Measuring for a new Bike

For a while now, we have been talking about getting Tara a newer bike.  She has been on an entry level bike for some time, and she is riding enough to where I think she would enjoy and appreciate something a bit nicer.  The other problem was that some parts that could use replacement on her current bike just aren't really made any more.  In any case, I put my friend James (at Tribellas/Denver Fit Loft) up to the task of finding her a new bike.  The first step was to get her properly fit on this frame-fitting apparatus and then they can take her measurements and optimize it to different brands/models for her.  She did great, so now it's up to the team at Tribellas to find us a good match.

Working Man

 This is a picture of Gavin in his first formal job of his life...as a Sprouts Curtesy Clerk.  It actually took quite a while to get this arranged.  He applied several months prior to this, but then the managers were out of town on vacation.  Once he finally did get hired it still took them a few weeks to get him scheduled correctly and put through orientation.  In the end, though, he is happily spending his days sweeping the floors, grabbing carts from the parking lot, and providing some extra stocking support where needed.  It does remind me a bit of my first job at Albertsons in Boulder almost 35 years ago.  Wow how time flies!

Fire on the Front Range

Perhaps this is the former firefighter in me, but I always seem to be extra alert anytime there is a local fire.  This looks to be a newly started fire just up the hill from NCAR on the South side of the Flatirons.  I tried to get in contact with my friend Ed, who works for the Lefthand Fire Department, but I think he was already in route.  This location made me especially nervous because I know it would be difficult to get a crew up there with the steep hikes and all the gear.  Thankfully, it looked like a helicopter was already in the air dumping water.  Hopefully, they will get it under control fast as the iconic look of the Front Range is a state treasure.

Trip to visit Grandma/Grandpa Mike

Gavin and Gage are off to visit Grandma and Grandpa Mike up in Seattle!  This may be the first time they have ever flown fully alone, but I am not sure.  They were certainly excited and Grandma was going to be meeting them at the gate at the other end.  I dropped them off at the Security line and then they were off...at least they were together and had phones if something went wrong.

I actually walked up to the 2nd floor overlooking security to make sure they got through and I was greeted with this hilarious site.  Apparently, they still are having people take off their belts as they go through, but this presents a problem when you have a 32-inch waist and decide that the fashion-forward choice is paints and shorts that are size 46.

I could only really stare and laugh at them trying to hold up their pants/shorts as they waddled around like penguins.  At least they made it through without any major incidents and were on their way!  I hope they have a great week.

Maui Trip - Day 8 (Part 2 of 2)

After a morning of snorkeling, we were in dire need of some tasty lunch food.  We actually just kind of stumbled on this food-truck type village off of Alahele Place and S. Kihei Rd.  There were probably six or seven different food places, so we were each able to find something we like.

Here is Tara trying some sort of fruit thing she bought at one of the places while we waited for the rest of our food.  The shade tarps were a nice touch to keep things cool in the midday.

Here is the final picture of our trip...just a picture of the island.  What an awesome vacation week with the family!  We are definitely blessed to be able to afford nice trips like this, and I am thankful to be able to have shared this time with my family.  Hopefully, we made memories that we can all remember for a long time.

Maui Trip - Day 8 (Part 1 of 2)

With our last full day in Maui, the guys were eager to get one last good day of snorkeling in.  I think this was at La Perouse Bay (though I may be wrong).  This had a bit more of a rocky entrance to get in.

You can see these guys contemplating how to get from the rocks they are standing on out to the shore drop off.  With fins, it's always a bit tricky!

After a good hour or so of snorkeling, these guys slowly came back to shore.  Gage was the first one to come back.

You can see Gavin coming in here, with Tara still working to head out for a bit in her pink water shirt.  

Maui Trip - Day 7

After a few big days of activities, we thought today would be better as a semi-down day.  We took the boogie boards over to a close beach called Kamaole.  We had to drive but it was just a few miles down the coast from our place.  

The guys also did some snorkeling (though it wasn't the greatest spot) as well and even saw a pair of turtles coming in and out of the surf swimming around.  I also took the opportunity to do a bit of longer distance swimming along this cove and swam back and forth a few times to get my swim strokes in.

Any day is a good one that finishes (once again) at Ululani's Hawaiian Shaved Ice!  I think this was at least round two for us for the week.