Shagging balls for the best beach volleyballers in the world

Had to finish the "travel log" with this video which includes the last three days of our Toronto trip.  At one point during one of the like 50 or so matches we watched, I turned to Erin and said, "Hey, thanks for introducing me to volleyball.  I wouldn't know jack about it if I hadn't married you."  It's a fun part of our life and something we both love together.  Of course she loves it more than I do just like I love basketball more than she does, but still ... it's neat to have a best friend who likes the same things you like.

And also, she made it home safe.  Border patrol coming back into the US didn't even look twice at her:)

Click HERE to watch the video!

This is the "edited version"

So ... there's an extended version of this video with some super funny stuff from a certain one of the kids, but after review of the footage, he decided he didn't want it included in the public release:)  I can't believe how different all 4 of their personalities are.  While one could care less what others think, another one is very conscious of his image and how he is perceived.  I see myself in all of them.  

In any case, here's a video made from just the footage I found randomly on my iPad the other day.  I love these people so much and am so lucky to be their dad.  I mean that.

Click HERE to watch the video!

14 volleyball matches and a night at the circus! Bonus: the key to success in sports and performance

Erin and I took a little trip to Toronto to watch the Swatch Major Series World Beach Volleyball finals.  The 10 best teams from each gender qualify each year and holy flip, it was awesome.  I really wish the volleyball community here in Utah was stronger because I love this game, especially the beach game.  And no, it has nothing to do with skimpy uniforms (I know some of you were thinking it)!  The sport is an awesome combination of power, grace and skill, but even more interesting is the mental aspect of the game.

The best players in the world aren't the best only because they jump the highest and hit the hardest.  The best players are the ones who have learned to practice the ability to play completely in the moment.  To focus only on what they can control.  In volleyball, all you can do is execute during the play that's right in front of you.  If you made an error the point before, it does you no good to think about it during the current one.  If you get down a few points, it does you no good to think about how many you need to score to get the lead.  The great ones focus 100% on what's right in front of them.  They give all their effort and attention to the "now".  Watch the best players and performers in the world and you'll see that they've all learned to practice this skill.  

In performing, this concept could be more huge.  Whatever happened before, whatever is coming up in your future, you have to make a conscious decision to give your entire self to the moment at hand.  Got three shows to do today and 70ish more to go before you get a break?  Eh!  Wrong!  You have ONE show to do and it's the one you're currently doing. 

Ok, tangent finished.  Here's the video from day two of our Canadian volleyball adventure:)

Click HERE to watch the video!

Across the Canadian border with an expired passport

Sometimes life is easy and sometimes you are stupid.

Here's a little vlog about our travel day getting to Toronto.  It's not the highest quality cause it was just shot on my cell, but it's fun nonetheless.  I don't want to give away the details, but let's just say that it involves Erin booking a last-second flight to Buffalo so that she could rent a car and smuggle herself across the border.  She was a trooper!

Click HERE to watch the video!

This is John Hyden and Tri Born.  They took 3rd last weekend.  Johnny Hyden is 44 years old.  Yes, 44 and guess who the opposing teams serve all match long?  Tri.  Not because he's not great - the guy is an athletic freak of nature actually - but because John Hyden is so superior to everyone else in the mental game.  Tri sometimes makes mental mistakes and John very rarely does.  Watching him inspired me big time!

Opening night summer 2016

We started a new nightly, pre-show tradition this summer.  It's called the gratitude bucket.  Each night our stage manager, James, sets the gratitude bucket center stage along with some pens and paper during mic checks and warm ups.  Each cast and crew member then takes a moment to write three things we're grateful for that day.  

It's interesting to me that after each hugely positive experience I've had in life (ie last night's opening show - see vid for details), I always end up with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude.  

Click HERE to watch the video!