Regardless, I realize that this is a great way to document many of the events of our year. And it will be fun to look back on someday. Thus, if it's too nauseating for you... you can always hit the delete button every year when it comes in your inbox. With that said, here goes....
2006 started out with our annual pilgrimage to Bellingham... good times, good food, good friends, and good conversation at the Miller Pad... as always, the traditional reminiscent walk through WWU campus.
Funny story... the Miller's have a dangerously steep driveway at their house... deadly steep for a five year old on a bike. One morning, just minutes after Dave put up his cheesy, plastic protecto-fence to keep small children from rolling into the abyss, Alli crashed into it with her bike and flew over the handle bars. Dave, I didn't know whether to curse you for getting out the bikes or kiss your big bald cranium for saving my daughter's life... I think I owe you smooch.
Alli and I headed to The Pass, with neighbors Rick Johnson and his son Connor, for a skiing lesson... I think Alli's skis were on just long enough for me to snap a photo... then she ran around and played in the snow for the rest of the time.
In February, Dad and I headed to Toronto for the Tanzanian Royalty Exploration Corporation (Dang, that's a mouthful... I liked TanRange much better) Shareholders Meeting. It was a great trip... with temperatures in the teens!
When James Sinclair talks, people listen... I know this photo isn't that impressive, but it was an amazing event to watch people scramble to get as close to Mr. Sinclair as possible... then the guy in the back with his ear cupped, hoping to hear every last word. Just reminded me of the old EF Hutton commercials... and yes, the metals continued their ascent in this generational bull market.
************************************************************
And speaking of investments, how often do you consciously make investments in the relationship with your spouse/partner... this is a good option if you're looking to keep that foundation solid and strong.
************************************************************
Grandma Sherry came over to hang out with the family and get some Easter eggs dyed for an egg hunt.
In May, Louise triumphed over a stress fracture, pouring rain, and a failed watch, to finish the Vancouver, B.C. Marathon. Sadly, she missed qualifying for Boston by two minutes... regardless, it was a memorable run, and I was a proud hubby watching her cross the finish line.
Our little ballerina girl danced in the Rite of Spring ballet performance this year, put on by Dance Fremont. It was a lot of fun to see her up on stage, confident and charming.
Ben saddled up the old mower, ready to cut the grass at Grandpa Doug and Jennie's... that was until the motor revved up and scared him off. :)
Late spring days, alone at the homefront, with the sun shining in the new remodel... lots to contemplate in this crazy world we live in... my life just keeps getting better... strivin' for higher heights!
Abbi was fortunate enough to befriend some wonderful horse lovers on Vashon Island... Sharon and Dick. Abbi made a couple trips to their farm, and even participated in a horse show on the island. She is pictured with Thelma, and Lace in the background.
Grandpa and Grandma's new house was the setting for lots of big toys to play on... here the kids are hanging out with their cousin Emelia.
Doing a little hiking out near Hood Canal... good to hook up with Clint and Laura on this trip.
Speaking of Emelia, one of my favorite quotes from earlier in the year came from Alli as she was admiring her 11 month old cousin... "Ah, look at Emelia, she's so sweet... she's never lied."
************************************************************
Another memorable quote this year came from Alli as she walked in the front door with some loud rock-n-roll cranked on the stereo... "Ow, that's hurting my drum ears!"
************************************************************
On a beautiful summer day, four generations of Lapchis headed out on the waters of Puget Sound, and spent the day fishing. The big ones got away, including the shark Kristin caught, but we kept the bottom fish busy.
Fisherman Ben and Captain Helen
Ben and I headed out to GreenLake for some playground fun and a canoe ride. Ben loves boats (wink wink Uncle Keith), and I predict will some day become a sailor.
Another funny story... earlier in the year, we made plans to visit Great Grandma Helen in Orinda, CA. But do to various circumstances, she ended up moving to Seattle to live with Grandpa Doug before the vacation. Unfortunately, our airplane tickets were non-transferable. So, we flew down there, and Grandpa Doug and G-Gma Helen came down to be with us... Thus, in the end we were able to hang out at Grandma's old house, and spend some fun time in San Fran.
Below, Ben enjoys the biggest ice cream cone of his life.
Abbigale took some cooking classes at PCC this summer. She brought home some yummy recipes and treat ideas. Here Alli helps her make homemade pasta.
Here's Abbi spending some quality time in front of one of the many "televisions" around our house. It's amazing what the kids come up with, given a few items and their own creativity. We'll see how the no television experiment goes as they mature into young adults. For now, the creative play is wonderful to watch.
Larger tea parties are also a favorite... including yummy leaf burritos!
************************************************************
Louise took the kids for a weekend at La Wis Wis campground for a fun camping outing. Now that Ben is a little older, the camping experience seems to be more enjoyable for all.
************************************************************
In August, we headed out to Duvall for a wonderful wedding ceremony... Karen Hovde and Chris Wylde ordered up some perfect weather, and the celebration was warm and full of love. The kids had a blast swimming around in the pool and good times were had by all. Congrats to Karen and Chris!
Doug treated us to a ride in style, as we headed out for an adults only celebration for Kay's 60th B-day.
This year, whenever the camera came out, it was like a magnetic reaction with Ben's tongue.
Dad and Jennie gettin' down at the Birch Bay Shindig! More good tunes, good food, and good people... as they say, life is good.
We headed out to the Washington Coast for several days in late August. Mora Park and Rialto Beach were definitive high spots in the year, as we lucked out with more beautiful weather, a great camping getaway, and recharged batteries!
We also spotted a strange new breed of camper... we saw many parties trouncing down the beach for miles like the couples below.
Benjamin also seems to be a born builder... he has a hammer... he hammers in the morning... he hammers in the evening... all over our basement walls.
************************************************************
The people and experiences at KrekowJennings offered up another satisfying and enjoyable year... The IT industry has yet to prove itself dull, while participating in some strategic planning sessions and picking up some marketing responsibilities were definite highlights. I'm having fun in my daily work, and that is important to me.
************************************************************
First day of school for the big Fourth Grader and our new Kindergartener.
At the end of September, we headed to Long Beach, and another great wedding celebration. This wedding was also fortunate to have great weather and a beautiful setting. Congratulations go out to Wade and Kim Taylor!
Soccer was another fun activity this year... Alli enjoyed herself in the 3-on-3 league...
And Abbi scored some excellent goals, in her team's breakout season!
Speed Racer zooming along at Alki.
************************************************************
I turned the big 4-0 this year... everything feels the same, except my body's inability to heal quickly from mild injuries... I should get used to it, so they say.
************************************************************
We shared another Halloween with the Schuehle Gang... over 25 pounds of candy that our kids brought home together on Halloween night... unbelievable... my office mates seemed appreciative of the overflow... uh, maybe not.
Another trip out to the Rice Farm, and some quality time with our good friends... and a nice book club discussion of "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus". ;)
Our first visit to the Seattle Tilth Fair, and we decided to exhibit our feathered friends. Here Abbi presents her buddy Amiga.
This year, we spent countless hours with our good friends and neighbors Mark and Margaret... three cheers for wonderful neighbors!
The kids hanging out at their second home... Mark and Margaret's deck.
Remember that fringe group of kooky "liberals", at the Seattle Center back in 2003, warning about the dangers of a pre-emptive war in Iraq? Well, they were right, and the writing is on the wall... someday the hens will come home to roost for the crooks in high places and our nation's failed policies.
November was filled with Birthday parties for both Ben and Alli. Uncle Keith recounts his fourth birthday with Grandpa Mel and Auntie Kristin...
and Gpa Doug and G-Gma Helen enjoy the festivities.
The partying continued when the Tumble Bus pulled into the driveway, and the kids jumped, swung, climbed, and tumbled their way to another fun birthday celebration.
Speaking of Uncle Keith, he and I donned our painting gear and gave the recently resided house several coats of fresh paint. It was just like old times, and brought back lots of memories... we didn't miss a beat. We were a great team, and I'm lucky to have such a good guy on my side. Thanks Keith!
************************************************************
The Peterson clan headed over for Thanksgiving in our new kitchen... great to see Doug up and about, good as new. You would never have known he had such a nasty fall off the roof of their new home that was being built, almost a year ago. He's a survivor for sure!
And finally, an angel in the snow.
Putting together this blog entry reminded me of several thoughts and discussions I've contemplated over the past year...
I believe the world is in the midst of a history making paradigm shift... think of it as a radical change from one way of thinking to another... it's a revolution, a transformation, a sort of metamorphosis. The signs are all around us... the good, the bad, and the unknown.
This kind of dramatic change can be difficult to deal with... but the only constant is change... and it is here to stay. Many will have trouble dealing with it... and at times it will be difficult... but those that embrace it will be most apt to prosper from it.
The following is one of my favorite quotes, and planted prominently on my office desk at home... "In a time of drastic change it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists." - Eric Hoffer
Fasten your seatbelts... it looks like we're in for one helluva wild and exciting ride! May 2007 be kind to us all!
