Archive for September 9th, 2008

Running and Paddling Weekend

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

Finally dragged myself out of bed early enough on a Saturday to put in a longish run.  Up before the sun and out the door by 6:40am, just in time to see the sun begin peaking over the horizon.  Didn’t have a set route or goal, but wanted to put in at least an hour.  So off I headed to campus letting the sun warm the 60 degree morning.  Almost wanted a jacket for the first 3/4 mile, but after that, the temp was just glorious.

Had the roads to myself until I got fairly near campus where there were a couple brave souls stirring, getting the tailgating supplies out and cranking.  Not too many folks, and surpirsing, didn’t see a single beer. Turned north at the end of the stadium, say the crew getting ready for the crowds, and then headed back toward home.  As I neared the road home, I felt a few extra miles at least, so I turned north for a bit before heading into the neighborhood.  Finished with 7.6 on the iPod, so probably more like 8 miles.  The legs felt surprising great given I haven’t been over 5 miles in at least 5 months.

Saturday we were surprised that the Cossatot was holding out very well, so we scheduled a rare warm weather run for Sunday.  Got up bright and early to meet the crew at 5am.  Loaded the truck and headed to Arkayakansas.  Got to the put in 9:45 and were paddling by 10:20.  Had a great run of the middle section, including a combat roll in the last drop of “the Esses”.  Proceeded down to the falls for my first run on them.  Made clean drops in Cossatosser, Eye-Opener and BMF.  Had the line on Washing Machine, but ended up pointing too far right and nudged bowling ball rock which gave me a bit of kick back into the machine, so I was hard a paddling and went right into the rock which rolled me.  Unfortunately I was unable to roll back up in the foamy washout and swam.  Didn’t flush into Whiplash, but my boat did take the left sneak route before coming to rest on a rock feet away from the final drop. Picked the boat out and carried back up the hellish 1/3 mile portage to the take out.

Great day on the river with a great group of paddlers.  Completed the day with dinner at Pete’s Place in Krebs, Okla.  Best gnocchi on earth.  Try it if you get the chance.

Finished off the weekend with a 3.75 miler on Monday morning before taking G&A to the Dr for their 1 yr check-up and shots.  I was sore, but was able to work some of it out.

Newsletter: 12 Months

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

Wow, 1 year.  Can’t believe that we have made it through and so far no permanent damage has been done, at least any that we can tell.  Hard to believe that only a year ago, we were waiting and anticipating your being here.  It seems like yesterday.

We celebrated a few days early to take advantage of the Labor Day holiday weekend so family could come up for the shin-dig.  We had quite the full house, with the Lands staying with us.  Two sets of infant twins in one house is a non-stop party.  Grammy & Grandpa, Nana and Pop, Uncle Brad, Uncle Doug and Aunt Sherry and the Morris crew all came up for the weekend which included swimming at the Stelzer’s pool on Saturday, tailgating before the first OU home game Sunday night, and a party with the fam and the neighbors on Sunday.  Just as quickly as they got there, everyone headed out except for Nana and Pop who spent another week with us, escaping the rain from Hurrican Gustav.

You were both pretty apprehensive about your B-day cakes, you very first tast of good ol’ sugar.  Aunt Lauren made you some beautiful mini cakes with cute little “1” candles on top.  The icing was very intriguing and seemed to throw G off due to the stickiness.  G was not about to taste it, but finally came around and planted his whole face in the cake, to avoid having to touch it.  Abs had a good time eating the icing off her fingers however.  I think the 50+ cameras that were flashing non-stop might have had something to do with the stage fright.  Funniest part was that Carlisle was standing around below your seats waiting to get at your cakes.  She wanted to show you just how yummy cake is.

The past two weeks have also had some big firsts.  Abs took her first steps, but has been content to not repeat the feat, just wanted to show she could do it.  The first steps came at the Super twins first birthday party w/ Ean and Quinn before they moved away to Florida.  And, Geo is now crawling and out of PT, and has pulled up to standing from sitting, and can even push some toys, both while walking or kneeling.  You also have begun playing more and more with each other, especially Geo chasing Abs around after she steals a toy from him.

On the food front, you are both now drinking soy milk, and have tested cow’s milk.  But you really dig on soy milk, which I’m very thankful for.  That cow milk is yucky.

You are also both talking a lot now.  Among your growing vocab is “Mama” (she was so happy when that came out), “Dada”, “buh-bye” when we start saying good byes, and “nigh-nigh” especially by Abs when she is ready to go to bed.

You both have battled some stomach issues this month, and Geo has continued with ear infections.  That has kept us busy trying to figure out a work schedule for Mommy.  Throw in that you had your first day at “school” (Children’s day Out) at McFarlin and Northhaven.  You are now going 2 days a week to each school, and slowly getting adjusted.  Your first day report listed Abs as “sad” and Geo as “quiet”.  The reports have slowly gotten more into the happy and talkative categories, which definitely makes us feel better.  Just took some time to get used to, even though you get to see one of your favorite teachers 2xs per week.

I can’t believe 12 great months have already passed.  I wish we could just pause time, or keep you from growing to get to enjoy more of these fun times.  But I’m sure each passing month will continue to get better and better.

Love,

Daddy-doo