The Hazard Chronicles

Spring time is here! We will probably still have a couple of cold spells, and maybe a few more snow storms, but I can definitely see the sighs of Spring and it is so, so nice. As I write this I am looking out our big back windows at a beautiful sunset over the mountains. The most beautiful part of it all is that it is 6:00- the days are definitely getting longer. In the summer time up here we get sunsets around 11:00 at night, but in the winters they come as early as 4:30. That's hard. Also, the last little patch of snow in our yard melted today. Birds are out on the feeders. As far as I am concerned, it is Spring.

This week the weather was especially nice. Nice enough for climbing. And so on Thursday when our last patient cancelled, I left work a little early and decided to drive to Q'emiln Park and kick off the year with my first roped solo! Let me tell you, I am totally into this. For Christmas my staff bought me some gift cards which I used to buy the proper equipment, and now I can safely and confidently climb without a partner. In fact, many people believe that roped soloing is the safest form of climbing that there is since human error is virtually eliminated in the equipment set-up. Anyway, I drove to the park, set the ropes, and did my first climb of the year on an easier 5.11 that I've had my eye on. It was a good start to what I think will be a great year. Oh- and have I mentioned that I love climbing. I don't know what it is, but when I'm climbing and totally focused on the rock and fluid movement of it all it totally makes me feel alive. I know it sounds cliche' but it's true. I love it.

Of course we also had Valentines day this week. Rachel and I decided to use the day to check out some local eating places that have been featured on the "foodie" channels. One of the places I actually heard about from my sister in Texas who watches that kind of stuff (Thanks Haley). Well, for lunch we went to a place called Jimmy's Down The Street where they were supposed to have awesome pecan rolls. In my opinion, the rolls were good, but nothing to write home about. Maybe I'm just not a pecan roll type person.

For dinner we decided that nothing was quite as romantic as curling up together with pizza and a movie- so we rented "Saving Private Ryan," put it in our ClearPlay, and enjoyed some nationally award-winning pizza from Capone's pub and grill. This pizza was good! So was the movie! It was a great Valentine's day.

Yesterday there were two notable events. First of all, Addy and I went on a date. I took her bowling. It was pretty awesome because every time she threw the ball I thought I would have to run down and give it a push just to get it to the end of the lane. Seriously, I counted and it took an average of about 30 seconds for each of her throws to make it down to the pins. Sometimes the ball would actually bounce off the pins. She still got excited with each roll, however, and jumped up and down every time the pins fell down. It was fun. Afterwords, we went and got ice cream.

The other notable event yesterday was the birthday party that Evelyn went to. The party had a race car theme, and the kids made pinewood derby cars ahead of time. Evelyn did a great job with hers, and it was fun going out to the shop with her and helping her to sand, paint, and decorate her car. At the party she had fun racing it (even though it didn't win), eating junk food, and playing with her friends.

There is one other thing we did this week. We went on a family walk. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it was really fun. Here is what Rachel had to say about- straight from her journal:

"I want to forever remember the kids at this age and as they grow up.  I am such a proud mama!  I love seeing their different personalities shine through...

...We walked a block and found ourselves in a 'wilderness' area near the train tracks. There was a walking path on one side and large fields with horses on the other.  I love the variety of places we live close to! 

Evelyn led the way in the beginning.  I asked her if she wanted to walk with Adalie.  Evelyn responded that she was lonely in the front.  Adalie immediately piped up, "Wait for me!  I can be your friend." Jack joined the group and the three adventurers ran away giggling. Logan and I kept our distance in the back and just watched them explore.

On one side of the trail there was a large hill covered with roots, brambles, and obstacles that would be formidable to any little person.  I was very impressed when Jack marched right up and took on the challenge.  He slowly made his way to the top never losing sight of the fence that was his goal. It was crazy to watch him climb through dense branches that were a foot taller than he is!  He took some time, but there was no stopping him!  Logan met him at the top and they celebrated together.  Meanwhile, Evelyn was trying to make her way up the steep slope.  She was struggling, but she would not be deterred.  She was wearing her boots and her Snow White dress.  I knew that she was getting pretty scratched up, but she was not going to give up.  I was so proud of her when she, too, celebrated her victory at the top with Logan.

Meanwhile, Adalie was attempting to get up the first part of the slope.  With a simple prompt Jackson was by her side offering to help her make it up.

I love how our kids are becoming such good friends. I am constantly noticing their offers to help each other, and to share with each other. Each of them have a very special and unique relationship.  It is great to watch these friendships blossom and grow.  Maren is also beginning to integrate herself with them.  Life can get pretty crazy, but it is also so wonderful!"

Oh- I was just about to end the blog for the week and then realized that I forgot something very important- Maren's Birthday! Our little Maren is now officially one year old. We had a little party at our house with the traditional cupcake for the birthday girl. She loved it and so did everyone else. We sure love our Maren. 

Well, that pretty much sums up our week. Obviously we are staying busy and living an adventure.

Our Maren on her first birthday

 Me at the top of my first roped solo

 Me and Addy on our date

 Addy's score. This was all her- I was actually pretty impressed!

Bowling with Adalie.