My first Triathalon

Well, I survived and have a shirt to prove it. Here I am in my stunning helmet with my nice borrowed bike. I love nice friends (thanks Sharon & Co.). It was lightning and thunder all night beforehand; I kept waking up thinking, they're not having it. It cleared up though and the weather was great. Besides some small equipment problems--goggles leaking, sunglasses steaming, etc.--I think it went well. My transition times were great and I got 10th in my 25-29yr. old bracket. I will complain that they had me down as 29 when I am still 28 for another two weeks. I've got to keep it while I can. I felt like I couldn't move going to each event until the old muscles turned off and the new ones turned on; a very different feeling then just running. Now what should I do next?

Taylor's Eighth Birthday

Taylor finally had a birthday party at home on Friday since he's been gone at grandma's over his official birthday. He's excited with a handmade cake from dad. You can tell which side is for the parents and which side is for the kids. Hmmm, let me see--fresh raspberries with chocolate or nerds and sour worms? That's a toughy. Lucas is enjoying the celebration and loving the cake. I think he'll never want his bland oatmeal again.

My he's getting so big. We spent all day at the water park so I hadn't even had time to change (hence the birthday cake made by dad; we swam, then grocery shopped to kill time to pick up my triathalon packet which wasn't available until 5pm since the race was the next day--fun times). I'm still taller, but he keeps measuring. I'm sure it won't be long until I'm looking up at him.

They were doing little poses over his presents after he opened them. He was so excited and grateful. It makes me think of Harry Potter's cousin who threw a fit because there were only 37 presents at his party instead of 38 like the year before. I'm so happy Taylor is happy with what he gets and not the number. One of our quotes we learned from grandma and use often is, "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit". How true!

He feels pretty mighty. We've been playing games since he opened his presents, and yes gramsy's gift has 570 pieces. Thanks mom:)

Father's Day

On Father's Day my dear husband didn't get breakfast in bed. Actually, he left while we were all in bed for church meetings, but he did get a feast later in the day and a homemade, made from scratch razzle dazzle pie was the dessert. The berries were fresh and everything was scrumptous. Add a little homemade whipped cream and heaven!

Ashton with his mischievous smile.

Here's all the boys. They have a wonderful dad and he is the perfect parent blend for me:

He comes home and spends time with them instead of unwinding in front of the tele.

He's patient when I'm irritated

He's energetic when I'm tired

He's hard when I'm feeling soft

He listens when I'm distracted

but most of all they know he loves them and

I hope they are just like him.