Lilac Century Bicycle Ride 2012

Beautiful day for a bicycle ride along the Spokane River.  Cool and sunny.  We did this ride last year but we chose to do 25 miles this time.  There are 4 different distances.  Last year we did 15 miles. 

This ride is a tough ride.  Lots of hills and I am not good on hills.  We stopped here for a snack!

We thought this picture was an optical illusion.  I look way shorter than Sheila and in the picture above I don't.  I was standing on the same level Sheila was.  haha

2nd snack stop.  We dont' take this ride too seriously.  We stop at the snack stops and stop to take pictures.  We needed the rest today.

So we took an alternate route again.  The turn around was right after the 9 Mile Bridge.  We decided to go over the bridge and go along the road to 7 Mile as our route.  We kept picturing the hills we rode down and thinking how we had to ride back up them.  I had a PR in downhill bike speed.  35 MPH.  To some that isn't fast but it felt fast to me.  Sheila was going faster than I was.  Skinny tires and speed are a little scary. This is the 9 Mile Dam.

 The water was fast and high!

Sheila on the start of our alternate route.  We ended up liking it a lot.  Gradual hills!  Not straight up and straight down.  Is see people going up hills and think how do they do that.  My legs are strong why can't I cruise up the hills.

 This is the road we were cycling on for the alternate.

If we would have stayed on the actual route we would have been where the person in the neon green is.  Can you see the person?

We finished.  My legs were done.  No more uphill.  I had to get off and walk at least twice.  I still had legs for flat but my legs probably wouldn't have climbed one more hill.  We finished it and the goal is to do the 25 mile next year with no  walking up hills.  We both worked really hard today.

Lots of cyclists hanging out eating the baked potatoes that were provided after the ride.  Yum.

 Check out the potato!

 Mandi and Sheila after the race!

Jackie and Mandi.  Mandi was easily done with the 25 miles and a three mile run by the time we got done with the 25 miles.  YOUTH!

Great fun and hard work and nice weather.  It was a good morning!

Spring Dash 2012

The Spring Dash Intro

Year number 2 for the Spring Dash in Coeur d alene, Idaho.  It is a beautiful setting for an event for sure.  The beautiful blue skies, the trees and the lake.  Much warmer than last year as Sheila mentioned! Green shirts this year but a nicer green for me anyway.  

 The three amigas!  Jackie, Deanna, and Sheila!

 Mandy and Sheila pretty in pink!

Lots more people joined us this year.  People like sunshine and warm weather.  It isn't that fun in the snow!

 Nice!  Pretty!

 Some darn big houses along the lake!  Can you believe that?????

 AHHH.  Sun and blue skies and green trees.  Don't look at the asphalt!

Sheila mentioned this was where the people that didn't finish the race ended up.  I think they might be people that froze last year.

 The Lake!

 Our after picture.

 TRADITION!

We sat on a bench outside and had our iced coffees and snacks.  So nice.  As you might be able to tell we haven't had a lot of great weather this spring.  We were lovin' it.  Good time with good friends!  Thanks ladies!

Lucy's Birthday 3 Years OLD!

Another birthday!  Lucy is three now.  Birthdays are a big deal when you are 3.  So much excitement!  All the guests arrived and it was time to open presents.  It is hard to gather all those kids and adults up so Lucy waited patiently for everyone.  

 Still waiting!

 More waiting.

 and more

 Ah, finally the opening begins!  The cousins gathered round to watch Lucy

Justin helped her open while Kristin took pictures.  Justin read the cards to her, then the present was opened, and then each gift giver got a big hug from Lucy.  So sweet.  I was so impressed with Layne and how she helped too and she made sure Lucy got to open the presents and not the very excited cousins.

 Lucy and Kristin made the cake.  Decorations by Lucy!

Lucy had been asking for a red motorcycle like mine.  haha It isn't exactly like mine but it is remote controlled and fun!  AND RED!

 Cake and ice cream!

 Layne and Lucy waiting for candles to be ignited!

 I think she got them all blown out with some help!

Precious little ones eating cake and ice cream.  Nothing like seeing these kids sitting around a table together lovin' the simple things.  We are so blessed!

Love this picture.  These are Layne and Lucy's cousins.  Can you tell they are related?

Happy Birthday sweet Lucy.  We love you a ton!  Don't start riding motorcycles until you are in your 50's!

Soccer Season Begins for Layne

2012 Soccer season has started for Layne.  Wow, the girls did a great job at their game!  They are growing up way to fast.  Layne has a little mini soccer player that likes to do everything she does.  

Look at these girls sitting and talking with each other.  Layne is on the right.  They look way to grown up.

 Layne sits on her ball so Lucy does too.

 Layne lays on her tummy and Lucy does too.

Layne hangs out with the players and Lucy does too.  Layne is a great big sister.

Can't wait to see more games this spring!  Fun to watch the improvement as the grow.  Might be that awesome coach they have this year too!