Graduation Par Tay!

 

It's graduation time, folks. Eli is out of high school and off to college soon. The Beautiful Mrs. K threw him a not-soon-forgotten party at, where else? Francis Park. Cake, cupcakes, and friends and family galore. 

Uncle Jim, fresh from the fields. Tyson and Alex, soaking up some sun and grad snacks. Luckily we had shade during the hottest day of the year thus far. 

Of course Eli's South Side crew had to come. Beck somehow didn't know he was invited, but luckily he showed up anyway. River helped with set-up because she's awesome. Maeve recovered from her mountain bike ride this morning in time to class-up the party.

Wouldn't be any kind of party without a big chunk of NICA people showing up. Lots of love from this crew right here.

My brother and his wife joined us, too. My momma would have been so proud! Yes, Eli and Janet had their eyes closed. It happens.

These two. Just a couple of years ago we had Hanna's college graduation party in this exact spot. Lost her to Dallas. Losing him to North Carolina. Happiness and sadness are different sides of the same coin for sure.

More South Side characters. I keep telling Eli that there are always more people who care than he thinks. 

Never miss a chance to point out a person's positive traits, I always say.

Also, never forget that there are certain people who just bring out your best.

And lastly, remember that wisdom, support, and respect go both ways.

Congratulations, Eli! Onward and Upward!

Life Changes Coming Fast!

 

It's probably very natural, but kids tend to change places with their parents at some point. Instead of Eli being "TK's Kid", I'm now "Eli's Dad." Maybe it's natural, or maybe people just like him more. He's a lot more pleasant than I was as an 18 year old. And more talented, so there's that. Perhaps less fortuitous is his ability to grow hair VERY quickly. Sorry son, genetics can be a good AND bad thing.

Eli graduated from High School. A very big life change. College is on the horizon, so there will be somewhat of an empty nest here. Somewhat. We still have a very large hound dog.

Speaking of the hound dog, Remi came with us to Bentonville over Memorial Day weekend. First we attended a bicycle industry summit, then Bike Fest, then we rode bikes for a couple days. Then tornados came and ruined the fun. Here we see Remi inspecting the carnage outside of our AirBNB. Needless to say, we came home a day early.

Hanna had her contract at work in Dallas extended. And she works part-time at a gym there, too. All of which means she's not coming home to the 314 anytime soon. Be cooler if she did.

Some things don't change. Like me starting at the front of mountain bike races that I can't win. I did manage to stay in front of Eli for about 12 minutes, though. Thanks to Mark Hasler for the photos on Facebook. 

Instead of seeing me in post-race podium pics, now you see Eli. That's not a bad thing for me. Who wants to get all cleaned up for a photo after a muddy mountain bike race anyway?? Thanks again to Mark Hasler.

I'll end this post with an awesome selfie with the Selfie King himself, Matt Johnson. Life changes in the hair department effect some people more than others. I should have kept my helmet on.