Celebrating our first teen (June 7)

Ta da! Introducing Jan Christian, newly minted teenager! Part of his birthday festivities included a few days spent in Victoria, Canada. It's one of our favorite destinations and home to the Royal B.C. Museum, which Jan wanted to visit again. We were also able to again hook up with Adrian, who had been exploring the West Coast of Vancouver Island, before he headed back to Switzerland. Despite much-cooler-than-average weather, we enjoyed our excursion. I made a special point of remembering my camera...only to discover I'd left the battery at home.

Can this really be the thirteenth time I've presented Jan with his traditional German Chocolate Cake? What a swift journey! I stand in awe of the young man he's becoming...yet yearn to have just one hour more with him as a baby. One more walk along the Swiss footpaths, pushing him in his kinderwagen. One more chance to kiss his sweet baby cheeks. Once more....

Jan's brothers gave him more Asterix books for his collection.

Oma & Opa came up to celebrate with us. I virtually never saw any grandparents when I was a child. I love watching and listening to the interactions between my boys and my parents.

Inhale, Exhale

My friend Julie, a gem of a writer if there every was one, recently blogged about experiencing her first cigarette. I've been there, done that. My days as a smoker are behind me. But on rare occasion, given the right time, place, and company (or lack thereof), a smoke hits the sweet spot. Julie captured that perfectly http://julieunplugged.blogspot.com/2008/05/smoking.html. Her words came to mind of late when my classic German ash tray served as the receptacle for Adrian's daily Parisienne.

But Who's Counting?

Less than a week until the start of Euro2008.

Ski to Sea (Sunday, May 25)

This was supposed to be Hans' moment in the sun. As the only one of his team willing to perform cross country ski duties, he dutifully fills that niche year after year. This year he finally talked his way into the canoe ~ and as luck would have it, the race coincided with Adrian's visit. Perfect! Or so it seemed. But in a freak turn of events, Mother Nature conspired against them. Masses of late-season snow blanketing Mt. Baker + a sudden spike in temps = massive snow melt = dangerously high water levels and no take-out points. For the first time in the history of the race, the canoe leg was canceled ~ literally at the last minute. Major disappointment! Nonetheless, in the week leading up to the race, they got some time in the canoe. And on race day, they went ahead and paddled the river behind our house.

Road biking is the fourth leg of the relay. The race starts out early up at Baker, with the cross-country and downhill ski legs. The runner then heads down the mountain and hands off to the road biker.
An 18 mile journey down stream (normally!) follows the road biking.
Canoeists hand off to mountain bikers and kayakers finish the race.
The end of an epic journey from Baker to the Bay, Ski to Sea.

Hans, Adrian, and a few other guys from this year's team.

Ski to Sea Parade (Saturday, May 24)

Living in New Orleans, I was spoiled by parades the caliber of Mardi Gras. The Ski to Sea Parade offers more typical fare ~ and at this stage of life, that works for me.

Biking on Lummi Island (Sunday, May 18)

Biking, hanging at the beach, watching orcas breach in the distance, eating good food...a good day was had by all.
I love this picture of Adrian and Hans. This could be a couple of my guys in 30 years...

Junior Ski to Sea (Saturday, May 17)

Our recent adventures revolve around a visit from Adrian, and the annual Ski to Sea relay. Adrian's the second of Hans' four brothers. Later this year he'll be moving from Switzerland to Australia, so we've appreciated spending time with him before he heads Down Under.
The boys were all decked out in their new Swiss football Jerseys.

Jan & his Junior Ski to Sea team. This was the second year he did the race ~ last year he was the runner, this year he did the bike leg.
After the race, we headed down to Boulevard Park. Hans, Adrian, and the boys played hours of soccer with an array of other guys who were hanging out enjoying one of our rare truly hot days. I was so happy we were blessed with sunny skies for Jan's race and the beginning of Adrian's time here!