Mild Winter

Despite the few inches of snow we are supposed to get tonight, Washington is so unbelievably mild in the winter. Our bikes have remained pretty well used and we can go to the zoo without bundling up. Here are a couple of pictures from our family hikes and ferry rides this past January. I must say I do miss the really big Philly/Detroit blizzards, but I guess I will just have to make a trek to Mt. Rainier once a year for fill my snow quota. And I am sure the East will call my name when the rain starts this Spring. But for now I am enjoying my outdoors and cheaper heating bill.

State Wrestling

So we are a basketball family. Both Steve and my families spend a lot of time watching and playing basketball so we thought it was a guarantee that our boys will play as well. Well, basketball in Yelm is not big. Wrestling is big in Yelm and since they are in the same season, we have already felt a bit of conflict as to what sport our boys will play. We have three boys so we are a good family to recruit early. ha So this past weekend we went and watched our friend Dylan Hyder wrestle in the state tournament. He was defending his state title in the 125 weight class and he did not disappoint winning state once again. The Mat Classic at the Tacoma Dome starts with about 24 matches all taking place at the same time. Every class from 1B to 4A competes so there are 6 mats for the finals. It's a pretty impressive sight. We got a little photo op after Dylan won, which was nice of him. He is going to wrestle for Air Force next year on full scholarship. So even though the uncles all insist the boys will play basketball, I think it will be an interesting competition. I wonder what will have more influence in the end--the city of Yelm and our friends or our basketball crazed family?

The boys love to practice their wrestling moves at home. Mom doesn't play.