[Nate Smith]

I have hinted at this previously, but I think the time has come now for the official announcement(as I sit in a half-unpacked house at 7:30 in the morning, waiting for the web site to update telling me when our washing machine is going to get here)...

For the 2006 season, you will not be seeing my wife or myself in our usual roles at the michigan regional events. We have recently(well, about 2 months ago now) found out that we are expecting a new addition to the family, who, from what we've been told, will be getting here around January 31. We may still make an appearance at the West Michigan regional, as that is now our "home" event, but that will most likely be our only involvement with the 2006 season. We are still scheduled to attend the Kettering Kickoff this September, and perhaps Sweet Repeat in October(waiting to hear back from them).

So, for the first time since 2000, you will not see myself or my wife in a crew shirt in our usual roles(or any role for that matter). We wish everyone the best of luck in the upcoming season, and hopefully we will be able to make at least a partial return for 2007.

PS - Some of you may be slightly confused at this announcement, due to a similar one being made in the fall of 2004. Unfortunately, we were expecting at that time as well, but lost the baby on Thanksgiving Day 2004. We have made it well past that point in the pregnancy this time, and the doctor sees no reason to suspect any trouble in the remaining months.