Legos. That pretty well describes the Bethell-family free time. Even though I loved Legos and played with them well beyond the age I think other kids did, I somehow thought our kids would get tired of them. But, I was so wrong! They love them and could play with them non-stop! It's fantastic. While I'm sure they would love to play more video games, etc., I love that they use their imagination creating new buildings, weapons, Star Wars speeders, etc. Cooper is especially amazing in building creations that replicate things he sees around the house, in movies, books, and the like. Miles does build, but he much prefers to play with the people, making imaginary worlds with all kinds of Lego people. I love to stand by his room and listen to all the different characters he personifies. It's so fun to have the innocence of a little guy around - I'm not ready for him to grow up.
When not playing Legos, Carey has been really creative in finding things for the boys to do around the house. We're all anxious to get out of the house as the weather cooperates. There have been a few really nice days in a row now and I think Spring Fever has officially hit us all.
Legs. Not the legs you're probably thinking of at least. I'm talking about the traveling kind of legs and there have been a lot of them! As mentioned in a prior post, we've gone from month to month thinking that the next will ease up and we'll have more time together as a family. Unfortunately that trend has continued well into April. I've had an unusual number of large deals in the past six months (huge blessing) and one in particular has required a massive amount of work and travel. Countless people on the pursuit team have spent countless 100+ hour weeks, pulling all-nighters in the final push for this deal. It's been amazing to see the number of people surround this opportunity and to see what the full force of Accenture can do. Pretty impressive (and for those that know the account, the final executive presentations have been made and we're waiting on a final decision in the next 72 hours). With the completion of this deal nearing an end, I can truly see a break in the schedule. While I already have trips scheduled to Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Amelia Island, etc. it feels like a vacation knowing I may get more than three hours of sleep at night! Through it all, Carey has been amazing as she has supported me and our family. We wouldn't survive if it wasn't for her!
Lighting. All of us have lights in our homes. And, if you're anything like me, you walk into a room, flip the switch 'on', do whatever you need to do, flip the switch 'off', and leave the room not thinking another thing about the lights. In the last few days, we've been working on the lighting for our new home and I've been amazed at the thought process that goes into the design and location of lights, switches, fans, etc. While fun, there are parts of the decision process that have been a little overwhelming. Our builder has been great and I can't imagine doing a project like this without his expertise and type-A personality! Overall, the house is going great. We've got another few months or so to go - the roof, windows, doors, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, are mostly complete and we start spraying the insulation / sheet-rocking next week.
Likes. With all that's going on, there have been a lot of fun things mixed in! We've had a ton of company come to visit for extended weekends: Carey's family, my family (including my little bro who hasn't been able to come for a LONG time - it was fantastic to have him) and a few friends from out-of-state. Here are a few other general updates from the past three months:
- We all got to play in the snow several times t
- I had a birthday
- I went to the Worlds for Cyclocross in Louisville with the guys
- Cooper has really started to enjoy chess and we've been playing some here and there
- Nerf gun wars with the whole family are fantastic - I think Carey and I are undefeated...
- I've been biking more as things are 'slowing down' at work
- Carey continues to put in some incredible mileage every week running and 'enjoys' Insanity a few times a week
- Cooper and Miles both love baseball and our backyard is turning into a home run derby!
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| Cooper's pose |
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| Yep, it was cold. That's frozen snot! |
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| One section of the Worlds course. Very tough as things got more sloppy as it warmed up. |
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| You see all types at a 'Cross venue. |
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| See above caption... |
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| John, Dale, and Ira |
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| Heartbreak for J. Page |
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| A very intense Sven as he rode up what I struggled to walk up. |
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| March Madness was alive and well, for a while, at the Bethell house |
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| Some progress on the house |
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| Client meetings in Boston are brutal. |
