Practice and trying not to think about the fish...

If you've been trying to reach me and I'm not home I am likely out swimming, biking and running (or at least shuffling).

Me, happy and a little gross after a good bike

Shalon and I decided to train for the Metroplex Sprint triathlon in June. I've only ever done one tri so I'm really a rookie. And out of shape. So this was a good way to shed a few pounds and have a goal.

The hardest part? Just trying to arrange schedules between all of us was exhausting. If I didn't lay it out at the beginning of the week there was no way to make it all happen. Plus the amount of laundry I'm keeping up with just multiplies. I joined fit2train, a local triathlon team so I could get some additional advice from more experienced athletes. It was fantastic and we were lucky enough to have Coach Gayle work with us over twelve weeks. She is a great coach, 3 time Ironman finisher, and super all-around person with a big heart.

I've been out a lot either early a.m. or right after work doing our workouts. 6 days a week. We swam with Dallas Aquatic Masters, rode with the team, and had track workouts.

Two weeks before our event we had a practice triathlon at Lake Ray Hubbard. I am always nervous during an OWS (open-water swim). I always think it's freaky swimming where you can't see anything. And I mean anything. I couldn't even see the end of my arm extended. But you know there are ugly fish and things in there...*shiver*. I try really hard not to think about it.

We swam out to the first buoy, down a couple buoys and back in. Approx 800m took me 18 minutes. Of course the start totally freaked me out, my goggles fogged up and I really only swam well the last 600 or so. :) Quick transition and out for a 13 mile ride. Finished in 44min (17.3mph), fast transition -something like 40 seconds- and off for 2 mile run in 21min. Total time 1hour 23min. It was so much fun, it makes me remember why we do this. Here's a few shots of our practice tri:

Amanda and Kerry from the team ready to go...

Setting up transition...


Shal and I (on the left) after we finished...Seriously I call this my 'sausage suit'. This is the part I hate the worst...squeezing myself into the gear ya just gotta wear for this sport.

We practiced changing a tire. Here's my bike in progress...

I love taking pics of my bike. You grow to love your bike, but seriously who wants to see pictures of my awesome bike? lol.

Victoria and Kerry working on a tire...or maybe just standing around

after our 25 mile ride to Seagoville from White Rock. Love this route!

Coach Gayle and Deighton...finally figuring out her pump didn't work


Finished! Yay!

If I flat I won't be fast but at least I will be able to fix it and get on my way.

Our group had a very respectable showing at the Metroplex sprint and it was so much fun! So now that I have done two races I feel comfortable that I can call myself a triathlete. Race report to come next!

Pre-K Graduation

My first-born recently had the first of many 'graduation' ceremonies to come. It cracks me up that you need to have a graduation when you're really not even in school yet, but I found every aspect adorable. It's still fun to watch your kids perform something they have learned. So bring on graduation!

The event had a 'Texas' theme to it and the kids learned all different facts about the state of Texas which they recited on stage.

Tristen's was 'What is the capital of Texas?' Austin! He can also tell you the State small mammal. Seriously, Texas has a state small mammal? Huh.



The school made 'scrapbook pages' for each child and hung them up for everyone to peruse. I thought it was a fun touch.


Graduation hat cupcakes. Fun.

First, the kids sang several Texas songs and recited their Texas facts. Tristen was so busy singing he forgot to clap. He enjoyed being front and center.

In a quick intermission the kids put on their caps and gowns. They were each asked what they liked most about going to their school.




Tristen and Dad

So excited to get 'my paper'!

The kids presented each of their Moms with a 'yellow rose of Texas'. I had to get a picture of that. The kids were so proud to give their Moms a flower.

Tristen did a great job in Pre-K and loves learning new things. We are very proud of him. Love you big boy!

One of my favorite traditions...scrapbook conference

As is tradition, Mom and I attended the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Arlington this year. I didn't have as much time available to spend the whole weekend there but did spend a few days at Mom's house working on some new projects. Also spent a day at convention and did LOT of walking and shopping.

Me and a sign...yay!

Mom using a magnifying glass to catch the details of a page..made me laugh

Mom is so organized!

Mi madre

A little family vacation time

Recently we took a little road trip to Houston to visit some friends and then to San Antonio to visit my brother's family and one of our favorite places, Sea World!

Houston was so hot and humid. But we had a great time visiting the Houston zoo (seriously fantastic zoo) and then having our own little pool party complete with poolside fajitas!

Then it was time to drive over to San Antonio where the kids enjoyed playing Wii with their cousins and two fun-filled days at Sea World.

The kids really enjoy feeding the dolphins and playing at the waterpark. Tristen adored getting his face painted. Grrrr!

This time we decided to enjoy the Dining with Shamu show. It was absolutely a blast to see the whales so close. The kids had a great time asking the trainers all kinds of questions about 'Shamu'. Here's a video of the fun! (Ignore my funny voice...)

We highly recommend the show!