Cousins Are Gifts

“A cousin is a ready-made friend for life.”

There is no friend like a cousin. They know our past and our present. A cousin is someone who “really’ knows us. There is something about this pre-made connection. Something about a friend who shares the same DNA as you. Cousins are the friends that we keep for life.

If you are blessed with good fortune, as I, you have many cousins. Some of my fondest childhood memories come from the times I spent in amusement with my cousins. We played, we laughed, we sometimes fought, but that was rare. But, we had fun! We played street baseball, hide-n-seek around the entire block, we played with matches-yep we loved fire, and we even made up our own games, we didn’t have iPads we were creative. We had fun. 

I am so thankful that both of my two brothers and I both live in the same state. That our children have the opportunity to have the same experiences with their cousins that we had. That they have the fortuity to forge deep life long friendships within our family.  

Cousin sleep overs are the best. The kids stay up all night whispering and sneaking water breaks.  Only to wake up sleep deprived, but ready to play with the same fervor as the day before. There is a comfort that exists between cousins, that many friendships never attain. “Cousins are the brothers and sisters that God forgot to give us.”

Still to this day, I love when my cousins and I get together. We have so many stories to reminisce. In my cousins, I find a bit of my childhood that can never be lost.

by Conay Huizar

"Quotes" about cousins are not my own.

Why Golf?

There is something alluring about the game of golf. Both natural and man-made beauty are handedly displayed out on the fairways. 

The lure of the game could be attributed to the lush opulence and richness of the greens.  For me, such vast greenery summons up childhood memories of picking, rolling, and tumbling in the grass; oh the freedom. 

Could it be the tempestuous breeze of dry crisp air that sucks you in. The arid fondling of this invisible gas substance that meets you upon arrival just prior to tee off. Or could I completely be underestimating one simple element...the smell of fresh green grass? 
'Ah-Choo'!

Golf is a game of focus, practice, repetition and determination. It is a game for all ages.  A possible lifelong hobby, that I hope will capture the heart of my son. 

From this Ancient game created during the Middle Ages, he will learn some of life's lessons. Golf can take us on a journey of different obstacles and challenges. Like life, golf has different courses and unpredictable scenarios. The game will ensue in him the gift of persistence, positive thinking, and the confidence to bet on his self. If one club doesn't get the job done, change it out, try another. 

I hope that my son will use the game of golf to give him the opportunity to take time out-and to seek the crisp air. To extract from the beauty of the green master pieces of both God and man.  And to never forget to hunt for the meandering scent of fresh green grass. To allow it to permeate through his soul. Such a Godly scent. 

My son wants to add that there is more to golf than just green grass. That there is an exploding excitement that happens when you hit the ball with proficiency. That in that moment of precision, the countless balls hit in error will dwindle by your minds wayside.  And there, you will linger in triumph, for at least that moment. 

It's the ball hit off the tee, with coached accuracy, that is the one that counts. The one that makes the game captivating.  The shot that makes you return to the game, again, and again. 

TJ's 2-day Jr. Golf Camp, at The Westin Kierland- Scottsdale, Arizona.  Price tag $338.00, which includes four hours of private instruction and lunch.  And let's not forget about the few hours of resort swim time for the girls and I.

If you think the price tag is too steep, keep in mind that there are many affordable options out there to introduce your child to the game of golf. For as low as $99 you can purchase a summer pass on many golf courses. The summer pass then allows you to play a round of golf for about $12. 

Another great way to get kids started with the game, is to check to see if your community offers a First Tee program. In 180 communities across the United States and in select international locations, The First Tee chapters deliver the Life Skills Experience curriculum to kids and teens at more than 900 golf programming locations.  First Tee is a wonderful golf mentoring program created by the PGA. The cost for an entire year of lessons is about $59, the program offers 1-two hour lesson per week. Visit Firsttee.org.

Some photographs are property of the Westin-Kierland.

Not an endorsement- for informational purposes only. 

by Conay and TJ Huizar

Summer with kids….

Summer survival with kids.

The trick to surviving summer with kids, is to keep them busy! I usually start making summer plans, in November. By planning early, you will ensure the best availability and pricing on your vacation.  Each summer I plan out 1 family vacation trip, one over-night week long camp for the kids, one trip with just the kids and I (dad gets a break), a few stay-cations, and various skill specific camps for the kids.

Summer is the perfect opportunity to enrich your children with things that they would not ordinarily engage in. Take the opportunity to sign them up for videography, blogging, coding, or theater camp. Get them out of their comfort zone, by allowing them to explore new interest that go beyond their current familiarity. Yes, they will baulk and convey that they have no interest in learning or participating in anything new, but it's your job to push them over the cliff into novice exploration. They will thank you later.

I hope you enjoy following our journey. By the end of summer 2014, it is my desire to have three kiddos who have expanded their world view ever so slightly. Children who have tried something new regardless of their likes or dislikes. And who have placed fond recollections of the journey deep into their cognizance for later retrospection.

This summer will be full of effervescent memories made along our journey. Join us on our adventure, as we take in the sites, sounds and smells of New York City, New York; Turks and Caicos, Providenciales; Disneyland in Orange County, California; Yosemite National Park in California; San Diego, California; Big Sur California, and of course our home town of Scottsdale, Arizona. Who knows, maybe our path will lead us places unplanned.

Scottsdale, Arizona

New York City

The Statue of Liberty

Brooklyn Bridge

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos-Providenciales

Yosemite National Park, California

Big Sur -Central Coast California

Giant National Park-Central California
Photos downloaded from google images.

by Conay Huizar