Bunnies in the Tunnel: May 2009

It's been a long six weeks since the last post. When Alex went missing from California at the beginning of April we tried to keep things as normal as possible for everyone, but I definitely haven't been keeping up with the blog or with social activities. And since we found out that he was stranded in Phoenix at the beginning of May, it's been a bit of a roller coaster ride for all of us. So I'm making one giant "catch-up"entry, but I'll at least try to preserve the chronology of events!

Heath's First Moto

Most people start off in the Fair Circuit, I assume, not at a Loretta Lynn qualifying race. But Heath was ready to try a real race, so we let him race at Fastrack in Hocking Hills. Considering it was a supercross track and that they forgot to call him to practice with the kids he ended up racing against, he did OK. At least, he stayed on the bike for the most part. I don't envision him becoming a pro, but if he ever does, he's got a great shot for the retrospective piece - all geared up before his first race on Troy's KTM. He was easy to find, anyway, as a red rider on an orange bike!

Sean gives Heath pointers before his solo warm-up.

Adam telling Heath that the gate will drop

The girls waiting for Heath's first moto

You can't see it from here, but all of the other bikes are 65s. Heath's the only one on a 50, so he would have lost even if he had more experience, I think.

And they're off!

Gearing up for the second moto.

The dads push the little boys to the starting line so they aren't worn out before it even starts.

Heath and Troy hanging out.

Back at the gate

2nd moto

One of Heath's wrecks, when one of the guys needed to restart his bike. In the 4-8 group, they have parents spread around the track to help when the kids go down.

Back up and at 'em

Heath was giving new meaning to "I'm so far behind I think I'm winning."

But he had the whole group of girls in the tower screaming his name each time he went by - evidently sometimes it pays to be the underdog!

I took this shot literally five minutes after we got into the car. We left early (if you can call after 10 hours early), because I was trying to get back in time to take pictures of Ari before the prom. I didn't quite make it, but I do have a few shots posted below.

Prom

Ari went to the prom with her friend Kahlen this year. Doesn't she look beautiful?!!!! I bet they were the cutest "non-couple" there!

Arizona

If you ever think about driving from Columbus to Phoenix and back in four days, the best piece of advice I can give you is DON'T!

But we are thankful to have Alex back again. And since we were only an hour from the Grand Canyon on the way home through Flagstaff, we decided to take the time for the side trip. Even though we were exhausted and very, very stressed, is was worth taking the time. We didn't have the camera with us, but the disposable camera worked well.

We drove up to see Snow Bowl in Flagstaff. The skiing is great this time of year!

(wink wink nudge nudge)

Views from the South Rim

Cougar crossing

Back home

Senior Art Show

Ari poses in front of some of her pottery.

Kidz Bop at Home

Obviously, they get their grace from me.

Dagger eyes of death. Do not interrupt the princess while she dances.

If Only This Phase Would Last

Last Day of Preschool

Quin is all dressed up with nowhere to go.

Ready for the ceremony

Carrie was the only one in her PreK class who is not going on to kindergarten, thanks to her October birthday, so she was the official teacher's helper for the ceremony. She got to turn on the music for the processional and help hand out the diplomas.

Mrs. Heinmiller

Mrs. Welsh

After the ceremony, Carrie came to work with me for a lunch out with the editors before our early dismissal. When we went home, she insisted that we take the training wheels off of her bike. She won't let anyone push her to help her with the balance, because she wants to do it all herself. But she's tentative enough about falling that the grass seemed a better choice!