Sunday, May 31, 2009

2nd Annual Richey Canoe/Camping Trip


We originally planned on taking this trip last week, but a family conflict had us push this back one week. All the Richey boys were happy to set off on our annual tradition of canoeing and camping. Shanda was a great help in getting us ready, by purchasing the food and helping the boys get the gear packed and loaded. When I got home, I helped with the finishing touches of packing, loaded up the canoe and fishing gear, and set off with Joseph, Matthew and Andrew.

We left Taylor Avenue at about 3pm and drove to Causey Reservoir.  Arriving at Causey, we unloaded the canoe and our gear from the van, and set off on our adventure.

We camped at the same place we did last year. I was surprised to see so many other canoes and kayaks in the water. I thought there was a chance we wouldn't get our same camp site, but perhaps because it is tucked away and a little less known spot, we were able to get our same camp site.


After setting up camp, we decided to go for a little canoe ride and some fishing. The weather was warm, but the water extremely cold. All three boys thought it would be fun to go swimming despite my warnings of the extreme cold temperature. We got to a point where I dropped all three boys on the shore while I cast a line in the water. I really didn't think they would jump in the frigid water. As I sat with my back to the rocks, all of a sudden I hear, splash! I turned around and saw Andrew bob to the top with his life jacket on, breathing in and out as fast as he could. Memories of various scout camps came flooding into my mind as I watched him doggy paddle to the shore. I was a little surprised to see Matthew follow suit after witnessing his little brother's reaction and shrieks that the water is ice cold!  But I suppose not wanting to be out done by his younger brother, Matthew promptly jumped in the cold water with a very similar hyper-ventilation reaction. Next up Joseph; displaying maturity beyond his years, he decided to learn from his brother's experience and just climb into the boat, sans the swim. Wimpy or wise, I guess that is up for debate, and because I had no intentions of getting in that cold stuff, I'm going to argue vehemently, wise.


Returning to our camp, Joseph went to work on building a fire and preparing the "gourmet" hot dog meal. We all ate a bunch, and while Joseph was cooking the dogs, Andrew realizing there was no mom around, decided it would be a good time to cook up a s'more. Encourage by his youthful exuberance, I indulged on a few cooked marshmallows as well. At some point, Andrew took to calling everyone "partna" (said with a silent r), too cute, you really have to hear him say it!

Matthew withdrew a few times off by himself. I asked him if he was okay and encouraged him to join the group a few times. Usually just telling him I needed a famous Matthew hug was sufficient to get him back with the group.  We decided to call the large rock in front of the tent door, "Matthew's Perch."


I love that the boys continued to pester me with "tell us another story." I told quite a few hunting stories about their Uncle Craig and me. I was really surprised at how many times I'd say, "did I tell you about when Uncle Craig and I were hunting and..." I guess that is okay, as we spent a lot of time hunting those parts. A particularly silly story about a mischievous wildcat caused raucous laughter from all and was probably the most memorable story of the night.

Nightfall came, and soon the fire started to shrink. Wanting to conserve firewood and with the late hour we moved the evening story telling, etc. in to the tent. Joseph had brought a few books with him, and I began reading to the boys until all but Joseph and I had drifted off to sleep. At about 10pm, both Joseph and I decided to call it a night.


By morning, I was surprised by the fact that I had a pretty good nights sleep. I seem to remember sleeping very poorly last year.  Somehow this year it was perfect! Nobody had to get up and use the bathroom, I only had to help Andrew once with his rescue inhaler. Joseph claims to have been a little cold, perhaps maybe making a second case for "wimpy"?

We got up around 7am and decided to go try and do some additional fishing. The lake was perfectly calm, and we had a great time just enjoying the peace and surroundings. It was fun to run into Matt Gunn who actually had some success with the fishing pole. Matt has a dog very similar to our Ginger. When Andrew was telling his mother about meeting the dog he said something to effect, "Maybe Matt Gunn's dog is Ginger's ancestor... or maybe anbrother."

After about 2 hours of getting skunked, we returned to the camp to cook up some good ole fashion flapjacks. I gotta tell you, hot pancakes in that camp setting was just what we needed. Who needs fish when you have steaming hot pancakes coming off the griddle with syrup and chocolate milk. Even roughing it isn't roughing it whenever I can help it!


After breakfast, we set off on a little hike around the hills. The kids did well on the hike, and we were rewarded by getting to see a doe bound off only about 20 yards in front of us. We hiked up a ways and were able to shoot a few rounds out of my .22 pistol. Each of the boys took a turn and got to learn a little bit of gun safety.


We got home just after 2pm and the kids helped put things away so they could run up to Rolling Hills Pool to cool off. I was really impressed with how well all the boys worked together to take camp down and get the canoe loaded. Joseph was especially a star when it came to helping out. He takes initiative often, and I have to try and remind myself when he does something without being asked, though not the way I would do it, to complement not critique him. Matthew seemed a bit distant at times during the trip, I had to work a little harder to try and bring him in. In some ways I like that he is thoughtful and deliberate, but it also makes me fearful that he is trying to withdraw. Andrew was the camp "partna." He was generally very cheerful and kept us all laughing with his antics. Overall, I count myself lucky and blessed to be associated with these three young men.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Baseball Shots

Baseball season is in full swing, and we've been able to get a few great pictures from this year's games.





Friday, May 29, 2009

Schools out and early Summer Fun


So last Friday we decided to abandon responsibility and go fishing at Strawberry Reservoir. I loaded up the canoe and took the boys out for some fishing fun. Turns out we could have gone to Causey Dam and had just as much fun, since we didn't catch anything. Oh well, it was very pretty to be up there despite the fact that the weather didn't really cooperate. Midway through the day, Joseph abandoned the canoe for the larger and more snack laden vessel occupied by Craig, Carl and my Dad.

It's great that summer is here and school is out. Just a quick note here about some of the accolades for our kids this year.

Joseph - Highest Reading Award, 1st Place in Krypto - District Award
Matthew - Outstanding Spelling Award; Matthew only missed 2 words the entire year!
Andrew - Overall Outstanding Student Award

Here are some pictures from the end of school year.







Sunday, May 17, 2009

Ogden 1/2 Marathon


The week prior to the race, I'd been trying to come up with a goal for the Ogden 1/2 Marathon. I wanted a goal which was reachable, but also one that would challenge me. The two weeks prior to the race I ran two different 10 mile runs. The first run I averaged 9:40 minute/mile pace and the next week I averaged 9:01 minute/mile pace. Based on the fact that each of those runs had considerably more uphill than the race course, I thought an 8:30 minute/mile pace would be a good goal. I then calculated the end time for my run at 1:51:20. Thursday evening prior to the race, I went to Golds Gym and ran just 2 miles, but ran most of it at 8:30 pace in an attempt to key in to that pace.


Race day - I got up at 4:15am to prepare for the race. I didn't dress too warmly because I'd heard that there would be fire pits that the runners could huddle around to keep warm. I learned later that the bag they gave us with our race gear was to be used to put our warmer clothes in just prior to the race and that we could pick them up later. That would have been good to know. Anyway, we got to the start of the race, and the group resembled something from March of the Penguins as we huddled in masses with a select few enjoying the full warmth of the fires. It really wasn't too bad, but I was very glad when it was time for the race to begin.

My preparation for the race included my goal of 1:51:20. Before leaving the house I wrote on my hand 1:51:20 with a marker so I could look down and remind myself of the goal throughout the race. A short time later I discovered that I left my watch and that there would be no way to know whether or not I was on track for my goal. I tried hard to keep up with runners who I thought were keeping a pace quicker than 8:30. Often times while running I looked down at my hand, especially when I felt I was slowing down to look at the 1:51:20 written on my hand.

The course was beautiful. It was an awesome experience running with so many people and looking at some of the beautiful sights. Dropping into Ogden Canyon, I couldn't believe how neat it was to run where I had driven so many times before. The cool of the river was welcome and I have to say the volunteers were awesome in giving out encouragement and drinks, etc. as we came through. Nearing the end of the canyon, I first visualized what it would actually be like to complete the race meeting my goal 1:51:20 and got a little emotional at that thought. I mustered some strength and ran faster not just to finish the race sooner, but to see if I really would accomplish my goal.

As I left the canyon and began down the parkway, I couldn't help but be excited because I knew how close I was to the finish. Much of the remaining miles were a blur however as I tried to speed up and push myself to my goal. Just as we reached the final mile or so, and the last aid station, I felt deep inside that "now is the time" to pick up the pace. I grabbed a water for each hand, dumped one down my back and the other down my throat and felt strangely invigorated as I pushed the final distance. I again imagined 1:51:20 on the clock, and yet again felt an overwhelming emotion that I hadn't previously felt in sports, and wanted desperately to reach my goal.

With just about 1/2 mile to go, I tried to encourage my body to run at sprint speed. I couldn't believe how painful it was to push beyond the "comfortable" pace my body had been accustomed too. Even though I knew the race would be over shortly it took tremendous willpower to urge my body forward. I soon began passing some of my fellow runners, though I noticed that there were runners who had perhaps a little bit more left in the tank pass me like I was standing still! Anyway, as I approached the finish line I scanned the crowd for my family but couldn't see them. Finally I looked up at the large clock above the finish line just prior to crossing and what I saw almost knocked me to the ground... 1 hour 51 minutes 45 seconds! I hustled through the finish feeling pretty good that I may have beaten my goal. I knew my time was slightly better than the 1:51:45 because it took about half a minute before I crossed the starting line, and the clock didn't start counting for me until that point.


Later I discovered that I ran the race in 1:51:08! I was thrilled that I beat my goal, and even more amazed that I did it without a watch. Feeling numb and overwhelmed I slowly walked forward. My family was to my left screaming and trying to get my attention, but I was in sort of a daze. Trying to catch my breath and allow the feeling to creep back into my sore and heavy legs, I caught a glimpse of my mom who was a volunteer at the finish line. Again, my emotions were close as I walked up to her and heard her say, "You did it! 1 hour 51 minutes!" She gave me a big hug, took a few pictures and then gave me my medal of completion. Both Shanda and I felt bad we didn't get a picture with my mom at the finish line.


Not too much later and I found my family, or they found me and gave me a big congratulations. It was fun to have Maleah and Brooklyn look at me somewhat in awe, I must have looked like quite the sight all sweaty and red faced. I was glad they were there to share that moment with me... I have a great family.



Official Results

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Andrew Homer Richey - A Good Man to Know


Andrew Homer Richey

Things to notice in this picture; Andrew is wearing a New York Life lapel pin, just like his Dad.  His nice conservative blue tie, and freshly pressed suit, Armani of course! With a little imagination, he has a Mont Blanc pen (not a blue crayon).  Additional imagination, and you'll see he is reading the Wall Street Journal.  Of course we can't leave out the 1940's style business hat (Indiana Jones).  Isn't he handsome?!?



Later in the trip he demonstrated how he would be able to get some shut eye. I just love this kid!  Of course he has his Indiana Jones whip, equiped with sound effects and theme music, just in case the need presents itself.

I sort of wish I could be this age forever... pretty carefree and happy life.


Saturday, May 9, 2009

City Baseball League Kickoff


Today we attended the Opening Ceremony for Ogden City Baseball for the kids at Lindquist field downtown Ogden. The weather was perfect, I think we all got a small burn (first one of the year). Shanda said it gave her goosebumps to look around and see so many young kids running around in full baseball attire, from the youngest t-baller to the oldest "young-men."

Usually the start of baseball and city recreation has been synonimous with head-ache and frustration, though I have to admit that there have been huge improvements this year over prior years with respect to how the program is being run. I'm excited to see the good changes and hope they continue to roll along.

With our three boys playing this year, our schedules will have Baseball; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday for at least the next 2 months. Joseph is at an age where it is becoming more competitive, Matthew's level is still learning some of the basics, and Andrew is just happy to be playing t-ball.

I have happily tried to help assistant coach Joseph's team and am really enjoying that interaction. I really hope all the kids have a good time and most importantly learn how to play the game.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Cinco de Mayo - Lunch Date

So I had a number of appointments cancel today, and what was going to be a very busy day with appointment after appointment ended up with a lot of free time for... prospecting, I suppose.

Anyway, after getting some paperwork finished and working on some cases in underwriting, I noticed it was 11:30am, (close enough to lunch). I though it would be nice to go to Javier's for some Cinco de Mayo celebration. Not knowing what Shanda's schedule was I decided to give her a call and see if she wanted to pick me up for lunch. I caught her just as she was arriving at the supermarket and was able to easily convince her to alter he plans and join me for some food.

We got to Javier's restaurant and I sat by Maleah across from Shanda and Andrew sat by her. Javier's had live music which made it difficult to hold any kind of a conversation, but it was cute to see Maleah really get into the music. Because we couldn't really hear each other we just enjoyed being together.

After ordering and before the food came I thanked Maleah for being my date. At first she looked confused but then she seemed quite pleased by the fact that she was my date. Shanda flashed me a look which seemed to say "hey, what about me?" I clarified that while Maleah was my date, Andrew could be her date. She smiled at that, though Andrew wasn't too keen on the idea. I really didn't think Andrew would notice the assignments as he was busy shoveling in the Nachos, chips and salsa, etc.

Despite everything else that may be going on in life, thank goodness for daddy's little girls. Maleah is so cute and fun, it's hard to imagine what it will be like when Brooklyn is as old as Maleah is now and they both have me on a short leash.

Getting back to the office and being smothered by kisses from both Maleah and Andrew, I have to say I am truly blessed!