My First Triathlon

So with Jeff doing all these fitness competitions, half marathons and flying to UT to try out his first triathlon, I was getting a little interested. Ask me one year ago if I would ever do one? Nah, no interest. But for some reason, I was even a little excited to try one out. Especially this one. Our ward Relief Society put one together that was held at the YMCA. Less than 10 people participated (9 to be exact), the cost was a whopping $5, I would be doing it with fun friends and if I absolutely had to poop out in the end I wasn't going to feel too terrible. I pretty much had to do it for my own sake to get it out of my system. I just don't see the glory in paying 85 or more bucks to something I may not enjoy at all. I'd rather put the money towards something more fun, like a new kitchen table or a fun new camera for instance.

So here are all the competitors. Some had the squirts, some didn't. : )

Ash, Julie and I were getting our gear together to head over for our first event--a 300 meter swim.

The swim wasn't too bad and was even enjoyable. Just when I was ready to be done it was over and we were off to our next event--a 10 mile bike ride.

Saryn was kind enough to let me sport her bike helmet. Sad to say that it fits my little noggin very well and was really comfortable. The whole transition thing was kind of funny. I probably could have moved faster than I did, but part of me didn't want to seem to antsy to start the next round. I mean I wasn't going for a gold or anything, just seeing how one even worked. And I was lucky (?) enough to sport Jeff's spandex. They were designed for triathlons and had a nice little cushion built in so my bum wouldn't get sore from biking.

I have to say that the biking part was my favorite. It's great scenery, you can let the wind hit you just right and if there's ever a time to coast, it's on the bike. I loved it!

My least favorite part was the 3 mile run. I'm used to speed walking on the treadmill with a little sprinting in there. I'm in motion for about 20 minutes tops and then I'm ready to call it a day! This race took a little more effort in good pacing and endurance. I ran the whole way with a friend I've been training in the mornings with. At one point she said, " I know I'm doing pretty good when I can still talk and run at the same time." Just keep talking was all I wanted to say, but couldn't get it out. It was fun to run with her. If she would have gone any faster, I think I would of slowed way down. But we finished strong. Some stronger than others and it was fun to cross through the finish line tape they'd keep putting up each time they'd see someone about to finish. I felt like a real athlete and that I really was going for the gold at that moment!

It was fun to be done and congratulate friends.

Then there is always one who is a little more out of breath than the others. If only it hadn't been me!!! I was starting to see everything around me go dark, my gums started tingling and then I had goosebumps all over, but wasn't cold at all! So there you have it! Everyone (all the 8 people there to support the runners) kept asking me if I was OK. and bringing me bananas and water.

I'm pretty tuckered in this picture, but it had to be taken.

I got home and crashed! Jeff was nice enough to take on the 4 kids for the morning to go to Sydney's first soccer game while I was gone. I felt bad I had to miss her first game, but I knew i'd have plenty more to catch. I wished they could of made it to this. Maybe they can come to my next one because I will definitely be doing one next year! Thanks, Kim, for putting this together!

Trash or Treasure?

Trash can be a funny thing. In New York trash is a free for all. People put their stuff out for the trash people to take away and it's not uncommon for others to just take whatever they see laying out in that big pile. So, tonight (about 3 hours ago) I decided to get rid of a little toy tool thing that was clearly broken. The kids didn't play with it much and when we decided to move it outside it pretty much got hammered by rough weather and rough kids. So this was only 3 hours ago!! It's not even 9:45 yet and the thing is GONE! It doesn't bother me much. I mean I was getting rid of it anyway. Just the thought of someone driving around looking around my trash was creeping me out a bit. I wish I knew they were coming because some of the pieces that went with it were put in the can. Next time I will be a little more thoughtful and lay it out with its matching pieces. Tonight the saying rang true -- Another persons trash becomes someone else's treasure...3 hours later! I need to do more weeding out of old stuff!

Fun Idea!!

I was glancing around at a friend's blog and they came up with the cutest idea. They have a joint family blog that is especially for the kids (cousins) to stay in touch. They tell about their bad days, their good days, show video clips from new tricks to getting their ears pierced and even had a family dance off! Like a virtual talent show! I love it! I love that the kids can express themselves in their own words and can see what their cousins have to say about it! Anyway, thought I'd share a fun way of keeping those family relationships growing. I'm totally going to copy! Thanks for the idea Emily and Megan!

Goodbye Summer, Hello School

So, it has begun. School, that is. Our days of doing this pretty much everyday...

and seeing my kids wear these constantly...

...are over for a season. It's a very sad thing to say goodbye to what was probably our best summer ever! (More on all that coming). However, we are now ready to begin a new school year meeting new friends and putting new routines into place.

Here is a look at our new FIRST grader!

And her new haircut (see below) .

(Thanks to our beautician, Julie for doing such a great job!)

We took a few shots before school and before dad had to go to the second week of his new JOB (#1 reason our summer was so much fun. Like I said, more on this coming).

Next year this little guy will be joining her! But for now, we've got another month or so before Spencer's preschool begins.

We saw Austin who was in Sydney's class last year and who also goes to our church.

Here is where she will be spending most of her time during the day. She was excited to find out she gets to sit next to a little girl that lives down the street and who was also in her kindergarten class.

I think she was most excited to show her brother and sisters how big she is and the big things she'll be doing. She wasn't showing any signs of nervousness, at all! We even got so busy this morning that I wasn't able to play our Sound of Music "I Have Confidence" song until later. (I think it's mostly the title I love so much anyway).

Here's her new teacher, Mrs. Anderson who was about to deliver any day. She had her baby just 2 weeks after school started so we'll see her back in a few months.

One of the highlights was being able to pop into Mrs. Buerger's classroom to say hi. She was a great teacher last year and did an excellent job helping Sydney have an enjoyable first year of elementary school experience.

Here's to another great school year!