Hip to be Square

On Saturday night, while some world-class athletes were finishing up their events in Vancouver, others were fighting for the title of world champion right here in Maine. The International Olympic Committee somehow overlooked four-square yet again, so these athletes were relegated to a gym at Bridgton Academy, rather than the world stage. That didn't stop two rising stars from California, a reporter from ESPN Page 2, a NESN reporter, the infamous Tiger Claw, or the Stockwell team from attending. For those of you unfamiliar with competitive four-square, you should really check it out some time. Most of us left four-square on the playground years ago, around the time we abandoned Trapper Keepers and headgear. But for some, the dream lives on, and they descend on the World Championships each year with passion and character. This woman, for example, always comes dressed in costume. This year, she was "Phoenix Rising from the Ashes".

I'm not sure what it is about four-square and capes, but they seem to go hand-in-hand. Ben's biggest rival in the sport is the infamous Tiger Claw, who wears a cape, knee pads with tigers on them, and a headband that reads "Tiger Claw". He also bounds into the square roaring, often announcing "Welcome to Tiger Claw Theater". I am not making this stuff up - you need to see it for yourself. Here's Ben sticking it to Tiger Claw with a nasty spike.

Almost as infamous as Tiger Claw is the feared Stockwell duo. Uncle Tommy Stockwell has won the heated Senior Division six years in a row, and Ben is a quiet force to be reckoned with in the Mens Division. For the second straight year, Ben was one point shy of the championship. I am secretly happy with this result, because it means we don't have to find room for another obscenely large trophy. I'll be much happier once four-square is an Olympic sport and we can take home some small and subtle medals instead. Anyway, here's the Senior Champ and the crushed runner-up.

Ethan and Adam had a blast watching the flying balls and the people in capes. With Stockwell blood, there's no way these two aren't going to be groomed for the podium.

Besides four-square playing and spectating, we were able to enjoy lots of wintry activities, thanks to Mother Nature blessing us with a late winter dumping of snow throughout the weekend. I got in several hours of x-country skiing, and the boys got to sled and play in the snow. And, of course, shovel. Ethan could really take or leave sledding, but if there is snow on a deck or a walkway, it MUST be shoveled.

There is actually lots of work to be done at Grandma and Grandpa's. The birds must be fed...

There's lunch to be made...

(This was a soup mix Ethan made for his grandparents, aunts and uncles at Christmas. We got to enjoy it this weekend.)

And Adam was busy busy too, making sure that everyone got their share of snuggles and kisses.