Visiting Family

I recently returned from visiting my family. This trip I chose to camp out. I found a near by lake to camp out at. I have always enjoyed camping. It gives an opportunity to explore the area in ways I wouldn't otherwise notice. I become very aware of the sounds around me. For so many years I said I would go camping once I got married. In the last two years I have been camping with friends, but this was my first time to go out camping by myself (solita). Next time the opportunity presents itself I would be inclined to go alone.

I told my family that I will be the aunt who goes camping and brings fruit snacks. As I was growing up I had an uncle who traveled the US and Canada on his motorcycle. When he passed through our town and visited us he brought candy bars (Twix and Life Savers). He often had great stories about his adventures he shared with us.

This trip to visit the family I met my newest nephew who turned 1 month old. He doesn't do much but eat, sleep, pee and poop. He's growing and gaining weight. We all took turns holding him and telling him stories.

I also had the opportunity to play with my other nephew. He loves to play outside. It gave us the opportunity to run around without being under anyone's feet or waking the baby. His favorite phrase right now is "What did you do?" He will throw his ball into the bushes and say "What did you do?" Someone will make a mess or a loud noise and he'll say, "What did you do?"

While visiting the family I also took some time out to participate in a local race that benefited the local Arthritis Foundation. The race was held on the Texas Tech campus which has a new cinder trail around the Rec Center. The campus has changed and grown since I graduated. There was a small Ironman competition at the lake where I stayed on the day I left. I was able to watch the start and then some of the athletes transition from the swim to the bike. I was intrigued by the various ways the athletes got on their bike, which already had their shoes clipped to their bike, and rode off putting their shoes on while climbing the hill.