My spidey senses are tingling.

My spidey senses are tingling., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

At a neighbors house this past weekend... I found a Spiderman mask.

That is all for now.
:)

Kent Powersports in Kyle

Free BBQ at Kent Powersports in Kyle. Free stuff from KLBJ and a stunt show. Good times y'all, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

They had their Grand Opening yesterday. It was a lot of fun, Austin radio station KLBJ came out and have giveaways... there was free BBQ... lots of cool motorcycles and quads to look at... a bit of a stunt show.. and a ribbon cutting ceremony w/ the Mayor and City Council folks.

TRAIN!

IMG_2302, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

I'm use the online App "FourSquare." I am currently the "Mayor" of "Waiting At The Train" in Kyle, Texas.

Lake Kyle

Lake Kyle, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

This is "Lake Kyle" and it is on the grounds that is the new home for the Kyle Parks and Recreation Department (700 Lehman Road, Kyle, TX). They are holding the Grand Opening on March 10, 2012 at 10:00a

Spirit hands..

DSCF4783.JPG, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Went to the Talent Show at my daughter's Elementary school last night. good time... this kid danced fantastic.

Font police... NOT Futura.

Font police... NOT Futura., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

It always cracks me up when the name of a font is printed somewhere... not in the font that bears its name.

This is on the gas hose at HEB Plus! in Kyle.

Water Shed Clean-up

DSCF4483.JPG, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

On February 25, 2012, about 200 volunteers, including
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, Home Depot,
Lowes, and Fox's Pizza came out to Lake Kyle (700 Lehman Rd) to clean up
all the trash and debris that washed in during the flood of January 25,
2012.

Adult Kickball Coaches Meeting

Kerry U. lays down the Kyle Parks and Rec. Adult Kickball League rules., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

I'm a coach, and a player, for our church co-ed team, PRAY BALL, in the Kyle Parks and Recreation Adult Kickball League.

We start are new season on March 2, 2012. We had a coaches meeting Wednesday. This is Kerry Urbanowicz, the Director of the Kyle Parks and Rec laying down the rules at the meeting.

It's A LOT of fun. http://www.cityofkyle.com/recreation/adult-kickball

DSCF4348.JPG, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

My kickball team, PRAY BALL, took 5th place in the "B" league in the Kyle Parks and Recreation tournament a week ago. We had a lot of fun... and prayed with every team we played. It's a mission and a blessing to be able to exercise and be an example of Christians in the world.

...and it's a lot of fun. We start the next season on March 2, 2012... woot!

FYI.. this is our unofficial move... it's called the "CACAW!" and it works best if you actually say CACAW when doing it.

Chips! (after photo), a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

We got on the delivery list of Millburg Farm! Millburg is Kyle's "Community Supported Agriculture" (CSA) farmer. He's been at it for over 20 years.

That means each week we will receive fresh veggies. VERY excited about this... we've tried to get on the route for about 2 years.

So... our 2nd week delivery is in...and we made some "green chips." These are made from kale, collard, turnip and beet greens along with arugula and swiss char.

Tossed in olive oil... lightly salted... and crisped up in the over = YUM!.

Sunrise in Kyle, Texas.

Sunrise in Kyle, Texas., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Happy 6th Birthday Hope & Love 4 Kids!

Tonight I attended the Hope & Love 4 Kids 6th Birthday party, the Celebration on the Green,  at the Plum Creek Golf Course in Kyle. I'll probably share a few of the party photos later, but I wanted to spotlight this wonderful cake, made by the fin folks at Pennington's Cakes in San Marcos, TX.

Hope & Love 4 Kids is a fantastic charity that has done A LOT of work with kids in the area, and they announced tonight that they are seriously stepping up the scholarships and things they are doing. It's wonderful to just know Mia Hendricks (founder) and her amazing team of volunteers that are in charge of this charity. Find out more at http://hopeandlove4kids.org/.

How I celebrated my 39th

Tequila :30 (pray for me), a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Sunday was my birthday. Saturday night was the annual Neil Diamond birthday celebration. The theme was "East Coast / West Coast) which explains "The Dude" and my "Jersey Shore" get-up. Well... this was my birthday shot. It was some smooth tequila... and I'm happy to say I stopped at 1. I'm getting slightly wiser in my old age.

Neil karaoke :30!

Neil karaoke :30!, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Went to my friend's annual Neil Diamond birthday celebration this past Saturday. Good times were had by all.

This sculpture is out in front of PAWS in Kyle. I dropped off a linen donation today. See how you can help at http://pawsshelter.org/

From thier site:

Since 1986, PAWS Shelter and Humane Society has provided care and love to homeless, abandoned, and abused animals in Central Texas. We are a no-kill shelter that believes in second chances! At PAWS, companion animals are given medical attention, care, and love for however long it takes for us to find them a loving home.

Got Inked...

DSCF4122.JPG, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

I went to Republic of Texas Tattoo in Kyle, Texas and asked Jon Claeton to give me a new tattoo.

http://republicoftexastattoo.com/

Khols don't lie about their return policy.

Khols don't lie about their return policy. I returned the shoes off my feet for credit. SCORE!, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

I returned the shoes off my feet for credit. SCORE!

Brilliant Sunrise.

I needed a brilliant sunrise today. Thanks God., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

This is near the "Kyle Parkway" bridge in Kyle. I took it about a week ago.

SNOWING IN KYLE, TEXAS

DSCF4002.JPG, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Well.. "snow" anyhow. This was a fun little party hosted by home builder KB Homes. They trucked in a yards worth of "snow" and let folks come out and frolic in 60 degree weather.

Lots of fun.

Baptismal

Kyle United Methodist Church, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

This shot is from Kyle Texas' Kyle United Methodist Church.
More info: http://www.kyleumc.org

My fortune cookie...

My fortune cookie..., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Had dinner at Koy in Kyle the other day. I highly recommend it by the way.

Anyhow... here was my fortune cookie.

Children's Time @ Kyle United Methodist Church, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Happy New year.

This past Sunday was "baptism Sunday" at the Kyle United Methodist Church... where folks were given the opportunity to reflect on their baptismal vows.

Here, during Children's Time, the kiddos got to pick a smooth stone out of the baptism water. The stone represented the idea of cleanliness and being washed in the spirit.

Pretty moving Sunday.

Here's the sermon, if you're interested. The guest liturgist was Bradford Johnson. Pastor Barbara Aziz was ill, so he filled in.

Almost Christmas!

Almost Christmas!, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

This is the advent calendar that my mom made for my wife and I. It's full of things that mean something to us... the SWT paw for our Alma Mater, the guitar for our love of music... the Texas Flag... tractor... It's pretty awesome.... and great way for our kiddos to keep track of the days until Christmas.

Bailey's "Mother Clucker" @ 2011 Kyle Fair and Music Festival, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Bailey's Burgers, located on the grounds of the Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle makes a fantastic hamburger. What you may NOT know is... they make a great chicken sandwich too. Here's my "Mother Clucker" I had recently (I asked them to double the greens...).

Location: (Inside Thunderhill Raceway) 24801 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640 (Exit #210, Yarrington Road)

Here's a menu: http://baileysburgers.com/?page_id=2

From their Website:

To place an order for delivery or pick up:

512.268.6894

Can’t reach us there?

Try 512.585.0360 or 512.698.1771

Coming along great. Another 45 minutes and we'll be done., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

A few weeks ago I helped the build a ramp in East Kyle w/ the Kyle United Methodist Church and the Texas Ramp Project. This is a member of the KyleUMC putting up the railing for the ramp.

The project builds ramps for people with disabilities. http://texasramps.org/

Time To Light The Lights!

Decoration :30, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Christmas decoration is in full-swing at the Claes House... and the City of Kyle is having Santa's Arrival and City tree lighting this Wednesday at the City Square. I hope to take the kiddos.

So... in Mid-October the City of Kyle held the Kyle Fair and Music Festival. I took a lot of photos... didn't share many... so over the next few days I'll share some.

Community Impact Newspaper was on hand..and blending in as Waldo...

SPONGEBOB MADE IT!

Kids enjoying the giant slide.

Shooting corks at cups.

Apparently, Giant Bear had a rough night after we went to bed.

Apparently, Giant Bear had a rough night after we went to bed., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Had to snap a photo... and share.

Pet The Lobster.

Petting the Lobsters @ HEB, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Sometimes it's the simple things in life... like taking your daughter to the local grocery store (HEB Plus! in Kyle) and letting her pet the lobsters.

My dad's Army shirt.

My dad's Army shirt. A pre-Veterans Day picture., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day. I was going through my closet and found one of my dad's Army shirts. He was in the Army from 1968-1970. He served a tour in Vietnam (Cu Chi). Thanks dad.

And thank you to all Veteran's out there.

COWABUNGA!!

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

My girls were Cave kids for Halloween. Actually, my wife and I were also dressed like this.. so we were the "CaveClaes4."

Hope you had a great Halloween. We did.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

It was another great year at the Kyle Pumpkin Patch.

Every year for the last 6 years the Kyle United Methodist Church hosts the city of Kyle's only pumpkin patch. Here's a few shots I got during the month.

 

DUNK A COP

DSCF1626.JPG, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

This was at the 2011 Kyle Fair and Music Festival (October 15, 2011).

This kid nailed it. He dunked this police officer 3 times. As you can see... the officer is in mid-dunk here.

It was $1 for 3 balls... and I think this kid got $3 worth.

Car Wash :30

Car Wash :30, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

My girls told me I needed to wash my car. So.. I did. Today's artsy-fartsy photo is brought to you by HEB Plus! Car Wash in Kyle, Texas.

:)

I won the Kyle Weight Loss Challenge!, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

My 7 year-old daughter took this picture with my iPhone...

Between September and October I took part in a community weight loss challenge that was hosted by Kyle Nutrition. Coaches Nicholas Skific and Karen Cotton were on hand to give advice and help us on our weight loss journey. It cost me $25 to join, we met every Tuesday for weigh-in and class. As the "biggest loser" at the end of 8 weeks I made $250 cash.

What did I do?
Nothing secret. I changed my diet (logged everything I ate and drank in so I could really keep track of my calories), and exercised every day at lunch from work. When I ate out, I mostly had salad (McDonalds has a decent salad... who knew?).

Many of the people in the challenge used and has success using Herbalife. Both coaches are distributors. You can probably see more of that on http://kylenutrition.com/. I chose not to use the products.

They are going to be holding another challenge beginning in November. It will be the first Tuesday in November (11/1/11) and they meet at Elite Bodyworks in Kyle (4100 Everett, Suite 200, Kyle, 78640 by the Hays CISD PAC) at either 9:30am or 7:15pm (two times). It costs $25 to enter. Even if you don't want to use the Herbalife products, the coaches will do a great job of helping you keep on track... at least they did for me.

For information on the next challenge (I think they do several a year... so if you missed this one, e-mail to see if it's happening again) e-mail the coaches:

Karen Cotton: hillkuntry50@aol.com
Personal Wellness Coach

Nicholas Skific - nskific@gmail.com
Personal Wellness Coach

Or call Nicholas at: 512-775-4105

DSCF1683.JPG, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Los Texas Wranglers played the Kyle Fair and Music Festival on Saturday 10/15/11. They took some time to take a few band shots with me backstage. Very cool.

If you're in Kyle on November 5, they are going to be playing (a free show) the Dia De Los Muertos show. It's going to be a big street fair in downtown Kyle from noon - 6p.

Honeyborwne @ 2011 Kyle Fair and Music Festival

Honeyborwne @ 2011 Kyle Fair and Music Festival, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Austin band Honeybrowne plays Friday Night of the Kyle Fair and Music Festival on October 14, 2011.

Info: www.kylefair.com

Casa Garcia's #5 (Kyle, TX), a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Tried Casa Garcia's for the first time last night. Walked in and was really impressed with the decor. Plus they have a "tortilla lady" who makes 'em fresh to send out to your table. The tortillas were very good.

I'm not sure if I'll be back though, since the rest of the food was average to below expectations and we've got legions of Mexican Restaurants in Kyle to choose from and this one doesn't make the top 5 for me.

Casa Garcia's
5401 South FM 1626
Ste 300
Kyle, TX 78640
www.casagarcias.net

DSCF1272.JPG, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Saturday was a BUSY day in Kyle. We had a fantastic parade through the center of town that started at the park and ended at the square... where we had cake and sang Happy Birthday to Kyle.

This shot is probably my favorite from the parade. It's the Hay's Rebel's Cheerleaders.. but I caught this one in mid flip. She landed it perfectly...FYI.

Here's the link to all my parade shots: Sean Claes' 2011 Kyle Parade Photos

We've got pumpkins at Kyle United Methodist Church., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

The Kyle United Methodist Church has about 500 pumpkins to choose from... and the prices range from 50 cents to $20.

And there are some BIG ONES for under $20.

408 W. Lockhart Street in Kyle.
http://www.kyleumc.orghas a link w/ directions.

Luna La Muerta

DSCF0511.JPG, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

This was my family's entry into the scarecrow contest at the Hootenanny on the Hill. Her name is/was Luna La Muerta. We won 1st place for spookiest. Rock on.

http://www.hootenannyonthehill.com

Kyle Fire Department Annual Fish Fry, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

This Saturday (October 8, 2011) from 11a-6p is the annual Kyle Fire Department Fish Fry. get info/directions at http://www.kylefire.com

$8 per ticket (kids 12 and under eat free)
There will also be a Silent Auction, Bake Sale and Blood Drive

Hope you can make it... because they make fried catfish.... and they make it awesome.

This is a shot I got from last year.