trip to PHX

Got back from our pre-Thanksgiving trip to Phoenix to visit my family. All went well, even flying with a 2 year old (thanks to Steve Jobs and the video ipod!). Here are a few pics from the trip:

Amalia running through the botanical garden:

Looking at birds with me:
Sitting on a bench with mom and grandma:
Using Grandaddy's binoculars:
Riding the carousel (riding the elephant) at the zoo with mom and grandma:
Riding the camel at the zoo with mom (Lisa says they aren't very comfortable):
Studying (or is it stalking) birds up close:
Another trip on the carousel, this time on the cheetah:
In the backyard learning about flowers and bees from Tio David:
Sitting on the couch with prima Anacelia.
Back to the zoo to visit with the goats:
Anacelia likes the goats too:
The primas taking a goat for a walk:
Too tired to walk:
Reading a book with Tio Gabe:

cyclocross

Yesterday and today were the Tech Cross races, those were the cyclocross races on our very own VT campus. Good stuff. Since we ride on the course every week, there is a bit of a home court advantage. I officiated the wheel/spare bike pit when I wasn't racing. That is, I sat around and made sure that no one cheated. For my races I did the 35+ category. I got 3rd on both days. The winner and second place were the same. The winner was just too strong and John McKenna (2nd both days) were faster than him but not stronger. In any case, we raced hard and had fun. I only crashed once, in warm-ups. I was trying to figure out how to ride the corner of death and figured out what line NOT to take. Nothing hurt, just my pride when my friends laughed at me.

Here is a cool video of the fast guys racing, notice the cool move over the logs at ~2:00 mark.

Some more pics will appear here.

Even more pics here and here. 

Here are some pics taken by Ryan Harne.

I was actually leading the race at this point:

Mud on my side from my crash:
Finishing alone in third:

halloween

Yesterday was halloween, Amalia's first real one. They dressed up at daycare and paraded around. Then Lisa picked her up early and they carved up a pumpkin. Then we took her downtown where the merchants gave out candy, cookies, etc. They also had a costume contest at the theatre and a giant slide set up where the farmer's market usually is. Amalia was dressed up a cheetah and had a great time. When the trick-or-treaters started to show up, Amalia insisted on handing out the candy. She liked giving away candy more than getting candy!!! Her great-grandmother Moore would be proud as she always said its better to give than to receive.

Amalia with her pumpkin:
Amalia at the theatre looking at other kids in their costumes and enjoying some candy.

Amalia on the slide. You might notice that she is catching some serious air. The slide was meant for bigger kids but she insisted on doing it, twice!This picture obviously isn't in focus but I like it because it captures the glow on her face. She was fascinated with the candle.