Happy International Women's Day!

"I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fears; knowing what must be done does away with fear."

~Rosa Parks

Dallin's Court of Honor

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men.

Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements.

On February 1, 2014, Dallin received the Eagle Scout award. As part of the award ceremony, Dallin pinned his mother, father and mentor Rob Hamill. His mother pinned him with the prestigious Eagle Scout award. 

Seen here, Steve Garrett shares stories about both Alex and Dallin in their scout adventures:

Scottsdale councilman Robert Littlefield (an Eagle scout himself) attended and presented Dallin with a congratulatory letter from Scottsdale mayor Jim Lane. 

Mr. Littlefield also spoke on the importance of scouting in his life and how important it will be to Dallin and Alex:

More pictures of the event may be viewed with this LINK.

Quick Trip to Montana in 2011

In 2011 Parker and I met up with my sister Kathy and her boys along with Sharon and Don in Bozeman, Montana. 

Parker and I flew up to help Kathy drive back to Phoenix. Before we left, however, we had a few days to relax. Here's some videos from the trip:

Here's a LINK to some photos from the trip. A few of the pictures are below:

The Hope of a Better Life

Spes Melioris Aevi

Happy 4th of July

Happy Independence Day!

Here my older son helps my younger son shoot his cool rifle and just like in Christmas Story, it may go down in history as his favorite Christmas gift ever.

Gun ownership is a FREEDOM we enjoy because of our constitution. Take pride in and be thankful for our freedoms this day.

(Side note -- "Sugar Loaf" mountain is seen in the background, a little mountain where faster scouts climbed to the top and started dropping rocks on us slower scouts... one of which smacked me right in the head and I started bleeding... circa 1979)

It's Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day

We miss you!

Lord of the Ducks

It rained in January, 2013. It rained a lot. And when it does, a certain grassy area fills with water and becomes what the locals call "Lake Acoma." And when that happens, ducks arrive.

These pictures were shot on a pleasant afternoon with cool crisp air and a nice breeze. Parkman enjoyed feeding the ducks and I played with the many camera functions on my iPhone.

Here's a link to the album here.

Parkman Duck Lord