How's your summer 2023 coming along?  Some of you may still be in summer school and some of you are probably out and about doing things that you enjoy.

I remember when I was in grade school, like most of you, going to summer school and enjoying my learning experiences.  I can still remember working on my spelling and my teacher asking me how to spell Pennsylvania as we played Spell around the World.  I remember playing my favorite sport, soccer, with my summer friends outside during recess.  I hope those of you who are in summer school will enjoy your experiences and forever engrave them in your memory for a long time as well.

Those that are doing things at home or outside, I hope that you are helping your parents do chores or visit places that you haven't been to before.  This experience will make you a better person for sure. Just think of all the accomplishments and opportunities you had.  I remember going on camping trips and learning survival skills.  I was able to make new friends and learn new songs.  I remember the fishing trips with my cousin.  Even though we didn't catch anything, just to be able to spend a little time with him lasted a life-time.  We still talk about it whenever we see each other and that's over 40 years ago.

This summer I got to referee soccer games at the annual Hmong Freedom Festival at McMurray Fields in St. Paul, Mn.

Referee during a girls' soccer match at J4.

I also ran a golf tournament that raised over $2500 for our Minnesota team to participate in this year's Heritage Cup in Milwaukee, WI.  It was sad, however, that I didn't get to play much golf because I injured my left wrist early in the summer (more like spring).  But, I did get to meet Vunnisa Vu, who used to live in Minnesota but moved to California.  Now she is pursuing her education at Fresno state on a golf scholarship.  She's such a humble person and will do well in college!

Helped raise some money for Vunnisa Vu

My family went on a quick camping trip up North and got to enjoy nature while our son fished in his kayak.

 Elijah in his kayak!!

Let me know what you've been doing.  I hope to see all of you back this school year!

 I Played golf with my boys during Father's Day at Phalen GC.