Family Gathering

The Griswold's.... uh, I mean the TeStrake's met up in Des Moines last weekend. We all stayed in the Jordan Creek area and mostly hung out together at the hotel. Our big day was Saturday, which we spent at Adventureland. There were even a few rides for Ani - she rode more rides than her dad, I think! We had a lot of fun, weather was nice - not too hot and not too sunny. It was great that we were all able to meet up together, since it's so hard with everyone's busy schedules. It was also our first time meeting our nephew Luke - what a good baby he is! He was so mellow.

Giggle Fest

Who Needs A Car?

Especially when you have a BOB trailer and the place you're going on your bike to recycle old tires is only 7 blocks away.

Lots 'O Stuff

It's been awhile since I've updated... I'll recap in pictures! Our baby is really no longer a baby. Total toddler. Even her teacher at day care said it today - they may move her up to the toddler room a couple weeks early, she is so ready to be in the next classroom. 15 months old of as Tuesday. Ani has 4 teeth, now takes her own bites of food, is nearly running everywhere instead of walking, and is signing back to us (love this).

Visit with Grandma & Grandpa D

Enjoying a mini cone at Mama's Pizza

Sportin' her 1st real pair of shoes

Ride & Smile

Ride and smile, she did. On Saturday, Ani went on her 1st bike ride on Monte's bike. The helmet was a bit of an issue with her, as not surprisingly, she did not like having it on. But once we adjusted and tightened it, she was OK. 

Visit

Last weekend, Uncle Tim flew up from Arizona (to our much "cooler" summer here). I think it had been since winter that he had seen Ani last, so she had obviously changed a lot! 

MNSCS #8 - Border Battle MN vs. WI

White Tail Ridge in River Falls, WI - August 16.

Flowing, fast hardpack singletrack; roots and rocks; short, steep downhill and uphill sections; uphill switchbacks; grassy, wide open field sections; technical climbs; generous amount of flowing doubletrack.... According to the MNSCS site, this describes the Border Battle Race this morning. 

Monte's race results*:

Sport Men 35-39

6th place in age group

45th place overall

*official results not on the website yet, but these are the stats Monte gave me when he looked at the results posted right after the race.

Start of the race - Monte is in a blue shirt with white helmet.

The finish

It's my vote to have a community play area at every bike race!