Sko's Wild Rides - Utah Criterium Series

After Scott's "success" at Lotoja last year (finished under 11 hours without a team to work with and not knowing what to expect - especially as it was his first year riding after ACL surgery), he has been riding his trainer consistently throughout winter to prepare for this year.

On March 7th, the boys and I met up with Scott at Rocky Mountain Raceway for the first race of the Utah Criterium Series. This is Scott's first year as a "licensed" rider, so he races with the "C flite," (B is better, A is all that). Despite the balmy weather (Thomas was dressed in a sweater, coat, and his snowsuit), it was an very exciting for us (joined by Gary and Kelly, who rode over with Scott).

As the race began I enjoyed listening to Gary, Kelly and Lance observing the race and talking tactics. We had a great view, as they were in the inner track, and the boys shouted "Go Daddy!" every time they went by. The half hour went by quickly and before we knew it, they were in the last lap, and Scott went for it. He stayed ahead and won! It was awesome.

The second week he placed 5th, although the 2 flat tires he had didn't help.

Apparently, fifth was not enough for him, and he won the next two weeks as well.

Of course, we are excessively proud of him, but I know he owes his wins to his teammates from Spin Cycle. If it weren't for Lance, it would not have been possible, and I know he also worked a lot with Alex, Dan, Scott K. and probably a lot of others I just don't know. Whatever else this season brings, we're happy for these successes and are having a great time participating and cheering for the hero of our family! "Go Daddy! Go Daddy!"

Raymond's Big Debut

Lest I forget this event 25 years from now, I must put it here. Last Sunday Raymond had his first opportunity to sing in Church with a group of primary children and their parents. We had all practiced the Sunday before, and that morning, and both times Ray sat on my lap and I whispered the words to him, and I could hear him doing a wonderful job. He can sing on key perfectly and has a great little voice....when he tries. A few times, when the director (go Hyo!) would ask for the children to be loud, he would simply shout, but only once or twice did he do this, and only for a second.

When it was time to sing in church, Ray his little "Sunbeam" friends were situated directing in front of the microphone. The music began and the director told them to, "Sing Loud!." Now, you never know when Raymond will decide to follow direction. He did this time, He began to SHOUT the children's part as loud as his little lungs would allow, right into the microphone. The second verse was supposed to be just the parents, but he kept right on shouting. About two thirds of the way through the song, I was up with the parents, crying with laughter. I couldn't pull it together, but Candace took the initiative to try and move him away from the microphone and encourage him to be quiet. To which he said, also right into the microphone....,"But she told me to be loud!." So we left him alone to SHOUT the rest of the song. I was a little concerned that he was just goofing off, but Scott could see his face and said Ray was really getting into it, and even had his eyes closed.

It may not have been the most reverent of musical numbers, but at least everyone in the congregation was smiling.

Good job, Raymond. Just next time shout on pitch for Mommy, okay?

Swimming and Playdough and Visits, Oh My!

Well, January and February have flown by, full of fun and adventures. As mentioned previously, we had a great visit in Santa Rosa (aside from the post-Superbowl food poisoning incident). A highlight of the trip was the Schultz museum, which had just opened an exhibit commemorating Snoopy and Charlie Brown's role in the Space Program. This was especially great for Raymond who for the past few months has been saying he is going to be an astonaut when he grows up. We also enjoyed the road trip to Oregon to visit Grandma Marge and Grandpa Tony. (This included Grammie, Grandpa Tim, Uncle Jeff, Alyssa, Ray & Thomas in one van.) My mother was gracious enough to put the boys to bed each night so I could stay and play cards with my Grandparents.

The slideshow I'm adding has pictures from all of January and February, including Ray at swimming class (he is loving it and improving greatly), a visit to Park City with Auntie Lynnie, trip highlights from Santa Rosa/Oregon, a visit to Grandpa Gary's house in St. George, and other miscelleneous fun.