Navigator Triathlon Results

I recently competed in the Navigator Triathlon on Saturday, September 13th. It was a sprint triathlon with a 500 yd swim, 12 mile bike, and 3.1 mile trail run. The race was held at one of GA's state parks, so we decided to make a family camp trip out of it! The camping portion of the trip ended up being a disaster, and I won't post details here. Every second at the computer hurts my neck, so posting about a horrible camping adventure is just not worth the pain. I will, however mention my results! I came in 3rd overall for Women and 2nd in my age group! The women's overall winner was in my age group, so I came in behind her. I earned a nice little trophy and a $50 gift certificate to a cycle shop. There were 14 women in my age group. My swim time was 5th, my bike time was 2nd, and my run time was 1st. In fact, I had the fastest run time among ALL women competitors, and beat most the men's run times, too. I suppose that's what I'm most proud of. My transition times were also among the fastest, which is great. I hadn't been able to bike, swim or run for almost 3 weeks due to this neck and upper back issue, so my training was suffering going in. Combine that with a night of NO sleep (remember the part about the camping disaster?) and that makes me very happy that I had a good race. This was my first triathlon on my new bike. (Third triathlon to date). I love my bike! It was only the 6th time I've been able to ride it. Right after I bought it, my neck went into crisis mode and I've seen 2 doctors, done some physical therapy, and am now doing chiropractic and massage. Speaking of neck pain, gotta go! This computer time is wrecking me! I'll be doing my last triathlon of the season on October 5th, up at Lake Lanier. Can't wait for that!

Some Cuties of the Kids

Ethan and his new Thomas snuggle pillow for his big boy bed




Lauren and Ethan getting ready to go to school.



Thomas loves Ethan's "B", too

Here are some cute photos of the kids. They are doing great in school. The adjustment period has been surprisingly easy. At first, they both had a couple of days of sadness, and now Ethan is crying to GO to school on the days when he's home with me. (Lauren is 5 days a week for 3 hours, he's 2 days a week for 3 hours). I spied on him in class the other day, and he was so enthusiastic it just warmed my heart! He's such a happy, cheerful little guy. I am so pleased with how his personality is shaping. Lauren, of course, is Lauren, meaning she is the same outgoing, sweet and caring child she's always been. Couldn't be happier with either of them right now! Of course we have our moments, but they are few and far between. They are growing up so fast. Too fast.

Big Boy Bed

This past Saturday night, we moved Ethan into his big boy bed! So far, so good. We are trying it without rails, since rails would require a serious retrofit on this particular bed. Instead, we have placed his crib mattress in the trundle bed and just roll out the trundle filled with pillows and a mattress for a soft landing. Luckily, there have been no falls. We've had 5 nights and 4 naps in it! As long as he has his thumb and his "B," we are good to go.

First Day of School!

Wow! Today was our first day of school! Lauren started Pre-K, which is 5 days a week for 3 hours a day. Ethan started "Older 2's" preschool, which is two days a week for 3 hours each day. They were both quite excited and both seemed ready to take on the school year. I was definitely concerned about Ethan, since he had a tough time with the drop-in nursery in the spring. He did great, though! Didn't even look back when I left him at his classroom door! The word is that we have the two best teachers at the preschool, so I am psyched. We had our share of difficulties getting Ethan a spot at The Preschool, now we will enjoy the two greatest teachers! Hip Hip, Hurray!

So what does a mama do with those (2 1/2) hours of alone, kidless time? Why she runs and shops, of course! Nothing like a kidless 8+ miler and then a shopping excursion at Whole Foods Market. Life is good. For kicks, I mapped out my run on "Mapmyrun.com" and am trying to post it below... We'll see!

" Cheese!!!"

What a smile!

These kids are ready for school!

Labor Day Weekend at the Lake

We had a great holiday weekend at Lake Sinclair! We met Grandma and Grandpa at their lake house. Uncle Dana and his dog, Brutus, came along for the fun, as well! There was a lot of working, a lot of fun, a lot of swimming, a lot of running, some card playing, a ladderball tournament, and a get-together with friends... Here are some photos from the long weekend!

Family portrait...

Lauren and Taylor boating...

Brutus is so ugly that he's actually quite cute...

Lauren and Eric on the dock...

Ethan and Uncle Dana