Above is a photo of the first Jacobs' car to ever win first place in a Pinewood Derby Race; so we got that going for us. The "Rattlesnake" was barely finished in time and the graphite provided by the Roddy's proved to be the clincher in the victory. It also helped that there were only 5 opponents. August's face and excitement were reward enough for all of Matt's hard work. The victory symbolizes a shift in the Jacobs philosophy about Pinewood Derby cars. In the past only the looks of the car were important; however, this year we finally got the whole package.

We recently returned from our annual ski vacation in Park City. We had a great time. This years trip had many highlights. The skiing was great. The company was great. The stomach flu was not great. With in hours of our arrival the illness arrived. Taking out one family member after another. All but 4 of the 28 Jacobs family members in attendance this year were infected. In addition to the stomach flu one individual lost consciousness resulting in a visitation by the spirit, who quickly accessed the situation and went back to bed. (note: spirit not shown in photographs). Here is August, Eden, and Libby on the ski lift. Following the week at Park City Libby and the kids spent a week having fun with "Grandma Emmie"and Grandpa Val.

Eden basking in the great weather. The sky is always that blue in Seattle. You just can't see it because of the clouds.

Sophie's first and last ski trip this year. She is smiling here, but rest assured the smile quickly faded. Barely 3 is a little young for a good time.

Here is a picture of group that did the most damage to the condo. Eden, Beck, Emery, Jensen, August, and Zoe. If you see any of these kids please notify condo management.

This past weekend I took August and Eden to "Fan Fest" at Safeco Field. This event kicks off the Baseball season and gives fans a chance to meet some of the players and get a close look at the ball park. It was a pretty cool thing to do. The kids loved it. Mainly because they love to stand in lines. Lines are our favorite! They had over 17000 fans so up so we pretty much got to stand in line for everything. After standing in line for 40 minutes to get in, we got to stand in line for a half hour to play catch in the outfield. Then we cut in line to run the bases and sit in the dugout.

We got to play catch out in the out field.

August was safe...but called out. After a long talk in the dugout he now knows not to make the 3rd out at 3rd. I told him that was the kind of stunt that got his Grandpa Jake kicked off his own team.

The lines always move fast when you are with Eden.

This is inside the visitors dugout. Not a bad seat. We were asked not to spit. Reluctantly, we complied.

“All I can do is read a book to stay awake. It rips my life away but it’s a great escape.” Shannon Hoon

I’ve been doing way too much reading lately mostly as a result of all of my holds at the library coming in at the same time. My favorites have been The Help, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Age of Innocence, and Snowflower and the Secret Fan. I may actually be addicted to reading. I’ve found that there is a come down period after the final pages. I walk around in a fog as though I have been a time traveler and am newly acclimatizing to the modern world. Next up to read Vanity Fair, Water for Elephants and The Book Theif.

Sophie Jane

Sophie is three and as you can see from Libby's posting we had a great time. She is the best three year old in the world and I am completely objective. You'll notice on the video it sounds as if Frank Sinatra was invited to the party...that was me. Had I known the tape was rolling I would have ad libbed a little more. Let me also offer my apologies for the rest of the groups singing. I think they were trying to harmonize with me and with my vocal range it is just not possible. Don't believe me, I dare you to try. - posted by Matt

Sophie's birthday party. Paige and James and Esme came and celebrated with us. She got a beanbag chair, a piggy bank, her ears pierced, a Tinkerbell sticker book, and a lot of money.