Indian Creek Fire

Nick and Jean (Zach's parents) are happy to see there house of over 28 years still standing after a lighting strick started a fire Tuesday morning. The blaze moved quickly along the hillside threatening homes. The local fire & rescue had an amazing response and battled it through the night until early morning when helicopters and crop dusters could get into the area to drop water and retardent on the burning hills. There are some great pictures but here are a few from the local paper.

Birch Chair

Going to grad school so far has been a lot of work (big surprise!) but it does has it's benefits. I had to design and build a chair recently and my concept involved using recycled, natural, and renewable materials around my home. We had to cut down an old birch tree when we moved into our house because it had died so I was happy to reuse the gorgeous white wood for a good cause.

Pre-Birthday Fun

Davina was sweet to throw a little get together for my upcoming birthday at her house. Owen (her 1o month old son) entertained us for the evening while we had treats and drinks. Thanks girls for a fun evening! Megan LOVE the earrings, and Jenna you nailed me with the Chai....

Donner Lake Tri

The Donner Lake Triathlon proved to be a challenging and rewarding experience for the crew of- Erin, Cameron, and I. Cameron decided to sign up at the last minute and proved to be a great contender for his first sprint triathlon (1/4 mile swim, 6 mile bike, 2 mile run). Erin also completed her first triathlon in the international distance (1 mile swim, 24.8 mile road bike, and 6.8 mile run). Donner Pass was not an easy climb on the bike for anyone (straight up for 1,000ft +) so it's great that Cameron, Erin, and I toppled defeat and pushed through anyways. I had a great time and felt challenged and happy for completing my 2nd full distance triathlon. I bumped into Amanda Hicks (now married with new last name but can't remember it) the day before the triathlon and discovered she was also competing in this event. I squeezed into the finish line with a completion time of 2hrs 55mins and taking 6th place for women under 35. Shannon Rahlves (the Olympic skier Daron Rahlves sister) not only competed in the sprint triathlon beating almost everyone (even men) but got right back in the water and did the international triathlon in our women's group!!!! Talk about tenacity! She was serious and I noticed men feeling a little smaller when standing next to her. That a girl!

Thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting us!!! We couldn't have done it without your support!