrived, and soon it was time for bed. Exhausted, the boys quickly went to sleep, hopefully dreaming of the great ending to the month of August and the preparations for the start of the school year ahead. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, July 7, 2019

Just add sand, water, and palm trees


Getting ready for upcoming vacations can sometimes be a full-time job. 

Ethan in the Pool
Elkridge, MD
July 6. 2019
Yesterday, Chris and I took Ethan out to acquire a well fitting mask and snorkel for his upcoming vacation. He went with us on our cruise last summer and could not find a correctly fitting mast and that really was a problem during our snorkeling adventures. So, Chris made the promise to get him correctly fitting equipment for his vacation this year.

And we made good on the promise! After he was correctly fitted as the local dive shop, he bought the equipment home to try it out. 

The equipment worked and he looked like a creature rising from the blue lagoon as he checked it out.

Ethan is ready for a snorkeling adventure on a far away Caribbean island--just add sand, water, and palm trees!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, April 14, 2019

The Tail End


Ethan
April 13, 2019
The end of the family birthday season has arrived. It is a long season, beginning during late-September and concluding in April during which there are ten specific celebrations.


Ethan Conquering the Candles
April 13, 2019
Yesterday marked Ethan's birthday. The family gathered together to mark the event. It is the last birthday celebration until September. I hate to call it the "tail end" birthday, because he was the first grandson--but it is what it is. Everyone else managed to fit their birthday's somewhere in between. Not that any of us really had a choice.

I find Ethan's birthday to be special in a unique way. He shares a birthday with Thomas Jefferson! Most people are not aware of Jefferson's birthday, but by sharing it with Ethan at least our family is cognizant of the date.

Happy Birthday Ethan! May you celebrate many more!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
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