Well, if last week was Autumn goodness, then this week is winter madness. It is currently snowing outside with lots of cold wind to go with it.

...Which means that ski season is right around the corner! To get ready, we went to the annual ski swap to make sure the kids all had fitting gear. Also, Addy has been asking for a snowboard ever since last winter, got one for her birthday in IOU form, and finally picked it out this weekend. Let the falling begin! She'll be in good company too, because I decided to get some park skis and do some falling of my own this year. Should be a good time. Can't wait.

Last weekend, Rachel and I went to see Miss Saigon. It was a wonderfully depressing show (I really do mean that in the best possible way) with amazing stage effects and some great numbers. It probably wouldn't make my top ten, but it was definitely a nice night out with Rach, capped with a quiet dinner at a nice restaurant and some good conversation about the show.

In other news, the kids are all getting prepared for Halloween. They have their costumes ready, candy is purchased, school projects are done, and Ev is planning a "trunk-or-treat" booth downtown with her youth group. We will carve pumpkins tomorrow, and decorate the yard as soon as the snow melts (which also should be tomorrow).

But Halloween night is supposed to be twelve degrees! Bwahahahaaa! I will be handing out candy from my nice cozy house with both the heater and the fireplace on.

Maren's pumpkin book report sits in her classroom. Gerald and Piggy.

Well...that's about it. Have a good week!

This week was full of Autumn goodness, and one big piece of exciting news for Evelyn and Rachel.

First of all though, I am going to complain a little bit about the weather. I love, Love, LOVE the fall season. The brisk cool air. The colors. The frost in the mornings, followed by beautiful sunny days. The smells of smoke and spices and furnaces and, for some reason, diesel fuel. I don't know why that last one, but it is a part of it for me. The crisp sounds of leaves or frosty grass underfoot. The cozy feeling of wearing a down jacket over flannel while allowing the cold air to nip at your face. All of it, put together, makes for the best season of the year.

However...

This year it was almost forgotten. We went straight from summer in August to a wet and cold September and then straight into snow in October. Snow! We don't usually see our first flurries until around Thanksgiving. People, including us, are scrambling to get their houses, yards, boats, and vehicles ready for the winter and it hasn't left much time to just enjoy the season as it was meant to be. Autumn is fighting back though, like a withered old man refusing to let go of his last tenuous grip on life, and this weekend was able to make a little resurgence. And it was beautiful.

We took advantage of all this niceness and went apple picking at the local hot spot. Besides the apples, there is a large play area for kids which always reminds me of "future world" from the movie "Split Infinity" (Feature Films for Families). Those who know what I'm talking about can thank me later for the memories. Those who don't...don't bother. Anyway, this year was particularly nice because for about an hour Rachel and I were able to leave the kids to their own devices and, caramel latte`s in hand, walk around the area enjoying the acoustic music, country smells, and each other's company. It was a good afternoon. 

Later that weekend, of course, we had to do some baking with our freshly picked fruit. Ahhh, Autumn. It's a glorious thing.

*****

Knowing that our window of sunny days might be short, we also got out this weekend to go on a hike. The destination was "Outlaw Wall," a new climbing area that used to be on private property but is now open to the public. It was a beautiful walk to a not-so-beautiful crag. I know, it's just barely getting developed. I know, it's supposed to be great easy climbing on longish routes. And it's true that I may be a little spoiled, but to me it just looked loose and dirty and...yuck. But it was a beautiful hike.

*****

And now, for the big announcement.

These two beautiful women are headed to Bolivia next summer on a service mission to work in an orphanage! Rach and I have talked about doing things like this with our kids as they grow up to help them get outside of themselves and to give them a broader perspective of the world. When the opportunity came around, we applied knowing that Ev might be a little young, but we found out this week that they accepted her application and that she is on the team! I am really excited for both of them. 

*****

Well...have a good week!

What a week it has been.

Rachel was gone most of the week in Seattle for a work conference. She also got to catch up with a friend from our dental school days who lives in the area. Talking with her, it is obvious that she has had a good week.

Meanwhile, we took advantage of her absence and ate fish for dinner.

And we went exploring. These are pictures from a hike we went- a couple of miles up a mostly dried up creek-bed. Maren's shoes didn't match, and Lindsey was wearing princess heels, but they all did great.

Rachel got home on Sunday evening. Monday morning, the kids went off to school and her and I headed off for a quick climbing trip to Vantage. While there, we met all of our goals. She led 3 climbs- two 5.7s and a 5.8. I did endless laps up moderate cracks (no place better than Vantage for this) in an attempt to develop more efficient technique. I ended the day by doing "Red M&Ms" a thin fingers 12a that I was hoping to be able to do. I very nearly got the onsight too, except that I threw myself off balance on a simple move toward the top. Stupid. Second attempt was an easy send. All said, it was a great day, and we got home in time to tuck the kids in bed and hang out with Evelyn who had been watching them after school got out.

Have a good week!

Well, here we are well into Fall, and we still haven't posted about Jackson and Adalie's birthdays. But first, a brief catch-up of our week:

Maren, Addy, and Jackson all had cross country meets. Addy and Jack both placed in the top ten (I think), and Maren ran the whole way without walking, which was her goal. Lindsey had her kindergarten open house and had fun showing us around her school. Rachel took off for an interpreting conference in Seattle, and had fun listening to the Seahawks game on her drive down. The kids and I all went roller skating at their school fund raiser. 

And all that was just on Thursday. It was a fairly busy day.

Besides cross country, we have Jackson in scouts, Evelyn in band and a weekly youth group, and Addy, Maren, and Lindsey all in different dance classes. Rach has been working more since Lindsey has full-day kindergarten, and the extra time has allowed me to pick up a climbing gym membership where I am able to go (usually) at least once a week. 

Writing all of this down makes our lives, even to me, seem a little exhausting. But honestly, it doesn't feel that way. Usually. I guess we have managed to find a nice balance where everything seems to work. 

*****

Ok. Birthdays. Last week, Rach did an update on each kid so I don't feel like there is much to add. Neither Adalie nor Jackson wanted a big party this year to celebrate; instead, they opted for sleepovers with some of their closest friends (on different nights, so it could be focused on them). There were some planned activities, but for the most part it was just unstructured hang-out time that they enjoyed. I can't believe how big these kids are getting. 10. Wow.

Jack decided on RC boats, nerf guns and a campout for his sleepover. It was nice to have boy activities take over the house!

Jack and his friends with their RC boats

Campfire cupcakes and Nerf wars. Who could ask for more?

Camping with his buddies. As for the bunny ears...Addy is our only child who habitually wears a watch.

They were so proud of the cake they made

Matching PJs

They are so weird when they get together. That's what friends are for, right?

Addy opted for an artistic theme with canvas art, friendship bracelets and cake decorating.

Have a good week!

Now there's a throwback for you- Happy birthday Addy and Jack!

Back to School Updates

Evelyn

We now have a middle school student in the Hazard house! Evelyn is officially in Middle School and I officially feel that much older. I remember categorizing parents into different groups. To make a long story short, I felt like there was a distinct line between parents with elementary age kids vs Middle School aged kids. Well. Now that line has been crossed and our family is getting older (notice that this is not me, but our family in general).

Evelyn is in a fun stage of life. She recognizes it as a time to start figuring out what image she wants to portray and delve into new hobbies and try to shape the next few years of her life. She has kind of gone for a more sporty image with a touch of girlishness. It is working pretty well for her. She has taken up basketball and enjoys 'shooting hoops' with her friends.  Also, she is excited to start playing percussion in the school band!

Evelyn has an awesome group of friends who are supporting each other in this transition.  They meet every morning to ride bikes together and I couldn't be happier with her crowd. I had mixed feelings when she asked if they could start a tradition of going to The Coffee Cottage for steamers every Friday after school.  She is growing up and she is doing it well.

This Summer Evelyn began going to the middle school youth group at church. The group is constantly planning fun activities in downtown CDA, and Evelyn seems to be fitting in seamlessly. This year she was also able to be a 'counselor in training' at summer camp.  She is a great leader and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for her.

Adalie

Adalie is officially ten years old! She is LOVING school and has a fantastic teacher.  On the last day of third grade she cried because school had to be over, and I think she silently counted down the days until she could finally go back to school.  She thrives with the academics and I think the social aspect is her cup of tea! She is a social butterfly and to know her is to love her!

Miss Addy started hip hop classes at Expressions School of Dance this year.  She is beyond excited and she has the perfect amount of sass, attitude, and skill to shine on stage. I am glad we found her 'flavor' of dance.  Last year we put Adalie in ballet class at the Kroc center.  After class I asked her how it went and she burst into tears! She quickly explained that the tears were definitely because she was tired, but that ballet was not for her. 

Adalie is very neat and organized and sometimes I wonder how she can share a room with Evelyn! She manages to carve a space for herself and get along just fine. She is a very 'go with the flow' kind of person. She is our peacemaker and she is very good about avoiding conflicts with others. She is pretty chill in most settings. She loves being with her friends, relaxing with a book, doing gymnastics on the trampoline, or getting into a good conversation.  She often approaches me 'just to talk,' and I love it.

Jackson

Our little man is ten and is now in fourth grade! He loves his class and his teacher is AMAZING. He is in the same class as Adalie again this year. Last year they decided to try third grade together and this year they both agreed that this is how they like it.  Jack loves school and has a few good friends to make is more exciting and fun to go. I have noticed that Jack is growing up so fast! His maturity level is growing by leaps and bounds and it is fun to watch.  He is taking responsibility like a champ and I am impressed by his motivation when he has a goal.  He recently wanted to earn $40 to pay half for a remote control boat.  In one week he was able to earn the money on his own and buy the boat.  I was having a hard time coming up with enough chores for him to do! When he gets a goal he is dedicated until it is complete.  It is a bit exhausting, but very cool to see.

This year we did a thing. Jackson is now in cub scouts with one of his new friends. I must say that cub scouts and Jack just go together. He LOVES it and it seems to be right up his alley in every way.  I think he is going to make a lot of friends and thrive in this environment. I am also excited that he has an excellent scout master who has years of experience! He was scout master for his son all the way through Eagle Scout and now he is doing it for his grandson who just happens to be Jack's age. 

Also, music is kind of Jack's thing.  We decided to buy him an Ipod or equivalent for his birthday, and we ended up buying an old phone and letting him use it for music and the kindle app.  He is constantly playing music and he is an encyclopedia when it comes to being the DJ and finding the right song for the right person or occasion.  Jack, Maren and Adalie are running cross country again this year. Jack has begun training for running and he takes his music and goes on weekly runs to the nearby park. Also, every time he has cross country he asks me and plans his running out (ie intervals, steady state running, etc). He is getting into it and it is fun to see.

Maren

I sure love this girl! She is full of sweetness and sass and it makes me happy! She is now in Second grade and she loves her teacher. We lucked out with the teacher lottery! 

Maren is friendly and always looking out for other kids. She has a strong social IQ and is trying to navigate the world of friendships. The other day she approached me and asked me how you can tell if a person is a friend or not. She mentioned that playing with a person once doesn't make them your friend because there is so much more to it. She is definitely thoughtful, introspective and aware of other people's feelings.  She told me that every recess she keeps an eye on the 'friendship bench' to make sure she approaches anyone who is feeling lonely and wants to find someone to play with.  I definitely have to keep up a connection with her because she is our only child who does not openly approach me with news about her day or what is happening in her life. She is growing up quickly and I love the conversations we have been having lately.

Maren loved Jazz dance at Expressions last year, and she did a lovely job! This year she is more excited than ever to start ballet. Maren has an amazing talent for movement, and watching her get caught up in dancing is magical!  We had a BBQ a few weeks ago with some close friends and all of the kids decided to put on a talent show.  There were magicians, storytelling, comedians and more! Sweet Maren stole the show with an impromptu dance routine that could have been choreographed. I am excited to see where dance takes her.

Lindsey

We officially have a Kindergartner!  Miss Lindsey is loving school and as soon as she is home she can't wait to go to school again. 

Logan and I decided a few years ago that some people take up more space than other people. Miss Lindsey takes the cake in our family for taking up space. If she is in a room, then you know it! She makes herself noticed and her needs expressed.  I am lucky to have one more year with her where we have two full days a week to spend time with each other.  I love this time and I am constantly amazed how our house can feel busier with just her in it as opposed to having all five kids home!  We have good times together and I love that she still cuddles and shares her imagination with me.

Lindsey is a smart cookie! This year when I bought our Summer learning books I bought her the Kindergarten version. After three weeks she had completely finished all 150 pages and she moved on to the first grade book and nearly finished that one before Summer ended! This week she brought home her Kindergarten paper that was practicing the number '1.' In the section that she was supposed to practice writing her '1' she had clearly written the word 'one.' I wonder what the teacher thought about that.

We will have three schools again this year! Bring it on! Understandably Evelyn opted out of the 'in front of the school' picture when I jokingly suggested it. 

Have a good week!

I just got into work this morning and realized that a lot has happened since we last posted on here. The main thing, probably, is that school started. With Lindsey going into kindergarten, it means that all of our kids are in school, sometimes for the full day, and this translates to a lot of added free time for Rachel and me. She is able to work more (not by necessity- that is just how she chooses to use her free time because she likes her job), we have more time to hang out together, and I can pursue some of my own hobbies to a greater degree. It's nice.

Later this week we will do an update on each kid, with back to school pictures and everything. For today, however, I want to focus on the weekends.

*****

Park Dates:

It has been tradition for us to take one day out of the Summer for each child to go one-on-one with one of us to Silverwood theme park. These have been fun days, and it's nice to be able to focus all the attention on just one child for a while. This year, some kids decided to do Triple Play- a different park- instead, but the concept was the same. Since our last post, Maren and Addy have had their days and it's been a good time.

*****

Birthdays:

Adalie and Jackson are ten! Crazy. These are two of the coolest kids I know, and also probably the two most different (from each other) out of all of our kids. Because we have been busy with other things, their parties have been put on hold for a while. We will update things a little later. For now, let's just give a big shout out to this dynamic duo.

*****

Climbing in Utah:

I just got back last night from a great climbing trip in Utah with my cousin, Jon. We did a route called Arm and Hammer, which is one of the best in the entire Wasatch mountain range. The standout feature is this flake that splits an otherwise clean face of granite. Rock climbers will appreciate this picture. For others, it's just a rock:

The flake is four pitches up and splits the blank face that is right above my head in this picture.

Part of the climb that most climbers do is a pendulum (basically, swinging on the rope) from the large dihedral on the right in order to get onto the face. This is probably how the climb is done 95%+ of the time. I was pretty stoked then, when I was able to do these moves free (not relying on the rope) instead on very thin friction. It goes at 11c, which is a grade I am proud of given that I have virtually zero experience doing friction stuff. Here is my celebratory photo:

Overall, it was a great route- a great day- and a great time with Jon who I haven't climbed with in a long time. That night we had a nice bbq back with his family where I also got to catch up with Jordan and Kate (more cousins).

On Sunday I was able to drive up to see Griffin, and we did a little hike, along with his kids and Troy's family (yet another cousin). On Monday Jon and I climbed some more in the gym, and then I was back on a plane to start the work week. It was a short trip, but completely worth it and something that I am sure we will do again.

Have a good week!

This week the kids are all getting ready for school to start and it has been pretty busy. Evelyn is going into middle school and at her orientation I couldn't help but feel like I am losing a part of my quirky, fun, cool, little-girl Evelyn. It is bittersweet in a way, and I feel sappy as I wipe the proverbial tear from my eye while thinking "my little girl is growing up." That's how I feel though.

The other kids all had their orientations too, though it was nothing new to us. We are old hands at the elementary school thing, and we are already good friends with all their teachers, as well as the rest of the entire school. That's what happens when you have five kids, I guess. And when you are the dentist for half the school. And when you (Rachel) are in the school helping out at least once a week. In a way it feels like a homecoming, and it was nice. 

The kids, meanwhile, have been busy picking out school supplies, keeping up on the latest back-to-school fashions, and trying their best to squeeze every last drop out of their summer vacation. It has been a great one.

Playing with friends at the swimmin' hole. This is what childhood is all about.

*****

Because of all the back-to-school preparations, I have not had a chance to get on here and write about one of the best climbing trips I have ever been on. It started when we drove down to my parent's home over the weekend to spend a nice day with them hiking around in the mountains near their home.

Walking across a shallow section of the Snake river. That water was colder than it looks!

We were eating lunch by the water and watching the fish swimming around next to our rock. Suddenly Jackson starts yelling "I caught one! I caught one!" We looked over and sure enough, he had just reached his hands into the water and come up with the beautiful rainbow trout! Who needs a fishing pole when you have a Jack? Crazy.

That night, Rach and I set off for the trailhead where we would start early the next day to do Irene's Arete- a classic line in the Tetons that has been on my bucket list since high school. And man oh man, was it a classic. This route had everything. Perfect cracks, interesting face climbing (a large portion of the route has you climbing up a series of quartz crystals!!!), breathtaking exposure, committing moves, and comfortable belays. What more could you ask for? All of this was made even better by the fact that my climbing partner was also my favorite person in the world, as well as by the 50mph wind gusts trying to blow us off the mountain- man it was wild! Seriously, I have done a lot of climbing and it doesn't get better than this- especially at such a moderate grade. I dare say it was a perfect day- and those don't come around a whole lot. These memories will live on for a long time.

*****

Also, as a last summer hurrah, Jackson and I spent most of the day yesterday at triple play. We were actually on our way up to Silverwood when we both realized that we didn't really like Silverwood that much, so we turned the car around and had a great time on the ropes course, playing lazer tag, bowling, driving go-karts, climbing on the wall, and playing in the arcade. Jack is a cool kid to hang out with.

Have a good week!