Family Pictures

Swim, Run, Bike - Try!

I did it! Saturday I completed my first triathlon! It was only a Sprint distance, but I loved it. The best part was having Bryce right next to me for half of the bike and run. Below are some shots from the race:



It was fun to have Nate and Mindy come out for the race, and see Brian and Ashley too. Brian cheered us on with Taylor and Dee, and Ashley took 3rd place for her age group and Mindy 5th.

Growing Up

Today is Taylor's first day of school. He enjoyed packing his lunch this morning and was quick to get ready. We enjoyed our walk to school and Taylor knew the way to his classroom, even though he's only been there once. Taylor is excited to meet new friends and I'm anxious to hear about his day when I pick him up.

Taylor with his teacher Mrs. Goff

Taylor was a little hesitant finding/choosing a seat, but once he found a chair, he sat right down, went to work, and was ready to be at school.

I already miss my boy and it's only 9:30, but I'm excited for him and enjoy watching him grow up and do big things.

Certified!

While in Spokane, a group of us certified to scuba dive. After a full day of course and pool work, we ventured out to the lake to complete our four open water dives. I wasn't scared or nervous going into the certification, but once we were in the lake with gear on and swimming, I got a little...or a lot...scared. If it weren't for Bryce's encouragement to finish, I probably wouldn't have certified. I'm glad I stuck with it, because I was much more comfortable by the end and actually enjoyed the last dive.

Cooking Challenge

Have you watched Iron Chef? Chopped? This week we got a taste of it with our own Daines Family cooking challenge. We had two rounds, six teams, one hour to cook, a basket of required ingredients, and a garage full of pantry items. Judging was based on taste, creativity, use of the ingredients and presentation.

Baskets in Round 1 contained a protein (different for each group), daikon...yes, we hadn't heard of it either, Reeses Pieces, and Greek yogurt. Competitors in Round 1:

Team Cupcake: Emily, Mindy, and Nate

Kaylee and Emily Shea

Team: That's us

Round 2 consisted of Josh Gill, Jake, and Dad; David and Malerie; Brian, Dawn Anne, and Amy Gill. Unfortunately I don't have pics. of Round 2 because the photographer was in Round 2.

The winning dish was a grilled lamb shank, seasoned with cilantro, garlic, and red curry paste, served with bell peppers, rice, and asparagus and covered in a red curry sauce. Plated with the main entre included a tempura of sweet potatoes and daikon dipped in a tasty Greek yogurt tempura sauce. And let's not forget the salad with a peanut sauce, sprinkled with Reeses Pieces and chocolate syrup, which David nicknamed "The kid who went to the salad bar and stopped at the dessert bar."

We had a fun afternoon and evening of cooking, rushing, tasting, and judging and Bryce and I are proud to hold the title of Cooking Champions at least for the next year.

Listed!