Father's Day Delights

This morning Dad enjoyed our family's traditional "breakfast in bed," although he had already been out of bed... we were a little late in rising. After church and Sunday naps, Mom made some delicious ribs (with the help of Brian) and baked potatoes. Then came some fun with Joey outside followed by enjoying one of Dad's favorite desserts... Strawberry rhubarb pie and vanilla ice cream (pic and notes about the pie recipe below). Happy Father's Day to a super special Dad! We love you!
The pie recipe came from America's Test Kitchen cookbook. It turned out beautifully, as you can see, and we enjoyed the taste, recognizing it could be better... It could have used a little less rhubarb and more strawberries than the recipe calls for. The rhubarb we used came from our neighbor's garden (they are so nice to share with us)... I may have picked some stalks that were slightly too ripe and therefore bitter. The crust recipe was the best used yet, and it baked really well (following the directions on the recipe).

Joey...missing his mom

Joseph Carlos, "Joey," misses his mom. He's enjoyed some great walks with his sissy as well as sprints while Dad and Sissy play catch in the backyard, not to mention a deodorizing bath with his other sissy. Nevertheless, he just misses his mom. One of the highlights this week was going on an adventure walk with Dad and Sissy and then walking home from the trail, thinking that he saw mom's car over and over and over again... He even attempted to chase a few!

Moses Lake Triathalon

Pictures, Compliment's of Dad's pro-phone Photography! He saved the day!

Adventure #2... The goggles and suit, running shoes and biking spandis were packed, and miraculously (really) Dulce's derailleurs were tuned up and happy to go. After some kinks were worked through in our departure, Dad and I took off in "Bu," the Malibu, and made our way to Moses Lake (Eastern Washington). Sleep was short and sweet at the hotel as we found ourselves pulling in just before 1am. Prayers were answered as we woke to a dry and sunny Saturday morning. Blue Heron park was less than 10 minutes away, which made for a speedy arrival at the stare line, a dock on Moses Lake.
I was one of 3 non-wet-suit swimmers awaiting the race to start. The start was sweet, pulling my way to the front part of the swimming pack, soon opening up to enjoy a full stroke to get me going more fluently. Lack of water (hydration) and water that was at most 65 degrees Fahrenheit soon led to a panicking Jenni... yes, swimming was my primary sport... this was strange enough that I chose not to risk it and made my way to the shore. There I sat for a moment before I ran back to the bike start (feeling very sheepish for dropping out of the swim!), dried off, hydrated and suited up for the biking stretch after reporting that I dropped out to an official. So as to not throw of fellow racers from my heat, I awaited their departure from the water and joined in the rest of the race...
Biking went well... head winds made the downhill feel oddly tough, but it sure felt good to pass up a few, not to mention being passed up by plenty of cyclists. I did not realize how strong the wind was until it was on my side for the return. I reached a max speed of 68 mph, according to my speedometer! (Did I mention that I installed in incorrectly so it was reading about twice my actual speed?) Pulling ahead of two bikers at the tail end of the ride gave me a little extra time to sort through my transition, get my running shoes on an take off down by the river along the paved running path.
6.2 miles of running along Moses Lake made for a great race... While it was not trail running like I get at home, I got to meet an inspiring woman in her forties who is an Iron man Athlete competing in this race for training purposes. She is originally from Adelaide, Australia and currently is a practicing pediatrician in Vancouver B.C. We kept each other company and made the last stretch of the race quite enjoyable. It was women like her and many others in their 40's and 50's who assure me that I have better races ahead!
While I am not pleased with my performance and take full responsibility for not preparing properly for the swimming part, it was a great experience- one that I am grateful for! It was even better to have Dad there cheering me on a taking pics on his Blackberry phone. He was a great support despite that fact that I completely threw him off when I walked up to him unexpectedly dressed in my bike clothes rather than running out of the water in my swim suit and goggles!
More adventures ahead! Thanks again for my supportive Dad and Mom (she would have been there too had she not been tending to her new granddaughter)!!!

Benefit Ride

Over the past couple of years I have gained a love for cycling, which has opened the doors to some great opportunities for adventure! On Memorial Day I had the chance to ride 82 miles with a small group of 5 guys who have organized and are completing a benefit ride to raise money for research to find a cure for EB. While I am not an expert on EB, it is a rare genetic skin disease that has caused children and young adults to suffer in great ways that most will never have to endure. Their website is "www.EBtrek08.org" - more info about EB as wells a links to find out more about the trek and read their blog can be found there.
So we road from Bellevue into Seattle (Pier 52) and then rode a ferry across to Bainbridge island and continued cycling into Shelton and then west to Elma, Washington. It was a beautiful day, and we saw some gorgeous country along the highways and back roads.
Dad and Mom Skeen were so nice and came and picked me up in little Elma where the EB trek crew stayed the night. They had already ridden from Provo, UT and are currently making their way down to Los Angeles where they will complete their trek!
I was spoiled and only got a taste of their ride and then was treated to a delicious slab of catfish, shrimp, vegies and baked potato at Red Lobster! What a life! Mama and Papa are too good to their daughter who sends them on these wild goose chases... More adventures ahead!

First Grandchild

Madison Naomi Miller...
Kristen and Kevin just welcomed the first grandchild into the family! Madison Naomi Miller was born at about 4am on May 22. She is happy and healthy, as are her parents! We are all soooo anxious to meet Madison. Andrew and Rachel have been able to see her because of their proximity, and we are all very jealous. She is adorable! You can see more pics on Kevin and Kristen's blog...

Her middle name was chosen in remembrance of Nancy Naomi and Eliza Naomi Tracy Skeen, who are Kristen's Great Great Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandmother.

One concern we've had at "grandma and grandpa's" house is that when Madi comes to visit, Joey will not get nearly the attention that he needs and "deserves" as the "baby" in the house. Any suggestions?

Green Goodness

Jenni and Jenna got some great pics along the Columbia river on their drive home. It's such a pretty time of year. Green lush forests are even more amazing when you haven't been surrounded by them for a long period. We love it here!

Spring Time!

Spring has come! Dad keeps working hard with his water heater company as well as helping everyone with everything that MacGyver can do... the list is endless! Mom still keeps her cheery self serving her hubby and kids with dinner while still working on the side... it's also baby blanket making season! Maea is preparing to go to prom and staying busy with school and friends now that track season is over. Brian is working for another company now in sales and seems to be finding success. Jenni is home temporarily and works for the school district as well as working for Dad as a receptionist while getting things lined up for the big move that's coming up soon.