Swim, Bike, Run ... the boys' triathlon

We had fun cheering for Josh and Caleb in their triathlon this morning. They are learning that perseverance and a little sweat is worth it in the end! They swam 70 meters, biked 2 miles and ran a 1/2 mile. Tough but fun!

Josh running

Josh running again (I thought I had put Caleb in here ... oops)

Caleb on his bike

Josh on his bike

Caleb finishing the swim

Josh ready to start

Josh's transition station

Caleb's transition station

before the race

We love the Kids Only triathlon and the month we spend preparing for it as a family. We bike several times a week and run as a family. Many lessons about perseverance, endurance, discipline, fitness, laughing, sweating, etc. are worked through together ... what I love most of all is the joy of setting a goal and working hard and accomplishing that goal! to swimming, biking, and running ... way to go, boys!!

Ellie Can Dance

A few weeks ago the boys had friends over to "make movies". The boys made a work out movie, a baseball movie, and two Star Wars light saber fighting movies. The girls did not want to miss out on the fun so they dressed up and came out to perform. Turn off my music and listen closely ... my Kate is singing. She repeats over and over "Ellie can dance!" and then she ends it up with "Ellie can do anything!" This is just a tiny glimpse into her adoration of Ellie who is 9 weeks older and so deserving of the love!

to summertime fun and good friends...

Summer Swimming

We have had fun swimming this summer and loading up on the sunscreen! With temps over 100 every day, what else can you do for exercise with kids?! I have been so thankful for these fun times ...

to friends, summer and swimming ...

Three

Katiebug turned three today. We woke up at the lakehouse with cousins, grandparents, uncles, aunts and second cousins. She told everyone "I'm not two!!!" Then, she'd show her three fingers. Kate has no idea what three means but she is happy to finally be there!

We all have grown with Kate this year. Daddy met Barbie. Caleb and Josh and I have learned the names of every Princess and what songs they sing. We have all watched "Stinking Booty" (aka Sleeping Beauty) more times than we care to count. We have grown in our patience, learned to slow down and smell the roses every now and then, and most of all have grown as a family of five ... with each other and God as our focus we have security, smiles, and love!

Happy Birthday, Princess Kate!! You have enriched our lives and our family; you keep us young and on our toes; you light up a room; you are our ray of sunshine, little one!

to cake and pizza in the same day, to family, to birthdays, to presents, to Kate ...