Bolder Boulder - Solo Style

    The Bolder Boulder was cancelled this year due to COVID-19, but this has become such a tradition for us that I decided to take the kids in an run it anyways by ourselves.  There's a bit of risk with this, in that obviously all 50,000 people can't show up and make the same decision we did so we tried to make it a bit different but still keep the same feel.  Many years ago the course actually started in a different location (you came South down 30th instead of North up it for most of the first mile) so we ran the traditional old course and we also started a bit later in the mid-morning than early like the normal race.  After the first mile or so, though it joins up and for the most part follows the same course with a few minor differences.  In any case, here we are all prepped at the pre-race!  Gavin also brought his traditional headband.

         We started rolling and clicking off the miles together without seeing too many other runners doing the same thing.  At most there were five or six people that we saw out running, but what was better was that some of the lawn parties were still going on as normal and we got quite a lot of cheers as we ran through the back neighborhoods.  Unfortunately, nobody was out with doughnuts, Doritos, or Cotton Candy but we survived.  We came through at about 1:06:00 (with some stops for stop lights) which was probably a record for Gage but maybe a bit slower for Gavin than last year but we had a blast.  After a two to three mile walk from the stadium back to the car we enjoyed some nice mini-Dr. Peppers to finish our own private celebration.  I love being able to take these guys and have experiences like this and keep the traditions alive...even when live is crazy.

Chimi

Gavin and Gage have dubbed this squirrel (or any squirrel that comes into our back yard) "Chimi".  They have decided to slow improve the welfare programs for animals living in our back yard.  First we have provided a nice platform to sit/stand on that receives weekly rations of left over Hamster food.  There are also plans to build a nice single bedroom affordable squirrel apartment for tree branch located next to the dining area in this tree.  I am not sure how many different squirrels we actually have that frequent our place now but it seems like more than just one or two.  I guess as long as its only them and not anything larger like a raccoon, I am fine with it.  They are pretty fun to watch out there dining away!

Middle School Awards

Gavin has really excelled in school in so many ways and we are very proud of him.  He takes his school work very seriously, participates in class, and challenges himself across all subjects.  In fact, sometimes we have to make sure he takes a step back to give himself some more grace if he isn't quite picking up something as fast as he thinks he should.  We certainly notice his effort and so do his teachers.  This year he was given the award for Outstanding Math student for his core team.  He was very proud of this and we got to see him receive his award at a presentation ceremony!

Gross Res Ride

I always love the ride up to Gross reservoir from our house.  It's a solid 2-2.5 hours worth of riding and climbing but the trip back down is much quicker.  You can see the reservoir in the background with the water level a bit lower than usual but the sprint snow melt is still happening.  This time, I actually headed South a bit farther across the Gross Dam Road to see where it led to, but I also had some time constrains so I didn't explore too far.  It's worth mentioning that I'm not a great selfie taker but this was too beautiful of a day not to capture the experience somehow!

 

Family Bike Ride

This has started to become an interesting season of riding.  We are running into a bit of a bike shortage with the family but we still managed to get out for a ride with the four of us.  The problem is as follows: Gage has been riding his road bike, but it is far too small for him these days.  He actually fits on Gavin's road bike a bit better.  Additionally, Gavin can actually fit on Tara's bike fairly well but with COVID almost all of the bikes across the US are sold out so we can't find a new bike for Tara to allow everyone to shift up one bike.  For now, we are making due and here we are cruising around the back neighborhoods toward Anthem from our house.

Tara and I were chilling behind making sure they were doing alright and staying out of the way of traffic.  A bit chilly, but not bad for a sunny May day to get out together.

Haircut Time?

I am not sure there is more to be said with this picture except..."When can we get this guy in to see Ms. Kim for a haircut!"  This looks to be post soccer game but this guy has some wings flaring!