So school has been out for a week now, and we haven't really done anything too productive. Katie and I have finally figured out the routine that the kids have fallen into. They get up early (the kids and Katie, not me), and by the time I join the party (usually only about a half hour later), it's breakfast time. Lucy and Tommy are growing up super fast; it's crazy to see how grown up Tommy looks now, plus he's started walking, so now we really have to try and keep up with him.
They are beginning to play together quite well also. Well, most of the time anyways! Lucy still plays pretty rough sometimes, and Tommy usually ends up on the floor in a heap crying his eyes out. Live and learn right? Before too long, The table will turn and Lucy will be the one on the receiving end of a little brother beatdown.
My riding season is quickly coming to an end. I can't believe I've been riding pretty regularly since February, and that it's almost over. I really do love my time out on the bike. You get to see so much more of your surroundings when you're forced to slow down. Our cycling team has ridden all over the Valley this season, covering all types of terrain; from nice flat roads to hellacious climbs and wicked downhills. I was able to top out at 47 mph going down one of the big hills this season. Yep, 47 mph on tires less than one inch wide. It is such a rush to cruise down a hill at that speed!
We leave for Tahoe this coming Friday for the big ride. I was able to raise nearly $4,400 dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society this season; much thanks to Pena Acoustics and FCI Constructors, who each donated $1,000 to the cause! So it all culminates this weekend when 3,000 cyclists from across the country come together in Lake Tahoe for a weekend of fun and togetherness, all in support of those who have been affected by blood cancers. On Sunday we will all set to accomplish the goal we set last Spring; complete a 100 mile century ride around the Lake (and into Truckee, CA).
If it's anything compared to last year, I'm in for a treat. The temperature at the start of the ride was 31 degrees; I started out wearing three layers of clothing, and by the time I crossed the finish line 9 hours later, the layers were gone, the legs were burning, and I could not wipe the smile of my face! This year I plan to take a much more recreational approach to the ride. I want to take more pictures and enjoy the scenery. I was so worried about finishing in one piece last year that I didn't take it all in. This year will be different.
The only downside (if you can find one) is that I have to leave Katie with the kids for the entire weekend (Friday to Monday). She'll tell you that I don't care, but I really don't like doing that. I don't think it's fair for one person to have to take care of two kids alone for four full days, especially when they've grown accustomed to having us both here all day long. Plus I miss my kids tons when I'm gone. Don't get me wrong, I totally miss my wife when I'm not home too, but I think I can safely say that we are used to being apart, and it doesn't affect us too much anymore. Put it this way: back when I was in the Marine Corps, there was actually a period in our relationship when we had been apart more than we had been together.
So now neither one of us really leaves for any extended amount of time. It's nice to get away sometimes, but I do miss being gone. For the rest of the summer, Katie will be working two days a week and going to class two nights a week so that she can OFFICIALLY get her Master's degree. We'll take a few mini vacations: San Diego at the end of June, may be a weekend in Flagstaff or Sedona to get away from the heat. That's about for it now. I will be spending parts of this summer getting ready for my new teaching assignment for the 09-2010 school year: First Grade. I'm leaving the attitudes and hormones of sixth graders and trading them in for untied shoes and runny noses of first graders. Can't wait!
