Pikes Peak

Headed up Pikes Peak from the gate today with my parents. I was planning on riding to the summit but pulled the plug about halfway after I realized I wasn't going to beat my PR. It was still a good time. We did drive to the summit from Glen Cove where I stopped. Thought it would be worth posting a few pictures of the day and of me riding my bike.

Meet Julia's Roommates

Introducing Emma, Ella and Ashley

Greenbluff

Going to Greenbluff and picking fruit is one of our traditions when we visit Spokane. Usually we're there during cherry picking season. This year we went with Pat, Melinda and Madeline. The kids did most of the cherry picking while I tried to get some good pictures of the animals and cherries on the tree.

The last photo isn't from Greenbluff. It's from the Liberty Lake fireworks show on the 4th of July. I wanted to include the photo somewhere so we were reminded of just how close we were able to sit. Those are pieces of cardboard from exploded fireworks that were landing on us during the show. So, yeah, we were basically right underneath the show! 

Spokane Area Scenery

One of the best parts of going back to Spokane is the great riding! Stacey and I were there for a few days before the kids, so I was able to get out on the bike and do a few rides.

We have the Spokane River and the Spokane Falls, followed by a delicious scone from Rockwood Bakery that I ate before doing a 70 mile loop from the South Hill to Cheney and Medical Lake before returing to Spokane Valley. I did another great loop around Newman and Hauser Lakes. And you can't come here without riding up Mount Spokane.

Sandpoint, Idaho

Stacey and I spent most of the time without the kids in Sandpoint. Although we were technically both working this week, things were pretty slow and we used the rest of the time to rest.

We also did some a few things in town, and I obviously got out a few times on my bike. The area is way too pretty to not explore on bike. I rode up Schweitzer Mountain and had a great trip south of town that followed the shoreline at many points.

Billings, Montana

On the road again! We had last visited Spokane in 2023, so this year we decided to spend some time up there before Julia headed off to college. Stacey and I drove out together and left the kids back home for about ten days before they flew up to meet us.

Part of the trip was to see family and for family to see Julia and celebrate her graduation together. Matt and Julie came over from Seattle for a few days. Pat, Melinda, and Maddi flew in and spent about a week with us in an Air BnB together.

We did the typical drive from home to Billings the first day. The drive was so easy with half the number of people, and the roads were pretty empty too. The next morning I went for a ride around a familiar loop I had done a few times before on other trips.

Grand Lake

Stacey and I took a few days and had a weekend away together in Grand Lake. We left the kids at home as a test run for leaving for Spokane a week later. I had a race in Kremmling not far away, so it only made sense for us to add another night or two to the trip and make it a weekend.

We didn't do very much outside of my bike race except chill, walk around and enjoy some good food, and then an early morning hike before driving back home. It was nice to get away for a few days. It's a really pretty place and not very busy since it's out of the way for most people living on the front range.

Jonathan's 16th Birthday

Happy Birthday Buddy! We celebrated this milestone birthday in typical fashion with a family party at our house. But the big event of the day was Jonathan passing his driving test and getting his license (despite the challenges with the previous driving school). At the time of writing Jonathan is a few months into driving. He's been loving the freedom to drive to the gym or pickleball and even drove to South Denver alone last weekend.

Julia's Graduation Open House

Julia did an amazing job planning, designing, and setting up her open house held at the Cordera Community Center!

The party was a joint affair with her friend Livi, but Julia (and Stacey) did most of the work. The venue was a great option, proved by the fact that another student from a different high school was having their open house at the same time in the room next to ours.

Julia built a slide show of her and Livi with pictures of each of them at a very young age all the way through high school together. There was background music, balloons, yummy finger foods, college themed cup cakes, and various displays for each girl.

The guestbook table was setup with instant cameras so people could take a picture of themselves with Julia and then write a note next to their picture. A basket of wildflower seed packets for each guest to plant was a nice touch.

I think the event was a great success all around. Many people stopped by to say hello and congratulations to Julia.

Last Day of 9th Grade