Disneyland

This year we went to Disneyland for Spring Break. This was an amazing present from Grandpa and Grandma for their kids of all ages. We spent a few days in Southern California before spending three days in the park; staying onsite in the Grand Californian Hotel. We walked about 10 miles every day we were there.

There were so many highlights that I could mention. I'm not going to list off every single ride we did. Among all of us we pretty much hit all of the major rides and attractions. Jonathan was the bravest of the entire group and went on pretty much all of the adult rides. Major memories included going on Splash Mountain five times, Radiator Springs (and the Cars ride), Guardians of the Galaxy, and just getting to spend some time and make a lasting memory with the rest of the family.

Thanks Grandpa & Grandma!  We'll remember this for a long time and thankful that you are able to do this with us.

Space Shuttle Endeavour

Two is Better Than One

It's not common that a 40 year old son and his 68 year old Dad get to bike and run around the Rose Bowl together!

Workout Buddies

Julia and I went to the gym for the first time. I did 100 pull-ups and Julia did one mile on the treadmill, 100 sit-ups, and climbed some stairs. More importantly, we had a good time together!

Front Range Cycling Classic

Today I did my first official bike race. It was at the Air Force Academy.  I had a lot of fun and I learned some things my first time out. I really didn't have the racing mentality today since I was more interested in seeing what it was all about.  I finished 39th of the 67 men (of all ages) that were together in category 4 and 5. Not bad all things considered.  

This year I'm doing several different races and events to figure out what I like best (and what suits me best). I've been training very hard this winter with my coach, er, virtual coach, er, virtual indoor training program. It's been a good experience and I have definitely gotten to a point where I can "hang" as a result of the training program. Next up is to get more experience and learn the intricacies of bike racing.

Surprise Treat

I opened my lunch today and was surprised to find this from Julia. She had sneaked a piece of her chocolate into my lunch bag without me knowing. She's so thoughtful and sweet!

City Rock w/G&G (& 1,500th Post)

Grandpa and Grandma took the kids down to City Rock today. They had so much fun climbing around on the walls...the kids, that is. They both had sore arms the next day. Jonathan's abs were especially sore, which I took full advantage of with my jokes. Stacey and I really enjoyed the time to ourselves as well.  They also captured some really good video, especially of the kids on the gray wall with the overhang.  They are like little monkeys!

Completely shifting gears, this is my 1,500th post on this blog. I started it shortly after Julia was born and am surprised that I've kept it up this long. OK, I'm not that surprised considering how disciplined I am at continuing things that I start. Over the years as time has gotten shorter it's turned into more of a family history / 21st century photo album than a personal blog.  But hey, that sort of mirrors this life stage. It'll be great when the kids are older for them to be able to look back at their childhood in these posts and pictures.

5th Grade Musical

Here are some pictures of Julia's last elementary school class musical. She was a pirate aboard a mighty seafaring vessel that braved the waves of the school cafeteria. There were several songs that were performed, and she did a great job saying her one or two lines when her class was on stage. Ahoy Matey!

Ski Coooper With Julia

Fifth and sixth graders get three free lift tickets in Colorado. So, I decided to take Julia skiing for the first time today. I took the day off from work since the weather and traffic were looking pretty good. Julia has been nordic skiing a couple of times, but this was her first time on the alpine slopes. 

We got up early in the morning and drove up. We started on the bunny hill but after only two runs it was clear that Julia was a natural! We hopped on the ski lift and did several green runs until finishing the day with a couple of blues. The weather was absolutely perfect; perhaps the best I've ever experienced in the mountains in the winter above 10,000 feet.

Julia had so much fun. She kept saying how much fun it was and that she couldn't wait to do it again. I lost track of how many times she told me "thanks for taking me, Daddy". I had a lot of fun too and it was good to spend some one on one time with her! This was definitely a memorable time together.

Daddy Daughter Dance 2019