El Centro has Talent

Miles & Roman team up again this year for some song and dance moves... 

Miles turns ELEVEN!!!!   Our first born has eclipsed the decade mark.  His Cousins Kennedy and Mason were in town, along with Auntie 'Net and Nana and Papa.   Miles wanted to go play PAINTBALL for his birthday, so we hit the fields.   We tried a new Paintball location called Paintball Jungle.   This is one of the largest locations in the area.   And is close by, so we didn't have to drive very far.  They offer a Mom's play for FREE, so we brought Michele and Annette to play too.  Jordan came with us too to round out the posse.

In the first game it was Me (dad) Michele, and Annette vs. the young ones Miles, Jordan, and Kennedy.      I took out Kennedy  -  Jordan took me out - Michele and Annette teamed up on the birthday boy for the win.   Here's the helmet cam footage of the carnage.

Napa Saints make the Playoffs!!! 

The Junior Pee Wee squad faces their old nemesis the San Ramon T-Birds.  
 The last time these two teams met the T-Birds gain the edge.  This time the Saints
look for some payback. 



The team played their hearts out, but the bad calls from the Ref's left us in a hole that was hardto escape.   Next year things WILL be different.    

 

Our Last Regular season game was against Deer Valley. The last time we met this team was in last years playoff game. Needless to say the Napa Saints were looking for some payback. ..

It was a tough game. Deer Valley seemed to find a way to shut down Napa's passing game. Miles was hurt late in the second half. He shook off the cobwebs and forged forward and looked to return before the end of the half.

Miles added an extra spark starting off the 2nd half drive with a long 43 yard Touch Down run.

Napa Saints Protect the House!!!

After a tough loss last week on the road The Saints pulled it together to Protect their home field against the WEST COUNTY SPARTANS!!! Miles was the work horse of the group pounding the defense with chunks of positive yards. He scored the first touchdown of the game on the opening drive, by a 1 yard dive for six. The big story of the game was the awesomeness of the passing game. The QB had time to pick the secondary apart. #19 was able to find his favorite targets #13 and #40 for huge gains and throwing for one TD while running one in on a QB sneak from the 1 yard line after a big Williams gain.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In recognition of this special cause the Napa Saints are wearing pink socks. Miles is also wearing a ribbon sticker on his helmet to show support for his survivor Grandmother! We love you Mom-Mom!!! sound is broken at beginning but will work

Napa Saints Football 2012

VICTORY!!!

Football season has begun.   After a couple of tough losses on the road the Saints regrouped and played together in pursuit of the win against the Solano Mustangs.  Miles #24  played well of both sides of the ball, which included a touchdown, and a forced fumble.




For a high quality version click on the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYAsQrokqbo

It's been 36 years... The RETURN TO HEARST CASTLE

Road TRIP!!!  Griswald style!!!

It was time to pass the torch of the infamous Williams' Griswald golden steering wheel to the next generation.   As a young boy one of my family's first road trip was to the grand house of William Randolf Hearst's Castle.   I was 6 yrs old when I last visited this Castle, and now is the perfect time to return with my sons.  With Roman being 6 yrs old - it was time for the next generation.  It was now my two boys turn to experience the long and laborious highway trek perfected by family patriarch "Pop-Pop" Williams back in the 70's and 80's. 

The day trip started with a loooong drive on HWY 1 Pacific Coast Highway.   Starting at Santa Cruz, the winding road hugged the coastline with a dizzying winding route.   We stopped at scenic spots along the way.

Roman takes a break on a cliffside rock.

Amazing sea cliffs of BIG SUR national park.

His sweatshirts may say Venice Ca., but this kid is all Northern California.

At last we can see the Castle of San Simeon on the horizon.

The tour started... We took the Grand Ballroom tour.

From the beginning of the tour Roman was looking forward to seeing HIS namesake POOL!

The main house

The dining room.

 The Neptune pool

It may be an old castle but it's gardens were still amazing!

The view from the neptune pool was like being on top of the world.   No wonder W. R. Hearst chose San Simeon.

The entire castle took 29 years to build and still stands incomplete.

The goldleaf is made of actual pure gold!!!

The rear of the castle.

To end the tour we found ourselves finally at ROMAN's pool!!!

W.R.H. even had pure gold inlayed into the tiles on the floor and walls.

One last look at the Castle before we leave!!!

Now for the long winding trip home.  The sun sets on the famous Pacific Coast Highway.

New addition to the Williams family

Last April we introduced a new member of the family.   We received a brand new 4 month old english mastiff puppy.

Xena : The Warrior Princess

 She's the same breed as her predecessor's  Maximus and Athena (We'll always miss them)

 Xena is a playful pup, who is growing more and more everyday.  

 Xena loves playing in the water, so she fits in well with the boys...

  

Please welcome Xena "The Warrior Princess" Williams

It's been a long time but we are back!

A great deal has changed with the Williams family that we'll need to catch up on, but for now lets recap this week.   Miles and Roman had their school's Talent Show this past Friday.   El Centro Elementary school held the event which showcased children from all grades.   The students could choose from a wide array of talents they wanted to display.   The student body, and parents who attended were treated to everything from singing, dancing, to jokes, to karate, to rollerblading.   There was entertainment for everyone!   Miles and Roman chose to perform the hit song "A Billion Hits" from Disney's TV show "Austin and Ally". 

El Centro Talent Show


Everyone had an amazing time.   Miles was lead vocals and Roman provided the backup guitar, and some COOLNESS too!!!

Williams Winter Wonderland

Over the Christmas holiday our plans to surprise the Landry family were foiled due to the untimely weather caused by Father Winter. Our flight was canceled at the last minute by Jet Blue, so we had to make alternate plans for the holiday.

We chose to visit the supreme slopes of Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe.



We stayed at the 1968 Olympic Village. Since Squaw Valley hosted the Olympics, they have the whole area decked out in the spirit of the Olympics.





Miles decided to test out the snowboard he picked up last year. While Roman. Michele and Daddy decided to ski.
The Boys used the bunny slope's pulley system to get up the hill. Miles on his snowboard.




Roman took to skiing like a natural. He was zooming up and down the mountain.

Racers, Start Your Engines!!!

Miles was invited to a birthday party by one of his classmates. The party was held in an indoor race track. The cars were electric, but they were fast. Since this was Miles' first time driving he started off slow then gradually increased his speed.




Each race consisted of 11 laps around the track. All the kids had a great time, and they even have a nine hole miniature golf area under black lights. It was a fun day, but I may have gained a couple more gray hairs because I got a brief glimpse of Miles borrowing the car when he's 16.

Saints go Marching In!!!

Next up was the San Ramon Bears. This was one tough team. The Saints were ready for action and took the challenge head on. This was a special weekend for Miles because he had his Grandparents in town for a visit.



It was a rough start for the Saints. After a disheartening offensive outing. The defense allowed and early touchdown. The offense's second outing proved better for the Saints. After a long drive the Saints were able to punch it in. The defense woke up and shut down the Bears. Miles Williams led the defense and held the Bears offense to only 5 total yards. Unfortunately, the defense took a turn for the worse when two defensive players, including Williams, were injured. Williams and Birdsall needed time to recover with Williams retuning too late in the game to help out the Saints defense. The Bears held out for a win against the Saints, 28-14

Napa Saints find their swagger!!!

Miles and the Saints suffered a couple of tough losses against Walnut Creek and West County. It took a bit of time but it appears that the Napa Saints have found their swagger! The Saints scored 21 unanswered points led by QB Birdsall and RB Yates. The offense did their job to post some points, and the Defense closed the door by posting a SHUT OUT of the Martinez Bulldogs. Miles Williams had three sacks on the day, with one forced fumble. The coaches moved Williams around until they found the defensive spot that suited his style. Needless to say the Saints defense is rock solid now.

Go Saints

Well Worth the HYPE!!!


by Chuck Downfield (AP sports writer)
Sept. 12th 2010

A clear, blue sky Saturday morning marked the arrival of a new talent in the football league. Miles Williams' debut with the Napa Saints was a definitive one. The rookie came to perform in front of a hostile crowd at the Patriots home stadium in American Canyon. When asked before the game if he was nervous about his well publicized start in the league, Williams just replied with "I feel good, and I'm ready to play with my team".

After a rocky first series marred with a string of fumbles by the Saints. It appeared that the hype surrounding the play of Williams was just that. HYPE! American Canyon started off with the ball first and marched down the field with ease ending in a touchdown. The Saints started their offensive series with a couple of fumbles by the QB and RB (Williams). After a couple of short running plays with Williams being stopped behind the line, it seemed as though Williams wasn't ready for prime time.

However, Williams wasn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. After a fake to Williams the Saints QB ran a naked bootleg for a long gain, almost breaking it for a TD. That seemed to knock all the cobwebs out of the Saints offense. The drive ended with a TD by the Saints FB.

The Patriots tried to answer back with another long drive, but were stopped INCHES from the goal line by Williams. Williams held up the Patriots RB at the line and was able to force the fumble by stripping the ball from the back.

The rest of the game it was all Miles Williams #23. He broke a run off for a long gain slipping though the line into the secondary then breaking free down the sideline. Williams broke free several more times during the game and ended up with 115 yards rushing for the day.

It's official that this kid can play under the bright lights, and will be a force in the future. Keep an eye on this kid... I know I will.




For Highlights follow this link:

CLICK to see Highlights of Napa Saints vs. American Canyon Patriots



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cw1-lYEEP8

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!!!

The newest Star in Football
by Chuck Downfield

CORDELIA, Calif ---This season Miles Williams decided to leave the arena of FLAG Football. He announced that he is now ready to enter the 2010 Draft. He was picked up by the Napa Valley Saints for a 4 year contract that will thrust him into the limelight of Scout Football League. When asked by this reporter if he was "ready to play with the big boys of tackle football..." Williams just smiled and answered back with " Oh , I'll be ready - just wait until you see my endzone dances". This kid doesn't lack any confidence that's for sure. Miles tore up the field in Flag Football during the 2009 season. Racking up countless yards, and scoring 6 touchdowns and 3 2pt. conversions during his career.











Some reporters didn't think this guy was ready for prime time, but he proved them all wrong. Since starting camp with the Saints he showed great promise in practice. He fought for the Half Back position and beat out the starter. He'll be the first rookie to start at Half Back in years. That shows how much faith the coaches have in this kid. Coach Torres was quoted saying " Miles is one awesome football player". "I haven't seen talent like this in a long time.


In his first pre-season game against cross town rival the Napa West Raiders. Williams scored on a long touchdown run. After receiving the hand off behind the line of scrimmage Williams was met by the tough Raider defense. To a normal running back this play might have ended there, but not with this talent. Williams split the defenders to break into the secondary of the Raiders. He was soon wrapped up by the defensive backs, but Williams wasn't done yet. He was just too powerful to bring down and the defenders soon lost their grip and Williams broke free. He scampered down the sideline avoiding the defenders and the out of bounds of the sideline. He finally breached the goal for a TOUCHDOWN! In this reporters opinion - THIS is just the beginning of what this kid has in store for us the rest of the season. When asked how he developed his skills Williams replied - "I owe it all to my Family. My Cousin Malik, and my Uncle Mark took me under their wing and shared their wisdom of football with me. Their passion for the game rubbed off of me".




Only time will tell if this gritty rookie will live up to the media hype, but I know where I'll be on Saturday Mornings... Watching this young man PLAY the game!!!



















The Saints open the regular season with a game against the American Canyon Patriots on September 11th 2010. I'm sure No. 23 will be there READY TO PLAY.