Figured I'd better make a post on this particular day....the first one of the third decade of my life. I suppose this is where I would write something nice to show I've obtained wisdom or something over these years. Sorry! I know this much though..... we only get one life, and I'm aware how the days are starting to go by faster, so I want to invest it wisely this year. Mom and Dad hosted a birthday celebration. Thank you!

Learning to Sail 101. I'm happy to report three of us have successfully passed the class put on by the Seattle Parks and Recreation. Three weeks, 24 hours (a few in the classroom, most on the water)and we are marginal sailors on little Laser 2 sailboats. The class was on Lake Washington just south of I-90. Katie, Kateen and I all got our certificates for passing. It's an intriguing adventure; much to think about and something about moving without a motor or paddle power is exciting, until the wind dies. In the first photo Katie is the crewman (toward the front) which means she has a job of controlling the jib (front sail). I'm pretty sure she's not doing it though. In the second photo Kateen is taking her turn at captain, the position of envy! We're thinking of taking the continuing class so we can take out Laser 1's (one man sailboats); that way we can all be captains at the same time!

This weekend was packed with Blog worthy events. First, a Friday night reception for Brian and Sue. I couldn't help post pictures of Brian behaving his best. Note he even fed his bride the cake nicely. That bodes well for the future!

Saturday morning team ZZOOM was off to Fort Lewis for a team triathlon. Trevan swam, Jill ran and I biked. We all met our personal goals for the day. This was the first timed event I'd been in since high school track. It was fun...and I hope to do it again. We finished the 1/2mile swim, 15mile bike and 3.2mi run in 1:32. The first photo is at the starting line of the swim; next is Trevan running out of the water, getting ready to pass the wrist band onto me. Then me struggling to actually get it on (I should have trained for this). Next is Jill sprinting toward the finish and then Team ZZOOM near the aid car which we thankfully didn't need.

Finally, Saturday evening was Julia's first birthday. The camera Paperazzi were there as usual, but the subject was definately worth it! It was also nice to have a mini family reunion as Jim, Travis (and girlfriend Heather) and Ruth were all out west visiting.

Spent a full day Big Game Fishing with Dad, Fred and Kelsay on Monday. Tiger Musky was our ambition. As it turns out, our guide (Fred) was the only one to catch the intended species. I'll post a picture of it when I get one. Kelsay caught a nice smallmouth bass, a landmark catch on any other day...except when you're going after these Musky monsters. I've never worked so hard for so little to show for it.....this is no watching your bobber float around type of fishing; it was reel work :) A great little retreat it was.

Happy Birthday USA! A few pictures from the big Duvall BLAST; and it was ....literally. Mountain biking in the morning, eating in the afternoon, a few patriotic songs in the evening, then a home fireworks show like no other. It was put on by Troy and Chip, a couple pyromaniacs who've discovered shopping on the Indian reservation. There they are with their stash before. Next are pictures during. I didn't have the heart to ask for a picture of Dan's yard the morning after.