Mt. Evans Hill Climb - II

When going fast, lean ever so slightly into the turns. And always be on the lookout for crazy fanatics, especially those carrying a golf club and sitting in the middle of the course.
Finally, since you plan on winning, always be prepared to provide a couple of good quotes during a post race interview. Stay composed and don't worry too much that a dog is accompanying the media.

As you can see Ryder has really mastered the Strider Bike. He seems ready to skip training wheels and go right to a big boy bike (in the coming weeks).

Mt. Evans Hill Climb - I

Well, Daddy completed the 45th Annual Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb on Saturday. Ryder's first question, "Did you win?". Since the answer was no, Ryder took Daddy's number and attempted to show him how it should be done.

First lesson, never look behind you.
Second lesson, smile and have fun because this is easy. You should consider placing a green alien head on your handle bars.....it helps.

Mommy's coming home

Mommy is coming home? Really? Sorry Daddy, you have been fun but we really miss Mommy!

I understand boys, I too really miss your Mommy.

Daddy Time

Well, Mommy is in California. So, its 'Daddy Time'. We are having so much fun with Daddy. He seems to do some things a little different than Mommy, which we make certain he knows.

Other than Ryder acting odd at breakfast we are having lots of fun.
If you don't believe us, check out those smiles.....it almost hurt to smile so hard.

Swim Lessons

Ryder is doing great at swim lessons.

Daddy and Taggart accompanied Ryder to his lesson. Taggart is a little crazy and needed to be held back the entire lesson.

Go Kart

At the Medtronic Navigation summer picnic Ryder jumped at the chance to get behind the wheel of a Go Kart.

Shockingly, Ryder did outstanding. I guess he is paying attention while Mommy and Daddy drive him all over Colorado.
FYI....that metal guard rail really does a good job of keeping the Karts on the track.....Ryder learned that from personal experience (see the trajectory of the car). After that one collision, he did a great job of keeping in in the middle of the track.

Hilton Head Island vacation IX

What a great vacation we had in Hilton Head Island, SC.

All of the boys (Ryan and Scott included) had so much fun that we were exhausted at the end of each day. Poor Tagg seems to be exhausted in both photos.

Thanks Nana and Papa.

Hilton Head Island vacation VIII

Water fountain splash pad at Coligny Beach provided endless fun

Hilton Head Island vacation VII

Nana and Papa made sure that Ryder had an opportunity to try a bike with pedals. Well, he picked that up in about 2 minutes. He really enjoys riding bikes and actually wants a new bike now.
Popsicles out by the pool. Another great day.

Hilton Head Island vacation VI

The South Carolina weather was great (albeit a little hot and humid when compared to Colorado) so the boys took advantage and logged some beach time.

Mommy joined in and decided to enjoy the water with the boys.

Hilton Head Island vacation V

The boys enjoyed biking through Harbour Town. Ryder is imitating (or possibly making fun of) Tagg for falling asleep on the ride. Seriously? Doubt that he will be a professional cyclist if he can't stay awake on a family ride.

Now rested, the boys thought it would be fun to team up on Uncle Ryan and attack him.

Hilton Head Island vacation IV

"Do we really have to head home Daddy? That was soo much fun. Oh the treasures.....we saw multiple dophins, a shark and a stingray all in the same outing. When can we go again?"

"Mommy, Mommy.....Seriously, we finally found our treasure today."

"Well boys, now that you found your treasure I guess we can fully enjoy the rest of our vacation and time with Nana and Papa Leveque."

Hilton Head Island vacation III

"Shark! We are going to need a bigger boat....... Didn't they make a movie about this?"

"No worries, its just Flipper."
Finally, the treasure hunt pays off as we found a friendly dolphin to follow the boat.

Hilton Head Island vacation II

Treasure hunt....no longer looking for buried treasure.

"Alright Ryder, yesterday's treasure hunt was worthless. I know, I know..... its not your first time to the beach. Well, today I am captaining the boat (with Papa Leveque's assistance) in search of another treasure spot. Grab a seat and hold on." "OK, you can have a turn at the helm. Just don't get too used to it and remember to be on the look out for treasure."
Alternative post.....

I'm on a boat.
I'm on a boat.
I got my swim trunks and my flippy floppies.
I'm riding on a dolphin doing flips and shxx.
It's going splashin and gettin everybody wet
This is real as it gets.

Hilton Head Island vacation I

"Trust me Tagg, this is exactly where we need to dig to find the pirates buried treasure. Remember, this is not my first time to the beach. I know its not yours either but you are way to yittle to remember."

"Seriously, is that all you have Daddy? If you don't pull your weight, you won't be able to share in the treasure and riches."

"Keep digging you two." ~ Ryder

Happy Mother's Day

Unfortunately, Daddy had a business trip to Italy and was not around on Mother's Day. Before going, he talked to the boys about the importance of celebrating Mother's Day and pampering Mommy on her big day. Well, Ryder and Taggart's interpretation of what that meant may not have been ideal.....they woke up way too early, did not make Mommy breakfast and treated the day as all others.......Until, they convinced her to go to get ice cream.
Obviously, Ryder rode his bike....
Obviously, Tagg loves ice cream (or any food for that matter)....

Obviously, Mommy enjoyed her day and the ice cream.

Ryder is a pretty good camera man.

Cyclist

Taggart may have been slow to walk but not slow to ride.
Tagg inherited Ryder's first Strider bike (green) since it is already beat up and broken in.
Off to the races....unfortunately, Tagg wants so desperately to keep up with Ryder but it may take a couple of months, inches and wrecks....

Did I say "wrecks"? Yes, we captured the first accident.

Tagg's First Haircut

Time for Taggart to get his first haircut.

Just in case Taggart cried and created a scene, Ryder wore his sunglasses so he would not be recognized.
Afterwards, both chilled and compared notes on their haircuts. Then headed to Lamar's Donuts for a treat.

Easter Day

The Easter egg hunt was Tagg's favorite part of the day. He thought is was hilarious that he could shake the eggs and then find a surprise inside.

Since the boys could not find the Easter Bunny or any signs of its coming and going, they decided to put on their new Easter gifts (costumes) and act as if someone called in the Police and Fire Department to look for the Easter Bunny.
After a few more jelly beans, they decided to call off the search.

Easter Tears

You would think the Easter Bunny was Santa Claus....Taggart could not control his emotions when it came time to go to bed. The anticipation of Easter morning was too much.

Easter Prep

Before any good Easter prep effort, one must sit out side (in the new chairs from Nana & Papa), enjoy the weather and eat strawberries in whipped cream.
Then run inside to begin dying the eggs.

Smile

Taggart smiles so hard it looks like it hurts. His personality is about as large as his smile.

Denver Zoo

Denver Zoo

"What is that"?
"I don't know but I am going in for a closer look".