Tualatin T-Ball (4/20/11)

Two Tualatin teams prepare for their t-ball game at Byrom Elementary in Tualatin. The "Rattlesnake Killers" (yellow jerseys) are full of energy, barely focusing their attention on their coaches instructions. 

The teams biggest fans brave the weather, that is threatening to downpour, so that they can watch and cheer from the sidelines. 

The Rattlesnake Killers Tayler K. is first to bat, while his teammates have lined up their bats in order of who goes next. 

With a hit, Tayler K. kicks it into high gear, dominating first base, and easily making it to second. 

While the black team's batter has a good first hit, it's not good enough to prevent an out, with an outstanding catch from the Rattlesnake Killers player.

Three Rattlesnake Killers waiting in anticipation for the next play.

As the game goes on, players begin to lose concentration, enabling the black team to a home run.

Another fantastic hit from the Rattlesnake Killers, while the umpire looks on.

With the bases loaded, the black team's players give it all they've got for a last run, while the Rattlesnake Killers scramble to catch them.

Thrilled with the results of the game, Tayler K. of the Rattlesnake Killers gives an overjoyed smile as he tells me "we won!"

Arbor Week Tree Plant at Atfalati Park

#1 - Volunteers needed. April 9th, 2001, a hundred or so Tualatin residents gathered at Atfalati park to help plant 9,296 trees in the back area of the park in celebration of Arbor Day. This was one of three planting events that Tualatin will hold this week.

#2 - Safety first. Chanda Stone, the Operations Volunteer Specialist for the city of Tualatin, talks to the huddled volunteers about the general rules, and safety concerns for tree planting activities before they get to work.

#3 - Hi-ho, hi-ho, off to work they go. Volunteers stroll down the windy path that leads them straight to

 their designated planting areas in the back of the park. 

#4 - Roots of Tualatin. Native trees and plants are unloaded and put near the areas they will be planted by the volunteers, young and old, who sacrificed their Saturday morning to lend a hand. 

#5 - Home sweet home. Kids haul tools and plants while adults direct traffic down to the areas where they will be showing the plants their new homes. 

#6 - Flags mark the spot. Previously cleared, the area was marked with different colored flags to determine where each type of plant/tree should go. Quick lessons on how deep to dig are given by parents so that the eager kids can take over.

#7 - These pants were clean, once. A local pack of Cub Scouts was one of the most eager groups to get down in the dirt.

#8 - History in the making. After some planting has been done, a small group went to the front of the park to help City Council President Chris Barhyte plant the Famous and Historic Tree for the year. Tualatin, Oregon has been part of Tree City USA for 24 years. The Tree City USA program recognizes communities who play an active role in urban and community forestry programs. 

#9 - Ta-Da! A young boy looks at the now empty pots of the 9,296 new trees that were planted. He revels in the success that he and the other volunteers took part in. 

#10 - That hits the spot. Donuts, cake and hot chocolate await the cold, hungry, accomplished volunteers. The kids were the happiest to receive the "award" for all their hard work, while the adults received free mugs and coupons for blueberry plants. The snacks, mugs and blueberry plants were provided by companies like Donut Land, Starbucks, REI and a local nursery. 

Day in the Life of...A youth pastor

David Conlee, the youth pastor for Horizon Community Church starts setting up "The Garage", which is the theme for the youth room. David, his wife Jenny, and a handful of volunteers start in the early afternoon to prepare for the junior and high school youth group services that are hosted Sunday nights. 

As 5 'o clock comes around, junior high students pour in, and David makes his way around to connect with each one and see how their week has been.

What's better than dodgeball? Kickball! A little later into the night, David and the high school students, begin their second round of kickball.

After the game is over and the band has finished playing, David settles things down to discuss the short sermon he has spent the week preparing for the students.

As the last of the students trickle out, David and the crew start to close up "shop" after a long, but worthwhile night. 

Photo Journalism - Sports Project #1

Close cities, close game. Tualatin and Sherwood 8th grade girls basketball teams compete in a rec tournament at a Hazelbrook middle school on a February Friday night. Over the course of the game, it was a back and forth pull for the lead, but by the end, Tualatin won with 4 points over Sherwood.

Rebound! A player from Tualatin (black jersey) and Sherwood (red jersey) reach for the rebound, while the other players hustle to the other side of the court to take their places.

Where'd it go?! With arms flailing and sweat flying, two Tualatin girls 8th grade teams scramble for the ball during a February Friday night rec tournament.

Shot Opportunity. With both teams and spectators watching for the results, #15 from the Tualatin team, receives a pass and sets up for a shot. Teammates prepare for grabbing a rebound.

Hands up! Sherwood's #1 attempts a shot, but is met by a block from Tualatin's #8. With a few of Tualatin's players nearby and ready, they are able to successfully grab the rebound.

Henri Cartier-Bresson - The Decisive Moment

I think out of all of Henri Cartier-Bresson's pictures that I looked at, this is my favorite.

I really enjoy pictures that engage you to look a little "deeper", so with having to almost look "into" this picture to see it fully, It made the top of my list.

It's playful with the way it's set up, as well as with the playful subjects and their expressions. All of the aspects of the picture make it fun to look at, with the kids, their expressions, the winding staircase, and the large variety of shades.

Photo Journalism - A Process: Feeding My Dog

Misc./Extras