SKYLER

One of Addison's friends from her HBHS days now plays football for the University of Washington. We go up to Seattle to see Kelsey and always try to sneak in a visit with Skyler. One of these days we'll go up and see him play, but for now Kelsey is the only Roderick representing on the "Dawgs" gridiron.

The last time we were in Seattle was for Kelsey's graduation in June 2009. Our good friends, the Hurdle's, joined the family, including grandparents, at the momentous event. The boys bonded with Skyler immediately because, well, he's a football guy. You know, 6'7" and about 300 lbs. He took all of us to the stadium, the practice building (because it's Seattle and rains a lot, a huge indoor field was built with every environmental control you would ever need), viewed the general campus and of course, we're Roderick's, we stopped at the bookstore to shop. Skyler, Addison and Kelsey hung out a few nights together and he also joined us for Kelsey's graduation ceremony. Dinner followed that at a yummy seafood establishment on the sound.

After eating, we were enjoying dessert and coffee, the boys grabbed their t-shirts that were purchased at the bookstore and asked Skyler to autograph them, which he was very happy to do, although he teased Kyle, (Isaac's friend) who is a USC fan.

D.N. Hurdle was none to happy with Cherylynn for not purchasing a coveted t-shirt for him. He decided he would not let that hamper him from obtaining an autograph as well from this big dawg. He walked right up to Skyler and said "Will you sign my chest?" Skyler grinned a sickly grin and said "Really?" We all busted up laughing. Poor Skyler was the recipient of Don's tainted humor.

Truth be told, I think Don had a man crush on Skyler.

(Skyler is a medical red shirt this season because of an ankle injury. He will be back next season and plays an offensive lineman position, #67. Catch him on TV or he's going to be a special guest in the Treehouse one of these days).