Turn 40, climb a mountain

To celebrate this big birthday Jason wanted to do something different, more challenging, bigger than the average road race.  So why not enter a trail run that's the distance of a half-marathon but goes uphill and ends up at 14,115 ft?  Sure!  It's symbolic of the whole "over the hill" right?

The weather had us guessing for a bit.  Friday night it rained so hard the streets were flooding.  Rain down below means potential snow up top.  The talk about clothing, gear, possible turn arounds, and even maybe cancelling the race had the runners in a flurry.  Luckily God stepped in and the sun shined on everyone for a beautiful day full of accomplishments.

We are all so proud of him!  He trained hard and worked diligently to be successful in America's most challenging trail run.  He's setting great examples for his kids (and wife) about being healthy, enjoying the outdoors, sticking to your commitments, always pushing yourself, and celebrating accomplishments.  As the kids get bigger it's fun to have them participate in these events with us.  May be a few more years before any of them are ready to tackle this mountain with dad.  I (Barb) will gladly offer to be the official photographer and cheerleader of this race.

PCI Pride

I don't care if it seems cheesy, I'm posting it anyway.  We work for a really, really great company.  I think working there 15 years is proof enough, but I'm sharing a little bit of my pride on the blog.  Our company recently created a video that is...well simply put...freaking awesome!  Check it out, might make you want to work here too :)
PCG Video
PCG website

Seattle Getaway

In early December we were able to get away for a kid-free weekend to Seattle.  We jam packed our weekend with things we love; especially some of the things we love about Seattle.

Friday we did a 3 hour food tour with Savor Seattle Tours.  This is the second tour we've done with them; we love it every time.  We get to eat & drink  lots of yummies and we learn something new about one of our favorite cities each time we do it.

 Yellow Leaf Cupcake Company.

They shared their secret recipe for frosting with me - amazing!  The cupcake on the right is a bacon and maple syrup cupcake, the one on the left is chocolate & tomato soup.  Neither sounds that great but both were to die for!

 No trip is complete to Seattle unless we visit Serious Pie.  And we were lucky to have it on our tour this time too.  Potato and rosemary pizza - so, so, so good.  They even have one with an egg on it, we love this place!  Thanks to cousin Grant for introducing it to us years ago.

 Great Seattle trivia behind the gum wall.  The Market Gum Wall even made Wikipedia, go figure we never even knew it was there.  If you've been to Seattle and never seen it, you should look it up.

 Another place we've walked by 1,000 times but never been in, The Pike Brewing Company.  We had some interesting training on beer tasting and beer pairings...who knew it wasn't only for wine.

Saturday was the Seattle Street Scramble.  Seriously so much fun...well at least it was for Barb.  Betsy and Jason were skeptical.  All in all we ended up having fun running around downtown Seattle.  The organization has several throughout the year all over western Washington.  Get a group together and get out there!  You'll love it.  Or maybe we'll see you in Seattle next December.

 Fran's Chocolates was a tip from our tour guide although it wasn't on the tour.  We managed to fit in some coffee and chocolate late Saturday night.  Fran's is unique to the Seattle area and has some of the finest chocolates around.  Great for a special treat, Valentines Day is right around the corner!

In true Hendricks fashion we signed up for a race while visiting The Emerald City too!  The Jingle Bell Run is held every year in downtown Seattle and helps benefit arthritis.  We've been there many times during it, and never thought to sign up.  It was a little cold and wet, but still fun.  A great way to start a Sunday that's for sure.

 Our beloved Seahawks had a COMPLETE BLOW OUT against the Arizona Cardinals.  It was a great season Hawks, can't wait to see what you've got in store next year!

This boat was blasting Christmas music late into the night...very festive...tis the season!

 Good night Seattle, until next time.

Foodies

There is never a shortage of food at this house.  As a matter of fact, when looking through some pictures realized a lot of them have food in them.  At least they're all healthy eaters (even the big boy)

 Even in his sleep...food is close by.

 Cookie!

 Learning to use a spoon.

 Learning to feed ourself, without mom & dad having to help.

 The good old fashioned way, just use your hands!

What? a cupcake going in Mr. Hendricks mouth!

**Snow Fun**

Yes, we are one of those families that actually looks forward to the snow!  A few days ago we had a decent showing of the fluffy white stuff.  It was the perfect kind to play in, which also means a little harder for shoveling (but that's Jason's job).  Gavin LOVES the snow!!  He didn't have any gloves, but it didn't bother him.  He played out in the freezing cold and snowy weather for over an hour.  He was a really good helper for daddy and shoveling too.  All work is no fun though, they made sure to make time for a snowball fight, building a snowman, followed up by a warm glass of Ovaltine.

  

To Infinity and BEYOND...

In typical Hendricks fashion, we ALL willingly participated in Halloween this year.  Gavin was really into it so we let him chose his costume and then we worked in a family theme around that.  His first choice was a muppet (had no idea what I was going to do for that).  A few other ideas later, he finally settled on Buzz Lightyear.  Liam = The alien, Barb = Jesse, and Jason (who actually resembles the toy very much!) = Woody.  We got more candy than this non-candy-eating family could every need.  Gavin thinks it is quite the treat to get some sweets after dinner.

We are just now getting neighbors (in November) so we're so excited for next year's Halloween when we have a full cul de sac and can celebrate with our close neighborhood.  Also in Hendricks holiday tradition - we gave away KING SIZE candy bars.  Needless to say those were a huge hit!  We have a reputation to uphold now.

Seattle 3 Day

This was our 5th year participating in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day 60 mile walk.  We've always walked in Arizona, but chose to walk Seattle this year. We had supporters and babysitters so it made it an easy decision.

This is an amazing event that can't be described unless you have an opportunity to participate and/or volunteer.  We appreciate all the support our friends, family, and co-workers have given us over the years.  We couldn't do it without you!

Together the Hendricks family has raised over $34,600 in the past 5 years.  We have already begun our fundraising for 2013 where we will again walk in the Seattle 3 Day.

If you'd like to donate to our 2013 walk please do so at our website:  Seattle 3-Day 2013.

Thanks to everyone!!

Ragnar Del Sol

Have you ever heard of a Ragnar race?  The Arizona version is a 200 mile race from Wickenburg, AZ to Tempe, AZ.  We had a team of 12 runners, each running 3 legs over the course of 36 hours.  In short it was a LOT of fun, but there was also a lot of sweat, no sleep, snacks not meals, long rides in a van involved to complete the race.  We'd do it all over again in a heartbeat!

 Jeff

 Barb

 Jason

 Christina & Kecia

 Denise

 The finish line!

 Van #2 at the starting line

 Wouldn't leave home without Flat Stanley!!

Jason & David

Hammy rollin' it out before he starts.