bejazzed.com

On the last weekend before Ryan hits the road for Cali and law school (with Jacob in tow as his traveling companion for the road trip), I craved some time with my sons. So after a leisurely Sunday morning I suggested a nice little day hike.  But where? My favorite trail, of course–The Wonderland, at Mt Rainier. By noon we were on the road. By 4:00 p.m. we were standing on top of Skyscraper Peak (7,078′) on the south side of Rainier. What a spectacular day with my sons!

That’s Mt Rainier behind us. It sure is nice to have a volcano in your backyard, so to speak.

San Diego de Tenango 2010

We spent a week in this village sponsored by Agros and UPC, getting to know the people, preparing the Corn Festival (more ways to eat and drink corn than I ever imagined), hand-mixing and spreading concrete floors, learning each other’s languages, praying, and admiring the beauty of life and this land.

tropical breezes

what a day! got back from my bike ride before Jake & Linda got out of bed. then tennis clinic, swimming in pool, kayaking in ocean, swimming in ocean, lounging at beach, then throwing fish on the BBQ. not bad for a long day’s work!

Great family affair

The skies shone beautifully on Katie & Mikhael’s wedding in Issaquah. Bruce officiated. We danced into the long summer evening. Jake’s sneakers fit right in with the tuxedoed and canvas-soled groom and men. Then he even snagged the garter, thanks to a quick-thinking manoeuver by his older brother who tossed him up like a rugby catcher.

all smiles at the finish line

Jake kept the Baker dynasty intact, after 15 years, 4 children, 4 STP’s (Ryan did 3 of them, Natalie the 4th), 2 RSVP’s (Jillian & Jake), and over 1,000 miles of cycling.  Jake & I did the 185-mile ride from Seattle to Vancouver B.C. this past weekend.  He was awesome, full of willpower and leg power to spare, and ready to party at the end.  We celebrated with burgers, fajitas, and a huge root beer float (with refills!).  “Hey, Jake, you can have unlimited root beer floats anytime you want after riding 185 miles!”  Linda provided exquisite road support, did all the driving, and even gave back rubs.  At age 10, Jake was by far the youngest rider, provoking endless admiration and exclamations from the huffing & puffing adults out there.  Of course, it was the same for his siblings, as each of them also did their big rides when they were 10.  They each set the bar high, and Jake came through to keep their string intact.   I am so proud of my children.  Ryan, Natalie, Jillian & Jake, you are the best and most priceless gift I have.  It’s an honor to be your dad.

all the root beer floats you can drink!at the border

passport, please!

and previous years of glory…

Natalie's STP 1998

Jillian's RSVP 2000

Ryan STP 1995

Ryan STP 1996

Ryan STP 1997

hey, kids, i’m counting on you to keep supporting me in my old age!

happy birthday crowd surrounds big brother

BBQ, and chocolate cake, on a perfect summer evening.