Last May me and my wife had a baby (his birthday is today!) and priorities change. I have started mountain biking a lot more because it takes me 40 minutes to get there, 1.5 hrs to ride, and 40 minutes back. Paddling for me is an all day thing, and I'd just rather be around hanging out with my son and helping my wife out. I now do races because most of them have team categories and are very family friendly. If I'm not riding a lap, i can hang out with my wife and son at the tent, having fun. I still paddle once in a while, but it is planned well ahead of time and with friends that just make it fun...not scary. I hope all is well up in Knoxville...it sounds like you have many good times ahead.
Josh
(Bones friend from Durango now in Murfreesboro)