Cold Stone Creamery

Julia at her first job at Cold Stone, off of Academy and Woodmen!

Mom's 70th Birthday

Happy Birthday Mom! After I got home from Tucson we all celebrated Mom's 70th Birthday in style at The Melting Pot downtown. This was so much fun and really good food. I ate so much but it was worth it. We don't really go out to eat ourselves, and definitely not to places this nice, so it really was a treat. Glad we could celebrate this together.

Even More Tucson Pictures

These pictures are from our team rides through Gates Pass and Mount Lemmon. Talk about opposite experiences, with one day being a fantastic ride and the other miserable.

Gates Pass up and around Saguaro National Park was a great day. We started in a big group, and probably hand a nice tailwind, because we put in about 50 miles to the Visitor's Center without even feeling like I had started to ride. I remember commenting that this was probably the easiest 50 miles I had ever done. As a result, after climbing the pass and descending back into town, Matt and I hatched the idea to ride back to our houses so we could end the day with a sweet 100 miles. We stopped for some coffee and donuts and then rode back up The Loop to our houses. It was a great day, and perfect timing, as the ride and calorie burn didn't hit me until last two or three miles.

Mount Lemmon was another story. This was the second year in a row that I had an issue on this climb. Last year I got an unrepairable flat tire. This year, everything was great until we got up to the higher elevations and a storm blew in. I didn't have enough clothes, but after last year, I was determined to make it to the top and then warm up in the buildings. I made it to the top, but practically froze myself doing so. I hopped in the team truck and it took me awhile to stop shaking. We picked up most of our other teammates at various points and shuttled everyone down to a lower and warmer elevation so that they could ride the rest of the way down the mountain. I decided that my day was done, and stayed in the truck! 

More Tucson Pictures

A team photo, my favorite sign in Saguaro National Park, and more pictures from the aforementioned Silver Bell Mine and Loop rides.

Tuscon Team Camp

I headed down to Tucson for the second straight year for some riding and some fun. Getting outside in the sun and riding my bike with a bunch of teammates is such a nice change.

This year I drove down, stopping in Albuquerque both ways. The drive was pretty easy and I preferred it to flying in many ways. You can bring pretty much whatever you want.

The team camp this year was similar to 2024. Since I have a lot of pictures to share, I'm breaking it up into three posts so I can talk a little bit about the trip.

Justin and I went down separately, but earlier than most people. I drove down over the Super Bowl weekend, which meant a nice long ride around The Loop on Sunday before the game. We met up with Justin's friend, and former Colorado resident, Nate at his property for a ride on Wednesday. Erik joined us for the windy spin too. Most of these pictures are of the route out to Silver Bell Mine or at the BnB that he runs and manages.

A few of these other pictures are of me and Justin riding around The Loop the day Justin arrived or up around Dove Mountain where I stayed before joining the team house.

DECA Orlando Trip

Julia, Miles, and dozens of other students at Pine Creek went down to Orlando for a few days to attend a national DECA conference. At least that was the premise, but I think most of the things they will remember are going to Universal Studios and Disneyland together. They had a great time and made some great memories.

The Look

Even Freckles has the same reaction when I tell another Dad Joke...

Anglers Futsal

Jonathan made the move from Pride Soccer Club to Anglers FC this winter. After a less than desirable fall season for the family with Pride, we started looking for a better fit. The first opportunity with Anglers FC came between seasons, with their coed friendly futsal league. It was a positive experience and good fit, and allowed Jonathan to keep active.

YMCA Basketball Team Photo

YMCA Basketball

Jonathan played his first season of organized basketball with the YMCA this winter. He and his neighbor friend, Holden, were able to get on the same team. It was a great experience and fun for everyone involved. After a slow start in the first two games, I think they ended the season with five straight wins. I hope he plays again this year.