A Wonderful Birthday

Caleb, Nancy and their daughters flew into town for the Escape From Alcatraz triathlon weekend, which happened to coincide with my birthday this year.  It’s become a bit of a tradition that we all get together for the weekend as an extended family, and this year was no exception.  Although the focus was on Caleb (for the race) and the girls (because, you know, they are at the center now!), it was nice to have everyone in town for my birthday.

First, Madison gave me an envelope she colored on the plane, with a birthday note inside.  I’m sorry now that I tore it open —  it was very pretty.

Next, on Friday night, we had a nice family meal at Knuckles At The Wharf, and this picture shows really how peaceful and loving everyone is.  (I’m sorry that Molly wasn’t here.  She has been part of the tradition in the past, and she would have liked the “family time” I’m sure.)

Isn’t that a great picture?  Everyone really looks relaxed and happy.  We  had such a good time that the next evening we came back to the same place, this time with even more folks — people Caleb knew from college who were also doing the Escape From Alcatraz race the next day, and other friends who they’d met at earlier races.  “The more the merrier,” said Caleb.  And it was a magical evening.

Tyler attended, along with his girlfriend Joann. There was, however, another girl who wanted Tyler’s attention that evening … Miss Madison McKinley Willis.   Macy was there, too, but I didn’t get a good picture of her.

Monica, another friend who races in Escape, also was able to join us.  Her boyfriend here, Jim, didn’t run in the race, but he is an athlete,too — having run in some Ironman competitions.