Skin-suits and Such

It started innocently enough...we signed up for the 'rec' category of the VertFest randonnee race a few years back to support a local event, the guy that hosts the event, and to have a little painful fun. We didn't take ourselves too seriously. We heckled the guys in the front in the skin-suits and fast race gear. Of course, we signed up the next year and the year after that too. We were still 'just having fun'.

Then, one day, Brandon bought a pair of used race skis. I was worried, but I told myself it was all okay, that Brandon wasn't going to get too serious about this racing stuff. Pretty soon, Brandon was saying he needed a skin-suit too. I knew then that it was all over so I tried to contain the damage. I said we can't let ski training and racing completely take over our lives. "Uh-huh, I agree," he said. The next day, and months to follow, Brandon started following an official training regiment. Hmmm...

Well, I knew that I wasn't going to get into this randonnee racing stuff myself. Last year, we travelled to the U.S. Ski Mountaineering Championships in Jackson Hole, where Brandon did the race and I again competed in the 'rec' category. Even though it was a horrible race for me, I still felt the pull to actually race. Still, I reminded myself that I'm just in it to have fun, etc.

Last week, these showed up at our door:

Brandon, ever the sucker for a good deal, HAD to buy these for me b/c they were on sale. Oh dear, now I own race skis. Does this mean I have to compete in the race category? Do I have to train too? Must I wear a super cool skin-suit? Just who am I becoming?!? Begin the heckling now...

An Old Haunt Revisited

Brandon was first introduced to rock climbing way back in high school, by a substitute teacher who took him and his friend Kyle out. They were hooked right away. One of their favorite spots to climb was Little Si. For no real reason, neither of us have climbed there in over 10 years. It seemed a good spot to take baby Kye on his first climbing outing, following in Daddy's footsteps (or, shall I say, 'footholds').

H on a 5.8 arete

Kid Kern grunts through a hard move...

(sorry, I couldn't help myself)

You know you're jealous...

a nap in the woods after sending a hard climb

Brandon enjoyed climbing here at Blackstone again, but I didn't manage to take any pics of him. Thanks to Joanne for helping us get out there climbing again (no pics of her either...sorry, I will get better at taking pics with babe in arms).

Little Outings

The first few weeks of Kye's life were spent in the mayhem that is a new baby and new parenthood. Most -actually, all- of our energy and time was spent trying to figure out what to do with this little creature. Is he hungry or tired or both? Does he have gas? We're supposed to know what to do here, right?!?

We did manage to get out a fair amount, but more out of necessity than desire: visits to the pediatrician, grocery store, etc. Last week, we decided it was time to have a fun day out with baby. We started with a trip to our favorite bakery, Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle. Then we caught a ferry over to Bainbridge Island.

 

Indian Summer

We have really been enjoying the lovely extension of summer here in the Seattle area, getting out as often as possible, in between nursings of the wee one. Last weekend, we took a hike in the evening on the Snow Lake trail.

I think B looks great 'baby-wearing' Kye! :)

Brandon was embarrassed for Kye to be

wearing this little bear hat but I thought it was super cute.

We also got out for some huckleberry picking 

with Melissa, Jeremy, Nason, and Winders.

Growing...and more visitors

The first couple weeks of Kye's life have been pretty uneventful, thankfully.  The pediatrician got all worried about Kye's weight, but he is now gaining quite well.  We've managed to get out on a walk almost every day, and have had a steady stream of visitors to meet Kye.

Kye likes the car seat

Grandpa Don

Nap time 

Kye meets Aunt Carly

First real bath; he likes it! 

(this is the pic we'll show his future girlfriend to embarrass him)

Aunt Sheena

Uncle Kristan

Chillin'