Century Ride: Check

This weekend I completed my first ever 100 miler (first ever biking event, actually). It was the all-women's Little Red Riding Hood Century Ride. Except for a little collision at mile 10 (no thanks to misinformation from a cop), it went fabulously*. We had a great time riding the scenic route in northern Utah and Idaho. The weather was great too. But despite 3 applications of SPF 50, I still got some funky sunburns. I definitely want to do it again next year (the ride, not the suburn).
Ryan and Ava were there at the finish to celebrate with me. Thanks for coming hon! And thanks Sheri for inviting me to join you guys!

Me, Michelle, Sheri, and Sarah (after the ride, wearing our free tiara's)

*amazingly neither of us was seriously injured, just a couple of bruises for me. Plus a very bent rim and spoke and handlebars, all of which got repaired by the fabulous support crew, allowing me to finish the ride. I may have to replace the wheel, and at least replace a spoke, so I'm glad I decided no to ride my brand new bike which has expensive wheels!
** Sheri and Sarah are hardcore. Sarah just did a half Iron Man, did the century today, is doing a marathon next weekend, is doing LOTOJA in the fall (a 210 mile bike race through 3 mountain passes--Ryan did it last year), and just signed up for a full Iron Man. Don't mess with her. And Sheri hasn't been on her bike in 2 years, and has a 4 month old baby, and still breezed through.

Welcome Home Jeff!

Ryan's brother, Jeff, recently returned home from his mission in Puebla, Mexico. Here he is meeting Ava! I think she likes him.

The Brothers Cook (and kids). Ryan (& Ava,) Travis, Jeff, Tyler (& Preston), Parker, Jaxon:

And the Cook lady clan with the recent returnee. Megan, Kat, Jeffers, Carolene, Me and Ava, Ashley:

Megs and Ava:

Ryan, Ava, and Jeff:

Welcome back Jeff! We missed you and we're glad to have you back!

Seriously? Snow?

We woke up this morning to snow covered roof tops and lawns, with heavy wet snow falling. This ain't no spring flurries. Oh, and in case you hadn't realized, it's the last week of May (I'm talking to you, Mother Nature)! C'mon!

Ava's 9 Month Report

Can you believe she's already that old? This is such a fun age, we're loving it. Currently her interests are sitting, spitting (raspberries), standing (with our help), bathing (loves the bath even more now), and freaking out if either Mom or Dad walks out out view. She loves other kids, and Ryan told me today that she tries to sing the hymns at church (I lead the music so I don't get to witness this). Still no teeth, and the teething seems to have eased for a couple of weeks. And as you can see, still not much hair.

Weight: 15 lbs 7 oz (5%)

Height: 27 in (25%)

Head: 17 3/4 in (85%)

Summer Sitting

Here's Ava showing off how well she sits.And chews.

Ava at 8 months

Here are some pics of Ava on her 8 month birthday. She's sitting pretty well on her own now, eating foods, dealing with emerging teeth (still haven't quite broken through), and survived her first cold. She's only up 6 ounces from last month, but the nurse said it's probably because she got sick. She generally eats like a champ.

Easter Treats

Ava's favorite Easter Treat? The chocolate-covered marshmallow bunny, hands down. It's shiny, crinkley, and squishy. What's not to love?

Mmmmmm... shiny.

 

Can you see the drool dripping off it?

 

Just one more bite...