It's that time again!

Lindy is coming up on her 6-month birthday which means she'll be starting on solids. She started cereal last week and is slamming it down! Once she goes for her checkup at the dr, she will start her homemade food. I'm making her sweet potatoes, apples, plums, green beans, and avocados. Since Macy is a week older than Lindy, Melinda and I are sharing the food-making duties. So Melinda is making some other things, then we will give each other half of what we make. That way we get lots of varieties for our growing girls!

Our New Floor

Just for a week! Got the carpet and linoleum torn out yesterday. Next weekend we will be installing new flooring. Can't wait!

Grandpa was here!

Lindy had her first bowl of cereal while grandpa was here!

Go figure... Cayle stretching hamstrings with Grandpa. Cayle's pretty flexible!!

Grandpa cuts apples differently than most. Cayle loves it!

LARGE pile of pea gravel that needs moved to the back yard... one wheelbarrow at a time...

Officiating

I have done 3 games now of middle school football. I find it quite interesting and fun. Never before have looked at games like you do when your an official. I feel like as a basketball coach, I see everything (prolly not true), but I feel like as an official it's much easier to miss things. Probably feel that way because you are supposed to see everything, and not so much supposed to as a coach.

Play from last night. One official signalling TD, and on signalling touchback - interception... (Pic from LA Times)

Anyway, I feel terrible for these NFL refs! I don't like people yelling at me at middle school games. Let alone games where you have instant replay and each play is analyzed over and over and over again. I understand they are being paid for their efforts, and probably quite well, but I don't understand how any of them can be sleeping much at night, with how much hate from the fans they are receiving. Count me out on an offer from the NFL to officiate....

Yard Renovations

 Been doing major work in the yard. These are before pics. Will get some afters posted soon. Moving all of this rock out and moving pea gravel in. It's more kid friendly. Right now I just have a 12 ton pile of pea gravel in the driveway that is going to go in one wheelbarrow at a time... may take a while!!!

Cayle has been helping shovel and rake and move cobbles! Excellent helper!!!

5th Annual Brummer Fall Colors Drive

Today was our 5th annual drive over Independence Pass to look at the fall colors.  We did things a bit differently today since we were picking up Frank in Aspen about 4.  So, we left right after church, got some coffee and gas at the gas station, and headed up through Leadville.  We stopped just below the climb to have some snacks and for me to feed Lindy.  Cayle had a great time going down to the water and getting to throw some rocks. 

Next we headed up to the top of the pass and gave the annual family pic a whirl and yep - another "not so good family" pic.  It's just not the best place to think we're going to get an awesome pic...it's always windy up there it seems - and yet, we try it out every year. 

 

We bypassed our usual lunch stop due to the wind and headed down to an awesome park area Nick had found in Aspen about a month ago when he took the kids to the Pro Challenge Bike Race.  We had a great time lunching at a picnic bench down by the river.  After that we headed off to find Frank and came back home for a nice dinner.

In case you've forgotten those episodes, here's the first four Independence Pass trips:

2008:  http://nsquaredweinercubed.blogspot.com/2008/09/yesterday-we-took-drive-happy-to-spend.html

2009: Apparently no blog entry???  :(

2010:  http://nsquaredweinercubed.blogspot.com/2010/09/independence-pass-for-cayles-4-month-b.html

2011:  http://nsquaredweinercubed.blogspot.com/2011/09/independence-pass.html   

Holy Productive Day!

Although we had no major plans for today, we were busy the entire time!  Nick had plans to officiate a football game this morning, the house needed to be cleaned, and we wanted to get the backyard done (more info on the rearranging we're doing there in a future post).

Nick got his game in, and the house is cleaned, but the backyard isn't quite done.  But - it's closer!  We both moved some rock (Nick moved lots more than I) and were busy moving all day long.

We had an awesome dinner of salad from the garden, fried green tomatoes (tomatoes from our garden that will not ripen), and baked squash (again from the garden).  After dinner, the kids had baths and we were joined by Macy while her mommy went to a Young Life dance tonight. 

At the present time, all three kids are sleeping, the dogs are settled, and the car has been packed for tomorrow's annual fall colors drive...which means I can finally (at the ripe old time of 910 pm) pass out in bed :)

Shhhh!

Last Friday after work went up to Wal-Mart and did a couple up-valley stops, which meant Smiling Moose was close by when we needed dinner. Cayle got Mac-n-Cheese, chocolate pudding and chocolate milk. It was his first time to have chocolate milk.

Fast forward to tonight...I went grocery shopping and saw organic chocolate milk on sale for $1. So I got one for Cayle. But, based on recent events, I decided it was in everyone's best interest if I didn't tell him I got him chocolate milk to have in the morning with his breakfast. So, it's driving me nuts, but he doesn't know about his yummy treat!

Cayle's Bus Ride

A couple weeks ago when Grandma was here, Cayle took a bus ride with her. They rode up to Beaver Creek and back. One of Cayle's favorite things to do is ride buses, so the opportunity to do it with Grandma was like a dream come true!

Waiting at the Bus Stop

It's time!!!

I bet he saw lots of cool things on the way to Avon!

Devils Dash 5k

I did this race last year. The Devils Dash 5k. Sponsored by the high school x-country team. It's a citizens race before the high schools races. It's run entirely on the Gypsum golf course. This year they also had a kids race. A race for the 2-5 yr olds and a race for kids 5+. Cayle was so pumped for the race. He had been "training" for a week before. He runs sprints the length of the house. Through the living room and the kitchen. He talked about it all week. When we got there on Saturday morning he got his number, did a bunch of sprints and was getting warmed up. When the race started, he took off, fell over, and started crying... :-( I think he was so excited for it, and had such a build up, that he didn't really know what to do when it actually started. When he was able to calm himself down, he finished running the course with mommy and a bunch of the high school kids. I think he enjoyed it.

My goal was to break 20 minutes. Last year on 3 weeks of training after the bike racing season I ran a 20:45. This year I had the accident on July 3rd. Had a month off with no activity, but then was able to start running. I had almost a month of solid training, so I thought I would be able to break 20 minutes for sure. I actually ran a 20:44... 1 freakin second faster... I was a little disappointed in the time, but was happy with how I felt and the result (3rd overall) I got beat by a 23 year old who ran 18 something, and a 13 yr old who beat me by 30 seconds, and then I beat Ty (who I coached in basketball last year) who is also 13 by 5 seconds. We ran together almost the entire time. So cool being able to run with a former student!

Cayle and I after getting our numbers pinned

He has some strange form with his hands, but I think we can work on that. (plus he's really a cyclist)

This girl was also nervous. Cayle introduced himself to her as "Big Boy"

The little kids race

Cayle's buddy Macklin (his mom is the high school coach and race director)

Cayle not happy with his start...

Finishing up with mommy and the high schoolers

So cool to run on the golf course!

Dinners

I made a huge mistake - told Cayle we were going to the park Wednesday after school.  The mistake?  I told him Tuesday night before he went to bed.  So he was up at the butt-crack of dawn on Wednesday asking to get ready for the park.  Boo :(  So then I had to let him know he first had to go to the pool with Mack and Macy, get a donut, and take a nap.  Then, we could go to the park.  It was a great night weather-wise, the picnic fare was yummy, and the company was outstanding :)

Cayle and I playing on the "fire engine"

Clearly I'm not learning lessons well - I happened to mention to Cayle before he went to bed last night that he and I would make potatoes and eggs for breakfast this morning.  And, lo and behold, about 3 am today he decided he was hungry and wanted his potatoes and eggs!  Nick slept with him a bit and held him off til about 6.

The last thing Nick said to me before I went to work this morning was "you cannot tell Cayle anything he is going to do the next day before he goes to bed..."

Pool!

Took Cayle and Lindy to the pool today. We miss out on a lot of the things we were able to do last year, like library and pool time since I have 3 kids to watch. However, I think we are going to get back into the once a week pool routine. Cayle loves it, that's for sure! Today we met Mack and Macy for some swim time. Lindy was in the pool the whole time as well and she loved it! She was so calm. Cayle actually played with Macklin the entire time. It's so fun watching them actually play together. I was a little worried about how I was going to get Cayle ready while also keeping Lindy happy after we finished. Turns out I didn't have much to worry about...

After being changed from her swim suit and being place in the car seat, she was sleeping within 2 minutes!

Ride to Aspen

 Dad is in town for a Mt. Bike camp in Crested Butte all next week. He wanted to ride there from our house, so I joined him for the first leg to Aspen. 64 beautiful miles of Colorado back roads and yellow Aspens!!! Natalie and the kids met us in Aspen for dinner. He spent the night in Aspen and then continued to Crested Butte today up over Pearl Pass.

Never, Ever, Ever...

Nick and I enjoy watching this show called "Parenthood."  It's on NBC and is so real - nothing perfect about the family portrayed in this show!  The premise of the show is just the day-to-day happenings of a set of parents (in their 60s?), their four children (all grown), and the extended families they all have. 

While the kids were sleeping this afternoon, Nick and I watched the year four season premiere (we heart DVR!).  One of the siblings on the show has a daughter who was heading off to college...somewhere out East.  Of course, she selected a college so far from home that she was flying to get there - no trunk-stuffed car and long drive for her!  As I watched this event transpire, I came to a conclusion...Cayle Joseph and Lindy Leighn will actually never, ever, ever grow up to be big kids who go off to college - or anywhere far away from their mommy :)

When the episode concluded, Nick turned to me and said "every time I watch this show it makes me cry."  And it's true.  The show stresses me out to no avail because it's so real, but that's also why it's so good. 

Racing

We apparently all have the racing bug...

About 1 mile in to the 5 mile run portion of my triathlon in Glenwood last weekend

Nick and Cayle before their races this morning at the Devils Dash 5k and Kids K

Extra Money

I have recently picked up some work as a referee for middle school football games as a way to make some extra money. Have never reffed before, so it's been very interesting and a great learning experience so far! I have done 2 games, with 2 more on the slate, then I have my boys basketball season, and then planning on reffing the middle school girls games. It's different putting on the stripes for a game, rather than just standing on the sideline, but so far I like it.

Tuesday night, I had a doubleheader (7th and 8th) grade games in Eagle. EVMS vs. GCMS (where Natalie works) When I got there at 415 it was raining and 54 degrees. When I left at 730 it was still raining and right at 50 degrees. I had an under armour jersey on on under my stripes, but it was not enough by any stretch of the imagination. I was FREEZING!!! It was about half way through the first game when my fingers started to go numb, then the rest of my body slowly followed. During the 3rd quarter of the 8th grade game (2nd game) I started to tell myself that I wasn't as cold anymore... (delirious) My teeth were chattering and I had uncontrollable shivers and had trouble even grasping the football. By the time we got done at about 730, I knew that I needed some heat and fast! I had to use 2 hands to get my car door open. Then I had to use 2 hands to put the key into the ignition and start the car. I had no feeling in my hands at all. 2 hands to turn the heat to high, and then I just sat there thawing. When I could finally feel a little bit again (about 5 minutes of blasting high heat) I got out and stripped off my wet clothes (just top half of body clothes) Then I got back in the drivers seat and sat there for another 5 minutes until i felt like my hands could grasp the steering wheel to drive home. After a hot shower at home I finally felt like I was getting back to normal body temp. I can't believe I had gotten so cold, but my core temp must have really taken a dive at some point. I earned my pay for that night!!!

Wheels and Wings

Cayle in the cockpit of the Chinook

Co-Pilot Ethan

These things are WAY bigger than they look!!!!!

This plane was way cool! It's wings fold up

Army buddies??? Prolly not if mom has anything to say about it... Hangin out on the step of the Apache

In the Blackhawk

HUGE!!!! Way cool to be able to go inside of them!

Bucket List

Did a post on this last year. It's meant to be a revolving list more than anything. Just got to thinking about it again today.

Haven't really ever put together a complete list but.... short list off the top of my head...

24 hours of Moab - done (but will hopefully do again someday)
Ironman
Thru-hike the AT
Thru-hike the Colorado Trail from Boulder to Durango
The Manitou Incline - DONE!!!
RAAM (Race Across America) on bikes (or just ride across America)
Attend a Tennis Match with my wife at Wimbledon
Win an Expert category MTB race in the Vail series
Tour Divide (mtb race from Canada to Mexico) self supported

(I'm sure there are/will be others as the family grows and/or interests change)

The reason I thought of this today is because one of my buddies back in IL just completed his first Ironman, Natalie had a Triathlon today and completed her longest run ever of 5 miles (and did great in the other disciplines as well, and I have been training for a 5k coming up next weekend and did a 10 mile run this week that felt great!.... Of course 10 miles fresh is very different from doing 26 miles after swimming 2 miles and biking 110 miles!!! But that being said the draw of Ironman is becoming stronger every year. I just know that I don't want to do it unless I can be successful (whatever that means) and to do so I need the proper time to train. Not going to happen for several years yet, not until the kids are a bit older. Hopefully before 40?  

Justin ARMSTEAD

Rank: 29

Overall Rank: 170

BIB:	1396
Division:	M30-34
Age:	33
State:	Springfield IL
Country:	USA
Profession:	Other

Swim:	1:16:00
Bike:	5:25:15
Run:	3:55:32
Overall:	10:50:08

Congratulations, Justin, on your finish!

Swim Details Division Rank: 150

Split Name	Distance	Split Time	Race Time	Pace	Div. Rank	Overall Rank	Gender Rank
Total	2.4 mi	1:16:00	1:16:00	1:58/100m	150	951	752

Bike Details Division Rank: 27

Split Name	Distance	Split Time	Race Time	Pace	Div. Rank	Overall Rank	Gender Rank
56 mi	56 mi	2:29:45	3:54:42	22.44 mi/h
94 mi	38 mi	2:04:19	5:59:01	18.34 mi/h
112 mi	18 mi	51:11	6:50:12	21.10 mi/h
Total	112 mi	5:25:15	6:50:12	20.66 mi/h	27	161	150

Run Details Division Rank: 29

Split Name	Distance	Split Time	Race Time	Pace	Div. Rank	Overall Rank	Gender Rank
6.5 mi	6.5 mi	53:38	7:48:14	8:16/mi
9 mi	2.5 mi	21:31	8:09:45	8:36/mi
13.2 mi	4.3 mi	37:27	8:47:12	8:47/mi
19.4 mi	6.2 mi	59:28	9:46:40	9:35/mi
22 mi	2.5 mi	22:49	10:09:29	9:05/mi
26.2 mi	4.3 mi	40:39	10:50:08	9:33/mi
Total	26.2 mi	3:55:32	10:50:08	8:59/mi	29	170	150

Transition

T1: SWIM-TO-BIKE	8:57
T2: BIKE-TO-RUN	4:24

 

A few pics

Becoming more interested in spending time with little sis!

Family portrait

Got all the kids (minus Lindy) to sit on this log of picture time...

First roll over! Back to tummy

Grandma is here. She got in last night. Cayle has many exciting adventures planned for her!!!