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@3,4,5 & 6 weeks

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2004 Yoder Family Picnic

7-21-2004:
New pictures of Kellan posted today.  There are pictures of him from 3 to 6 weeks.  He continues to grow like a weed.

Last weekend was the Yoder Family Picnic.  The annual event was at Mom and Dad's (Ken and Sheila Kauffman) place.  This year was cooler than last although the day did start out hot and muggy.  As is tradition:  we made homemade ice cream!  I usually bring chocolate but chose to make fresh peach instead.   Bob and Mardell Hohensee brought chocolate and there was vanilla as well.  I think there were FIVE ice cream makers going!  What a treat!


7-07-2004:
Monday was PLAY day for me and my friend Joel Stoltzfus

Last summer I had the opportunity to attend a motorcycle track day/rider school at Portland International Raceway (PIR).  The event was organized by Pacific Super Sport Riders club which is a group of Portland riders/racers.  I had a great time exploring the limits of my motorcycle in a controlled environment.  It also was a great learning experience.  The group has numerous instructors that assist riders of all skill levels.

I had such a good time last year that I wanted to come back this summer.  I talked Joel into joining me and I am glad I did.  It was fun to share the experience with someone else.  I think I have Joel hooked now!

We had a total of 6 track sessions throughout the day (20 mins on the track each hour) followed by classroom time with instructors.  Twenty minutes may not sound like much but when you are exceeding 100 mph for most of those 20 mins you get exhausted!  You have to maintain a high level of focus and if you hang-off your bike in the corners your body gets tired.

I had a first this year:  I am now an official KNEE-DRAGGER!  When cornering at high speed you can reduce the lean angle of the bike (thus keeping more of a contact patch from your tires on the pavement) by leaning off the bike.  Road racers actually drag their knee on the pavement using a hard plastic slider that is attached to their leathers.  I actually rode fast enough this year to get my slider on the ground!  A big thanks to Julie Stoltzfus (Joel's spouse) for getting the event on film.

Joel and I both had a safe day with no incidents.  I did make a mistake, however, late in the day.  We were allowed to pass on the outside of corners except turn nine.  I TOTALLY forgot that we were not supposed to pass in turn nine!  I was stuck behind a slower rider in turns 7 and 8 and proceeded to pass him in turn nine.  OOPS!  I got a black flag.  You don't want to get black flagged.  Black flag BAD.  I was pulled off the track and given a lecture about playing by the rules.  I THOROUGHLY apologized and explained that I simply forgot.  I was forgiven and allowed to end my day by hitting 150 mph down the front straight.  Thank you mister corner worker :)

Overall a great day for both of us.  I am back on the track Friday, August 6th.  Until then, check out the pictures.


6-26-2004:
Today was the father-son Father's day church activity.  This event was started at Zion several years ago to mirror the women's All Daughter's Tea.  This year our guest speaker was local pilot Jack Lenhardt.  Jack owns the Lenhardt Airhaven Airpark next to 91 school.  Jack spoke about his flying history and his faith history.  We enjoyed listening to his stories.  After lunch the boys (and some of the men) competed in a paper airplane contest.   Following the competition Mr. Lenhardt escorted us to the airport where the kids were given the chance to sit in several airplanes.  Ian and Tristan loved getting in the planes!  Ian has been very interested in airplanes lately and was thrilled to see how the controls worked.  He and Mr. Lenhardt had a great discussion of the controls.  Overall it was a great experience for the kids and adults alike.  A big thanks to Mr. Lenhardt for making this a great event!

6-23-2004: 
Kellan and Ian both had doctor's appointments today.  Both are healthy boys!  Kellan had his two week appointment.  He now weighs 9lbs and 11oz and has stretched to 22.75 inches!  No failure to thrive in this boy.  Click here for his 1 and 2 week pictures.

Ian had his six-year-old checkup.  He did a great job answering his pediatrician's questions.  He almost got dad in trouble, however, by telling her about his motorcycle!  To his credit, he assured her that he wears all the appropriate safety gear.

T (Tristan) was kind of left out of the whole appointment deal as he doesn't turn 4 until August.  Speaking of Tristan I have posted a few pictures of Tristan's favorite activity:  riding his bike!  His skill on two wheels continues to amaze me.  He has been riding without training wheels for almost a year now!
(Yes, he can ride the motorcycle too but he can't reach the ground yet so dad has to "catch" him when he stops!)


6-10-2004--
Most of you know that we are now the proud parents of 3 boys.  Kellan Lee Oakes was born June 8th, 2004 at 11:33 am.  He weighed 8 Lbs, 15 Oz and measured 21.5 inches long.  He and mom are doing well!

Stay tuned and check back often for updates!


Boys & Airplanes

BIG AIR IAN!

Kellan: 
1 and 2 weeks

To contact us:


Email: whaudio@yahoo.com