Our First Bike Tour

Yesterday morning, Trey and I awoke before the sun rose and headed to the "Delaware County Friends of the Trail" bike tour. The tour offered a choice of a 31, 62 or 100 mile route. We've been riding approximately 20-24 miles regularly on our outtings, so we opted for the 31 mile distance (our longest ride to date). The route followed back country roads; a change of pace from our normal trail riding. We quickly discovered that the roads "roll" more than the trails. If you think Central Ohio is flat, I assure you, it's not! We enjoyed our early morning ride together and are happy to announce that we successfully completed our first bike tour--together. I love that we've discovered a sport/hobby that we can enjoy together and look forward to another tour in our future and many bike rides in between.

In the Swim of Things

The WJC Poolcats 2010 season has officially come to a close. Noah began the season having completed Swim America lessons through Level 3; swim team requires through Level 6, an exception for Level 5. His soccer coach was also one of his swim coaches and she knows Noah well and knew that he would be determined to succeed in swimming. She told him he'd need to swim the length of the pool during evaluations and they'd make a decision from there. He successfully completed his task--way back in the beginning of June--and was invited to become a WJC Poolcat. From there, we expected that he'd only swim COSA meets on Saturdays and not the official Wednesday night league meets. Well, Noah was invited to attend a GCSL meet and I'll never forget his excitement at being asked. He swam 3 GCSL meets and met the requirements to swim in Championships this past Monday and Tuesday. Below are pictures from his last meet, Saturday, July 10, 2010.

Coach Anna writing Noah's events on his hand so that he'd remember his events.

Look Mom--I'm swimming in 5 events!

The swim meets have provided ample opportunity for Noah to catch up on his summer reading!

Waiting in the "bull pen" for his first event.

Just like his Mom, Noah's BEST stroke is his backstroke. Swimmer's take your mark....GO!

Drying off after his event and taking a short rest before his next event begins.

Noah loves swimming breast stroke; honestly I think it's because it doesn't compromise his breathing as he's supposed to take a breath on each stroke. And, below--he remember his two hand touch!

From the bull pen, the 10 and under relay teams are led to their respective lanes. All swimmers 10 and under swim a 25 (one pool length) during relays, so half of the relay team is led to the other end of the pool. Noah is second in line, adjusting his goggles. Encouraging his teammate, below, before he dives in for his leg of the relay.

Above, Noah swimming freestyle during the Free Relay.

During the season, Noah has made several good friends.

Noah, it's been a lot of fun watching you improve throughout the season! Mom and Dad are SO proud of you--you've come a long way since your first practice and I know you're happy with your achievements this summer too! Congrats on a fantastic first swim team season!

Rolling Along

While the boys were visiting Trey's parents, Trey and I took the opportunity to schedule a couple of longer rides. We rode 24 miles down to Easton and back on Thursday evening and rode the Thomas J Evans Bike Trail (Johnstown to Newark) on Saturday morning.

Inflating the tires and preparing for our long ride.

Ready for the start of our 29 mile bike ride!

The Thomas J Evans bike trail rests on the rail bed of the former Toledo and Ohio Central Railroad. It was the first railroad constructed in the region in 1877. The railroad went into service in 1881 and was primarily used as a coal route until the T & OC offered the first passenger line service from Johnstown to Granville ending in "Central City"--old name for the Western edge of Newark. Passenger service on this portion of the rail ended prior to WWII, but freight service continued through 1970.

The former railroad bed trail winds through trees, with signifcant drop-offs on either side, as well as vast open areas of farm land.

The height of this corn was absolutely amazing to us "city folk". Who knew corn stalks were so tall?!

We passed by this sign and Trey and I both thought it was quite funny. The owner posted a couple of "don't pick the flower" signs--obviously unlawful flower picking is quite a concern to this homeowner. Below, the calves were so adorable. However, once again these "city folk" have forgotten just how "smelly" cows can be--let's just say that the smell was NOT fresh country air! WOW!!

A lone telegraph pole surrounded by overgrown brush and trees serves as a historical reminder of the railroad that once occupied the space. In addition, the original iron guards still exist on the bridge crossing Raccoon Creek (unfortunately I don't have a picture to display).
The T & OC railroad depot, built in 1880, has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

On our return trip, we opted to visit Granville. We rode past the historic Granville Inn as well as several other outside shops and restaurants.

Trey and I thoroughly enjoyed our morning ride together from Johnstown, Ohio to Newark, Ohio and back (see picture below for actual route). I love that we've found a new hobby to enjoy together and look forward to our next ride.

Happy Birthday Alexander

How in the world does the time pass so quickly? It's hard to believe that 14 years ago today, Trey and I were at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, awaiting the arrival of our first child. Trey's parents arrived early in the morning and I remember feeling badly that they'd probably have to wait hours for their first grandchild to appear. My parents arrived later in the afternoon, still plenty of time to wait until Alexander finally arrived at 8:03pm weighing 7lb 13oz and scoring a perfect 10 on his Apgar. We were all amazed at his full head of hair and I was stunned at the small size of our newborn son. Trey and I struggled with his name, but decided on Alexander. I remember our parents sharing that the four of them dined at J. Alexander's celebrating the arrival of the first grandson on both sides of the family.

My how times have changed! Alexander now towers above Trey and I, supporting a nearly 6ft frame. Trey and I couldn't be more proud of the young man he's becoming--he's intelligent, funny, athletic, caring and most of all a well-rounded wonderful person. So today Alexander, we wish you a very Happy 14th Birthday and warm wishes for the year ahead! Love you to the moon and back today and always! Mom & Dad

















Did you notice a theme? Alexander wanted a "throw-back" Ohio State Jersey and Noah gave him the gray OSU TShirt--he's ready for OSU football to begin next month :)!

Dive for Donuts

Thursdays, the day after a meet, are "fun days". Today, was "Dive for Donuts". The team was instructed to bring loose change and at the end of practice the coaches tossed the money into the pool for the Junior Team to locate. Of course, the coaches decided it would be "girls VS boys" which immediately resulted in a roar from the kids.
















Patiently waiting for all of the coins to be scattered throughout the pool and dive area. Once finished, Coach Anna yelled--ready, set GO! And, off the swimmers went in search of coins.
















Noah taking a breather, above, before searching the pool floor, below, for more coins.
















All of the collected coins will be used by the coaches to purchase OJ and donuts for the team's last "fun day" next Thursday. Noah thoroughly enjoyed today's event! Unfortunately, he won't be able to attend the OJ & Donuts party, so I had to promise Tim Horton's one morning this week :)!

Independence Day 2010

Independence Day, 2010--Indian Lake, Ohio. After the parade festivities Saturday, Grammy asked Noah if he'd like to spend the night at the campground with them. It was so last minute, that Noah literally had the clothes on his back--nothing else. He eagerly agreed and had an amazing time, alone, with his Papa and Grammy. When it was time for the fireworks, they travelled a short distance and all 3 concur it was the best fireworks display they've ever experienced! Dee and Larry thanks again for spending quality time with Noah--I know it was a special time for him!

Yesterday, Trey, Alexander, Sophie and I travelled to Indian Lake to spend July 4th with Trey's parents. We visited the state campground and enjoyed a healthy, heaping scoop of YUMMY ice cream in the 90+ degree heat. Then, we took a walk to the "beach". We thought Sophie might swim, but she refused to even get her feet wet--hmmmm...our little "princess".

After visiting the state campground, we returned with two VERY overheated dogs (I'm sorry little Sheha!) and played a rousing game of Dutch Blitz--Larry even joined in on the fun! Noah was off playing with friends, but the 5 of us enjoyed our game although Alexander WON BIG! Larry cooked steakburgers on the grill and our July4th picnic was delicious--thanks Larry & Dee! We rested a bit following our big meal, took a short walk and then watched Noah and his new friends fishing--unfortunately, no catches. When the sun set, we decided it was time for s'mores. The boys have a habit of burning their marshmallows to a crisp--of course, that's my favorite kind--burnt! YUM!

We had a wonderful time in Indian Lake and hope that all of you enjoyed a safe and happy July 4th!

Floating Along

Westerville's annual July 4th parade entertained many earlier this afternoon. Alexander had the honor of riding in the first car of the parade behind the emergency vehicles and veterans. Earlier in the school year, Alexander was awarded 1st place, out of all 3 middle schools, for his essay in the Patriot Pen competition. As a result, he was invited to ride in the July 4th parade. In addition, he was encouraged to invite a veteran to join him--he chose his Papa Larry to be his guest.

The car announced Alex as one of the VFW winners.

Dee, Noah and I dropped off Larry, Trey and Alexander prior to the start of the parade. The blue car pictured below was Alexander's transportation through the parade.

Getting ready for the parade to begin; Alexander is seated in the car and Papa is in the white flag shirt close behind the car.

Trey walked along side the parade route capturing the two pictures above at the very beginning of the parade. Below, Grammy and Noah wait patiently for Papa and Alexander to arrive. (Noah borrowed Mom's sunglasses since it's a bright, sunshine filled day)

The start of the parade, complete with Color Guard and Westerville Police and Fire personel.

The veterans paused in front of the VFW post to salute the flag. As they completed their salute, a plane did a "fly by"--awesome!

Papa Larry walking in the parade! We're very proud of Papa Larry and all the men and women who have sacrificed their time and lives to serve our wonderful nation! God Bless America!

Alexander, waving and thoroughly enjoying the honor of riding in the parade! He mentioned afterward that several teachers and friends gave "shout outs" to him along the parade route! SO COOL!

Alexander, have we mentioned how PROUD we are of you! Congratulations, once again, on your amazing honor!

More parade participants...

Noah was not thrilled with the banner hanging from the bus--only 53 more days of summer vacation?!

We seem to be out of town regularly on July 4th, so we're so happy that we're able to enjoy the July 4th activities this year!

The parade watchers :)! Happy 4th of July everyone!