2013 Gilbert Tiger Football – 7 on 7 Passing League

High School Football Passing League at Mesa High School

I stopped by Mesa High School on my way home from work to see what the summer 7 on 7 passing league is all about. Gilbert High School took on Mesa Mountain View, Red Mountain, and Tempe while I was there. It looks like a fun way for players to develop their skills. Here are some images from the evening.



Here is a link that will take you to all the other pictures from the day.
Photo Gallery - 7 on 7 - May 30, 2013 @ Mesa High School

Peach-Faced Lovebird - Gilbert, Arizona

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

I am still amazed each time I see these Peach-faced lovebirds out around the city. Some call them Rosy-faced Lovebirds. They have a very distinct sound and I find myself looking for them when I hear it. There are quite a few around the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, AZ (Greenfield Rd & Guadalupe Rd).  I live near the preserve and walk it with a camera from time to time and call it exercise.

This Peach-faced Lovebird was by the parking lot south of the Library. The Creosote bush made a good background for this image. The birds seemed like it too, they were snacking away on the seedpods and not worried at all about me. However a dog and his master waked by shortly after this was taken and they chose to find a different place to perch.

Some other pictures taken during my walks are  HERE.

"Live for Matthew"

Services for Matthew Peters - Friday May 24th, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. 

Matthew, or “T” as his family called him, left cancer behind and has moved on to the next life. His family is strong and doing well. They have united and are bonded with amazing love. They are much closer as a family having lived this difficult and physical trial with Matthew. We as Friends, Family, Neighbors, and High School acquaintances are all just a little better off having known him. Friends wore special t-shirts at a recent schools memorial prayer that said, "Live for Matthew". We will live on and be better having experiences his genuine friendship, personality, and humor.  We will all “Live for Matthew”, always having him in our hearts.


Matthew surrounded by the Gilbert High School Girls Volleyball Team



In our trips to Rocky Point with the Peters family, this was a common site, Matthew walking with his dad. They were always coming or going to the next activity. They spent time together doing fun things while the rest of us lounged on the beach. They took advantage of their time together and made the most of every minute... now I understand why.

Road Trip through Superior AZ

Today I took a quick round trip from Gilbert to Thatcher, AZ. to take my daughter back to her apartment in at Eastern Arizona College. On the way back I stopped near the Boyce Thompson Arboretum to admire the mountain formations in the area. (Posed about it here too) The afternoon light casting that warm glow that we all know so well made these mountains look extra nice. This is located near Superior AZ. Here are a few images. 

This Saguaro Cactus has his share of arms. 

From the road looking into the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. It closes at 3:00 so I had to shoot from the outside.  

Another view of the mountains surrounding the arboretum. 

Jarrett Neal - Senior Pictures - Gilbert High School

Downtown Gilbert Arizona

We had a great senior portrait session with Jarrett Neal on Friday afternoon. We went to downtown Gilbert, AZ and found a variety of great backgrounds. There were several other photographers there doing the same thing. It wasn't a big deal and actually worked out well. There was plenty of room for all of us and we got some nice shots. 

Jarrett is a great young man and I am sure will do well as he takes on the world of, "Life after High School." Good Luck Jarrett! 

Gilbert High School - Class of 2013

Jarrett Neal

Jarrett also played on the Gilbert High School Boys Volleyball team. 

 Jarrett Neal #8 - Gilbert High School Boys Volleyball

Here is a link to his volleyball pictures. 

Highland Boys Volleyball - 2013 Division I State Champions

Arizona High School Boys Volleyball

What a crowd at the Division I Boys Volleyball championship match. Both sides were virtually full with standing room only. The Highland Hawks took the 2013 Arizona Boys Volleyball Championship 3-0 over the Gilbert Tigers. 

Crazy, noisy crowds on both sides of a full house provided a great championship atmosphere. The scores were close but a disappointed Gilbert High School came up short 25-20, 25-20, 25-22. Exciting volleyball in every way (except for the final score if you are a Gilbert fan).  To see more images besides the ones below click on this LINK.

  To see many more images from the game click on this LINK.

 More images from the game click on this LINK.

  To see many more images from the game click on this LINK.

 To see many more images from the game click on this LINK.

  To see many more images from the game click on this LINK.

  More images from the game here: LINK.

  To see many more images from the game click on this LINK.

  To see many more images from the game click on this LINK.

Other images from the game have been uploaded at www.azdewphoto.com. Follow this LINK in to see them all. 

Matthew Peters - Fighting the Battle

Matthew (Update - Matthew lost his battle with Cancer and returned to his Heavenly Father on May 18th 2013. Per his sister, "I just want to make one thing very clear. Matthew did not lose to cancer. Cancer lost to him. He lives on in an amazing place, and his cancer is dead.")

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I stopped by to see Matthew Peters this week at Phoenix Children's Hospital. He and his family continues to fight the battle against cancer. Each day brings small victories and sometimes new challenges.

When I was there he responded briefly to his mothers touch and voice. He even opened his eyes a few times. One of those times he grabbed his mothers hand and would not let go. I understand this is a rare occurrence lately. He has been slipping in and out of consciousness for the past few weeks. In this picture they were prepping him for an ambulance ride to Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. He received a radiation treatment that they hope will allow him to be more alert.

I couldn't help but notice the wonderful team of doctors and nurses that surrounded him constantly. I could tell they truly care about this young man and his family.

I found the picture below of Matthew taken during a trip to Rocky Point a few years ago. Our families have traveled several several times to Rocky Point and camped together on the beach. Those were great trips. I'm pretty sure Matthew would rather be on the beach throwing a football then where he finds himself at the moment.

Below is a picture from a Fundraiser put on by the Gilbert Girls Volleyball program in conjunction with a game against Xavier High School. All the generous proceeds from the September 2012 game went to Matthew and his family to help them through this journey.

Our prayers continue to be with you Matthew and the Peters family!

Matthew's sister Jenelle keeps us all updated on Matthew's condition with this blog: http://matthewreespeters.blogspot.com/

Ziggy Ansah - BYU - 2013 NFL Draft

This is a great story about BYU's Ziggy Ansah who was recently selected fifth overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the recent NFL draft.