MLS: Seattle Sounders FC defeat Columbus Crew, 6-2

Temperatures peaked in the high 70s at CenturyLink Field while the Seattle Sounders FC destroyed the competition, breaking a club-record 6 goals while Crew managed only 2. This match brings the Sounders even closer to the best MLS record at just three points behind L.A. Galaxy.

Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Mauro Rosales (10) celebrates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick in a match against Columbus Crew at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. The Sounders defeated Columbus Crew, 6-2.

Seattle Sounders FC forward Fredy Montero (17) and Columbus Crew defender Rich Balchan (2) fight for the ball at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. The Sounders defeated Columbus Crew, 6-2.

Seattle Sounders FC defender Tyson Wahl (5) throws the ball upfield in a match against Columbus Crew at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. The Sounders defeated Columbus Crew, 6-2.

Seattle Sounders FC forward Fredy Montero (17) tries to squeeze past Columbus Crew defender Rich Balchan (2) at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. The Sounders defeated Columbus Crew, 6-2.

Columbus Crew forward Emilio Renteria (20) collides with Seattle Sounders FC defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (34) while reaching for the ball at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington.

Seattle Sounders FC forward Fredy Montero (17) tries to control the ball in a match against Columbus Crew at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. Seattle Sounders FC won, 6-2.

Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Lamar Neagle (27) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Columbus Crew at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. The Sounders defeated Columbus Crew, 6-2.

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NFL 2011: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks fans gathered last Saturday at CenturyLink Field to watch the first preseason home game of the 2011 NFL season against the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately for the fans, the Seahawks trailed the entire game, finally finishing with a 20-7 loss. The Seahawks will return to CenturyLink Field on September 2nd for their final preseason game against the Oakland Raiders.

Minnesota Vikings running back Lorenzo Booker (27) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Josh Pinkard (22) at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. The Minnesota Vikings won the game, 20-7.

Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Clayton (45) collides with Minnesota Vikings safety Ryan Hill (43) for a first down at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joe Webb (14) runs past the Seattle Seahawks defense at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) has a pass interrupted by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Raheem Brock (98) in the first half at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington.

Seattle Seahawks running back Leon Washington (33) takes the ball upfield in a game against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington.

The Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals perform a pre-game show in a matchup against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. The Minnesota Vikings won the game, 20-7.

Minnesota Vikings running back Toby Gerhart (32) runs upfield in a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. The Minnesota Vikings won the game, 20-7.

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs upfield in a game against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (7) attempts to pass the ball while being tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Adrian Awasom (67) at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. The Minnesota Vikings won the game, 20-7.

Seattle Seahawks running back Leon Washington (33) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Tyrell Johnson (25) at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. The Minnesota Vikings won the game, 20-7.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (15) runs for a 29-yard kick off return in a game against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington.

Seattle Seahawks tight end Anthony McCoy (85) celebrates after scoring Seattle's first touchdown in a game against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington.

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2011 Summer X Games 17 (5 of 5): Skateboard and BMX Vert

I now present to you the final set of images from X Games 17: Skateboard and BMX vert competition. This was one of the more crowded events simply because Shaun White was competing; he earned his fame by taking 1st in the vert final again.

Here are some other posts from X Games 17:
(1 of 5): BMX Freestyle Park
(2 of 5): RallyCross Final
(3 of 5): Skateboard Street & Park
(4 of 5): Moto X Step Up & Enduro X
(5 of 5): Skateboard and BMX Vert

Sandro Dias competes in the Skateboard Vert Round One at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, California.

Jamie Bestwick competes in the BMX Freestyle Vert Final at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Bestwick placed first in the event and will take home the gold medal.

Jamie Bestwick celebrates after winning the gold medal in the BMX Freestyle Vert Final at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

Jamie Bestwick competes in the BMX Freestyle Vert Final at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Bestwick placed first in the event and will take home the gold medal.

Vince Byron competes in the BMX Freestyle Vert Final at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Byron finished 3rd in the event.

Simon Tabron competes in the BMX Freestyle Vert Final at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Tabron finished 4th in the event.

Shaun White competes in the Skateboard Vert Round One at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, California. White finished 1st place in the final, taking home the gold medal.

Adam Taylor competes in the Skateboard Vert Round One at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, California. Taylor finished 5th in the final.

Paul-Luc Ronchetti competes in the Skateboard Vert Round One at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, California.

Shaun White competes in the Skateboard Vert Round One at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, California. White finished 1st place in the final, taking home the gold medal.

Andy Macdonald competes in the Skateboard Vert Round One at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, California.

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2011 Summer X Games 17 (4 of 5): Moto X Step Up & Enduro X

Moto X Enduro X Final at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.

Myles Richmond clears 35 feet and 6 inches in the Moto X Step Up Final at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.

Todd Potter competes in the Moto X Setup Up Final at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.

Moto X Enduro X Final at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.

Taddy Blazusiak competes in the Moto X Enduro X Final at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Blazusiak placed 1st in the event and will take home the gold medal.

Moto X Enduro X Final at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.

Nate Adams celebrates after placing 1st in the Moto X Freestyle Final at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.

Taddy Blazusiak celebrates after winning the gold medal in the Moto X Enduro X Final at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.

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2011 Summer X Games 17 (3 of 5): Skateboard Street & Park

When I think about the X Games, the first thing that always comes to my mind is sitting down with a copy of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and busting out an impossible series of grinds, flips, and manuals. So it’s easy to see why, for me, the X Games is all about skateboarding and loud alternative music. Today I’m sharing images from these iconic events.

The full results are available on ESPN’s Games Seventeen results page. Marisa Dal Santo took gold in the women’s street skateboard event and Nyjah Huston won for the men. In the park, Raven Tershy placed 1st and the women did not compete.

Andy Macdonald competes in the Skateboard Park Elimination at Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Macdonald placed 7th in the event and will advance to the finals.

Ben Raybourn competes in the Skateboard Park Elimination at Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Raybourn placed 5th in the event and will advance to the finals.

Omar Hassan competes in the Skateboard Park Elimination at Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Hassan placed 6th in the event and will advance to the finals.

Aaron Homoki competes in the Skateboard Park Elimination at Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Homoki placed 9th in the event and will advance to the finals.

Marisa Dal Santo competes in the Skateboard Street Women's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Dal Santo took home the gold medal with her best score of 88.00.

Jessica Florencio competes in the Skateboard Street Women's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Florencio placed 5th in the event with a score of 63.00.

Ryan Sheckler competes in the Skateboard Street Men's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Sheckler placed 3rd in the event.

Ryan Decenzo competes in the Skateboard Street Men's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Decenzo placed 5th in the event.

Ryan Sheckler competes in the Skateboard Street Men's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Sheckler placed 3rd in the event.

Nyjah Huston competes in the Skateboard Street Men's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Huston placed 1st in the event.

Ryan Decenzo competes in the Skateboard Street Men's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Decenzo placed 5th in the event.

Alexis Sablone competes in the Skateboard Street Women's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Sablone placed 2nd in the event with a score of 84.33.

Ryan Decenzo competes in the Skateboard Street Men's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Decenzo placed 5th in the event.

Ryan Sheckler competes in the Skateboard Street Men's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Sheckler placed 3rd in the event.

Luan Oliveira competes in the Skateboard Street Men's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Oliveira placed 2nd in the event.

Alexis Sablone competes in the Skateboard Street Women's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Sablone placed 2nd in the event with a score of 84.33.

Jessica Florencio competes in the Skateboard Street Women's Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Florencio placed 5th in the event with a score of 63.00.

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2011 Summer X Games 17 (2 of 5): RallyCross Final

Today I am sharing some photos from the X Games 17 RallyCross final which took place on the last day of the games, Sunday July 31st. Brian Deegan took gold in the event, but all eyes were on Travis Pastrana and his untested hand-controlled rally car. Despite his broken foot, Pastrana managed to make it through all qualifiers and take 7th in the final.

Brian Deegan leads Travis Pastrana in round 1 of the RallyCross Final at Lot 7 in Los Angeles, California.

Michael Jernberg races in round 1 of the RallyCross Final at Lot 7 in Los Angeles, California.

Liam Doran, Michael Jernberg, Joseph Burke, and David Higgins race off the starting line in round 1 of the RallyCross Final at Lot 7 in Los Angeles, California.

Travis Pastrana races in the RallyCross Final at Lot 7 in Los Angeles, California.

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2011 Summer X Games 17 (1 of 5): BMX Freestyle Park

You haven’t seen extreme sports until you’ve seen ESPN’s X Games. If you’re unfamiliar with the summer event, imagine flying the most talented BMX, skateboard, RallyCross, and Moto X athletes from all over the world to Los Angeles, California for a 4-day televised competition. Every year the competition gets more fierce as athletes stretch the limits of their sport. This year, I watched Matt Buyten leap 37 feet into the air on his motorcycle, breaking the old record of 35, and watched Travis Pastrana drive a rally car with hand controls after breaking his right foot 3 days earlier in the Moto X Best Trick competition. These guys are nuts.

I’ll start post 1 of 5 today by sharing some images from the BMX Freestyle Park competition. Daniel Dhers won the event, but Dennis Enarson took first in the preliminaries and was neck-and-neck with Dhers in the final, leaving with silver.

Scotty Cranmer competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Cranmer placed 3rd in the event and will take home the bronze medal.

Gary Young competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Elimination at Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Young finished the elimination round in 5th place and will advance to the finals.

Daniel Dhers competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Elimination at Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Dhers finished 4th in the elimination round.

Scotty Cranmer competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Cranmer placed 3rd in the event and will take home the bronze medal.

BMX Freestyle Park Elimination at Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California.

Dennis Enarson competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Enarson placed 2nd in the event and will take home the silver medal.

Scotty Cranmer competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Elimination at Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Cranmer finished 2nd in the elimination round.

Gary Young competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Elimination at Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Young finished the elimination round in 5th place and will advance to the finals.

Corey Bohan competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Elimination at Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California.

Dennis Enarson competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Enarson placed 2nd in the event and will take home the silver medal.

Daniel Dhers competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Dhers placed 1st in the event and will take home the gold medal.

Gary Young competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Elimination at Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Young finished the elimination round in 5th place and will advance to the finals.

Daniel Dhers competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Dhers placed 1st in the event and will take home the gold medal.

Gary Young competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Young placed 5th in the event.

Garrett Reynolds competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Elimination at Event Deck at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Reynolds placed 6th in the elimination round and will advance to the finals.

Dennis Enarson competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Enarson placed 2nd in the event and will take home the silver medal.

Daniel Dhers competes in the BMX Freestyle Park Final at Event Deck L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Dhers placed 1st in the event and will take home the gold medal.

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Salem Wedding: Jenna & Andrew @ The Kroc Center

It was a beautiful, yet rainy, day in Salem Oregon at the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center where I had the opportunity to enjoy the marriage of two college friends, Jenna and Andrew. Just 7 months ago we met in Seattle for an engagement shoot and now it was time for the ceremony. I could not have asked for a more enjoyable couple.

We had plenty of time before the ceremony to make some memorable portraits. Andrew is quite the jokester, so smiles came easy.

Jenna and Andrew get married at the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, Jul. 16, 2011.

Andrew makes some final adjustments to his boutonniere while Jenna rounds the corner in her wedding dress. It’s time for the first look!

Jenna and Andrew get married at the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, Jul. 16, 2011.

The ladies matched wonderfully with their light blue dresses and yellow shoes.

Jenna and Andrew get married at the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, Jul. 16, 2011.

Each bouquet of flowers was adorned with the most interesting buttons.

Jenna and Andrew get married at the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, Jul. 16, 2011.

Between the ‘Mad Dog’ stare-downs and lightsaber battles, Andrew and the men kept me smiling. These guys know how to ham it up.

Jenna and Andrew get married at the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, Jul. 16, 2011.

Just before the ceremony, Jenna and Andrew settled some disagreements with a dramatic lightsaber battle. Jenna won (of course…).

Jenna and Andrew get married at the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, Jul. 16, 2011.

The ceremony begins! Jenna is escorted by her father.

Jenna and Andrew get married at the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, Jul. 16, 2011.

The reception hall was decorated with a yellow and white theme. Each table had their own cake.

Jenna and Andrew get married at the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, Jul. 16, 2011.

Along with a memory book, prize lottery, and thumb-print tree, guests enjoyed photographs from Jenna and Andrew’s childhood.

Jenna and Andrew get married at the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, Jul. 16, 2011.

After a quick wardrobe change, the newly-wed couple rode off into the setting sun. Wooohoo! Goodbye!

Jenna and Andrew get married at the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, Jul. 16, 2011.

More photos from Jenna and Andrew’s wedding are available here: Gallery.

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Baxter Goes North: 4th of July Family BBQ in Arlington

Surprise! Louisa and I just adopted Baxter, a 7-month-old rescue puppy brought to us by Saving Paws of Washington from the recent Oklahoma tornados. Although his story may sound tragic, this supercharged tornado mutt is healthy, friendly, and can tell his friends he outran a 200mph category 5 wind storm. After about a week of acclimation, we all went up to Arlington to visit some of the family at the new house for a traditional 4th of July BBQ.

Baxter at the 4th of July BBQ at the Parent

Baxter’s medical records, our vet, and people we see on the street all have a different opinion on his breed. He could be part German Shepard, part Chow, part Shar Pei, part …

Baxter plays with Louisa at the 4th of July BBQ at the Parent

Nick and dad tossed a frisbee. To be honest, Nick mostly tossed the frisbee and dad chased it across the yard in his flip-flops.

Nick and dad toss a frisbee at the 4th of July BBQ at the Parent

And here we see mom’s pup Daisy (on the right). She and Baxter had a nice time chasing each other around the house and getting their leashes tangled. I think it’s going to take a few more visits to get these two to simmer down.

Baxter meets Daisy at the 4th of July BBQ at the Parent

Baxter plays with Louisa at the 4th of July BBQ at the Parent

More photos from the visit here.

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Seattle Event: 2011 Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival

The Center for Wooden Boats packed the newly-renovated Lake Union Park this past 4th of July weekend by hosting their 35th annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival. Guests were able to see gorgeous wooden vessels, enjoy free boat rides, built wooden crafts, and explore the many vendors and exhibits all while listening to music on the live stage.

Louisa, Lauren, Baxter, and I decided to stroll through the park on Sunday.

2011 Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival at the Center For Wooden Boats in Seattle, Washington on Sunday, Jul. 3, 2011.

Many of the boats were visiting for the festival, but most are Seattle locals.

2011 Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival at the Center For Wooden Boats in Seattle, Washington on Sunday, Jul. 3, 2011.

Guests were able to head out on the water by sail, paddle, steam, or electric power boats.

2011 Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival at the Center For Wooden Boats in Seattle, Washington on Sunday, Jul. 3, 2011.

More photos from the event here.

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