Jen - 1; Hill - 0

We live on a hill. Tonight, for the first time this year, I had Dan take my 2005 Trek 820 down and air up the tires, and I took it for a spin.

Last year, I had major trouble with one hill, and minor trouble with another. I would ride up the hills, saying "I'm going to make it to the white mailbox this time!" and then "I'm going to make it to the second pine tree past the white mailbox this time!" etc. I never did make it up the major-trouble hill, however.

Well! Tonight I whipped its butt. I shifted gears with mad skillz and made it up that nasty hill without having to get off the bike and walk it, admitting defeat, quickly hopping back on as soon as humanly possible, to avoid looking like an out-of-shape fool.

party people in da house!

I was gonna put "hizzouse" in the title but I thought that might be just too much for some of my blog readers. It's OK - I'm over it now.

This weekend was my nephew Trevor's 1st birthday party. I didn't bring my camera because I am a bad, BAD auntie. But Darika did (clearly, the better auntie), and she emailed me a few of the pictures she took. Enjoy!

Me and Darika

Darien being a goofball

Adam and me!

birthday "observed"

Well, Wednesday was my uneventful birthday. How old am I? Let's just say I'm more mid-thirties than early-thirties now. Well whatever. I'm like wine - I just get better with age.

Since Wednesday really isn't A Good Day To Party, my party is tonight. Mom & Dad are taking us out to Meriwether's. We have my cousin Christine coming over to babysit, and the boys are thrilled. I told them Wednesday, and every hour or so since then, they ask, "Is Christine here yet?" I think secretly she must let them do whatever they want. Those were the best babysitters when I was growing up! I feel silly asking an old married lady to babysit though, so if any of you have any daughters, nieces, etc. that you would be willing to rent out for a couple hours now and then, let me know.

Obi-Wan was a mobster

My two older boys love playing Lego Star Wars on the XBOX. It's funny and nostalgic to hear them talking about Han Solo, Princess Leia, C3PO, R2D2, and my favorite...




wait for it.




Ben Kibbioni. Sounds Italian! "Yo Ben-ay!" He fights with his Light-saver.