Celebration of Success and The Return of the Queen (not Freddy Mercury)

Picked up Ian early from BASE and we went down to track practice after work. Most of the jumpers returned from their Senior trip so it was practice as regular. District meet is Saturday in Jeff City. Jake is still working hard, but limping some.

Ian and I bolted home afterwards, changed up, and headed off to Celebration of Success at his school. Jake joined us later to see is bro's accomplishments. First was Ian's math competition where his team got 2nd (see clips below - hard to hear him say the answers), then to his Achievement Award for a poetry book he wrote, then to the art room where is 'Fighting Turtle' was posted, then to watch his buddy in the spelling-bee, then to the gym where he and Jake played forever. It was great watching the two of them enjoying each other. Jake has no idea how Ian adores having him show attention. When you consider that Jake is so busy with being a teenager, the age gap, and different interests there isn't a lot these two do together even though we are together as a family a lot. Ian's school does a great job at positive reinforcement. Fun time! Watch the last clip to see how excited Ian is for Jake to be hanging out with him.

***Photo/Video Dump***

Got the boys home and Jake headed off to a youth group while Ian and I make final touches on the house for Deb's return (looking pretty good if I do say so myself - even figured out the dishwasher to avoid 'dishpan hands'). Had time to catch Coach leaving Survivor... NO, The Dragon Slayer is Gone, NO!!!! He is a dork, but great to TV!

Fresh flowers were spread around:

Deb got in around 10:30pm and we stayed up talking about her trip and our day to day until 12:45am (way WAY past my bedtime). She had a great time with the girls and the trip (and she is darker - Deb doesn't really tan as much as she increases the number of freckles). She gave huge hugs to sleeping boys and everyone was happy this morning just knowing she was back.

Jake has a big date tonight and the first time he will pick up a girl and drive... way cool! He and a friend (not girlfriend - just friend) are going to the Bolivar High School AC (Athletic Celebration) recognition and dance (suit and tie affair). He is feeling pretty good as his date was the senior prom and homecoming queen (and to boot is a track studette).

Giro was routine this morning with Columbia taking another in a wet twisty finish. I don't blame the contenders for letting the break go and not chase hard in those conditions. It is amazing how narrow the roads of the Giro.

Fitness: Above are a couple clips of Dale and I sneaking out for 2:15hrs at lunch today. Pretty humid and windy, but not complaining (OK, maybe a little on the way out, but the tailwind was sweet). Hitting some crit style intervals this weekend hopefully with some moto-pace action.