Hazel's first race

ended up as a Did Not Start. Mom and Dad entered Hazel in the tiny kiddie bike "race" at the PIR Short Track Mountain Bike Race on Monday. Hazel was very enthusiastic leading up to the main event, insisting on wearing her helmet and sitting on her bike.

The pre-race nerves did her in though, and she opted out of the actual race. Besides, if Hazel was sitting on the bike, where would her baby sit?

Mom can relate. Those pre-race nerves are the worst. Plus, there's no seat on the bike for the baby. It would be very unsafe to bike around with the baby in Hazel's lap. Mom and Dad think Haze made the right decision. :)

It's that time of year

When Hazel gets to spend many of her waking hours at bike races. She is so well trained, in fact, that when you pick her up at daycare, her first question is, "bike race?" If Daddy isn't around, she automatically says, "Daddy bike race. GOOOO Daddy!"

Lucky for Mom and Dad, Hazel is very easy going and more than happy to contentedly play with sticks and mud while Mom and Dad bike race. It will be a few more weeks of double headers on the weeknights and a few weekends of bike racing and triathlon fun before Hizz catches a break. Then, of course, she might just demand to go to a bike race.

Wondering why Mom isn't fast at the Vernonia Short Track Mountain Bike race.

Explaining bike mechanics to her baby at Mt. Tabor race #3.

Watching the pro racers in the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic from the coveted VIP spot.

Testing out Mom's helmet for safety purposes at Mt. Tabor #1.

Pre-race: tuning up Mom's bike so she can go just a little bit faster.

Hazel, her baby doll, and the potty

Hazel's new doll

New bikini

In which Hazel shows off her evening dress and does not follow directions very well

Hazel pontificates on bike racing

The desert

Hazel spent her weekend in the desert, soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm temperatures. She expertly directed Mom and Dad to a choice camping spot on the Deschutes River and commenced spending several hours throwing rocks in to the river.

She was often quite pleased with her placements.


She also tried to steal the peanut butter and drug her coat through the dirt the entire weekend.


The Barker campsite was across the river from a train track. Oh the joy of seeing a train so close! Hazel is in love with trains and demands to read her "choo choo book" several times a day (though she has it memorized and at this point, can just read it to herself).

At one point, when Mom and Dad were treating her cruelly and finally took the peanut butter away and made her eat real food, Hazel attempted to call Grandma and Grandpa to plead her case. Unfortunately, no one was on the other end of the line since Hazel chose the wrong tool for the job.


On Sunday, Hazel directed Mom and Dad to take her to White River Falls "NOW!" So they did.



Amidst examining the river and demanding to be let "OUT!", Hazel and Dad checked out the whole power house located on the river. They were equally fascinated.


To top it off, everyone went to the French bakery in The Dalles. This was Hazel's only calm moment. Apparently, she doesn't like the French, so everyone ate outside instead where only Mom and Dad got to enjoy Hazel's tantrum.


French bakery tantrums aside, Mom and Dad realized that Hazel spends almost every weekend outside and that she knows more about dirt and water and snow and rocks than she will ever know about television or video games or stupid cartoon characters. This is one rad chick. The future better watch out.

Hazel and Toast

Escape!

Hazel decided "ENOUGH!" with the rain and escaped to Sunlands, Washington for the weekend to be admired by family and seek the sun. She accomplished both goals quite well, thank you very much.

Uncle Ritchie and Hazel had a fine time playing ball. As long as it was always hers, of course.

Case in point. "MINE!"

Someone is very concerned that Uncle Ritchie will steal her ball.

Not only is Uncle Ritchie a ball-throwing expert, it turns out that he is also quite good at coloring.

Hazel would like to read this firefighter book for the 5 millionth time. Add "firefighters" to her list of current obsessions.

Nothing is more fun than hanging out in the wagon in your pajamas in the middle of the day.

Another item on the list of obsessions? Beads. Especially if Grandma plays with them with you.

While at the cabin, Hazel followed all of the adults' example and ate all kinds of fun foods, including chocolate cookies. As evidenced by the picture, she absolutely hated them.

Requisite family shot. Hazel insisted on sitting between Mom and Dad and NOT on their laps. Toddler training is going well.