Last year I competed in my first Triathlon with my amazing sister Amy. The first annual Bay Days Triathlon-- I still can't believe I did it. I have always wanted to do one but I wanted to be prepared and believe me, I was anything but prepared last year. Having torn my meniscus earlier that year I was healing only able to run about 1 mile without pain, not to mention the chance of re-injuring and the need for surgery. I had also not been swimming in four years, which leaves biking, probably the only event I felt like I was ready for, but with an old mountain bike I knew I would not be moving as fast as the other tri bikers on their road and tri bikes, with all that said I am never one to say no to a challenge! The biggest shock was swimming in the dredge (pamida beach). I of course did not have a wetsuit and looking around me seeing everyone else in them, I realized pretty quick this was a vital piece of equipment in doing a triathlon in Lake Superior. The water temp was 40 degrees and it was a cool July day as well. As I started the race I very quickly realized what 40 degrees and not being physically prepared for something like swimming can become a very scary situation. The fear and hypothermia I felt is still so very fresh in my mind! I went down on Wednesday this time with my wetsuit, so incredibly better! But I still felt my chest tighten as I entered the water! It takes time and determination to overcome fears!
I have never felt such an incredible sense of accomplishment and pure determination as I crossed the finish line that day! I am hooked for life in this crazy thing called a triathlon--
I love you Amy, my sister, and best friend, even though I wanted to pull you down with me in the water last year, you have always inspired and excited me in every adventure! I was proud to finish the run with you by my side crossing the line together!! Life is too short to not "tri"! :)
This year I am going to be prepared! I am so thrilled to have my amazing friend Jenifer taking on this adventure too!! I have truly been blessed with such an outstanding friend that LOVES the crazy things I do as much as I do!! I still amazes me Jen that you have overcome your fear of the water and caught on so fast in swimming! You are going to enjoy and do so well this race! I am soooooo incredibly proud of you Jenifer!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE INSPIRATION YOU ARE!!!
Ava has come along way in her fear of water! Last year she was scared to death and this spring after a couple pool sessions with mommy and Grace she was ready to swim in the lake! She really loved riding on my back! It was sweet!
Grace has all the makings of a great triathlon athlete- she loves running, biking and swimming too! I think she will be another big training partner of mine in the next few years! :)
I had to work on my bike to prepare for this weekends bike clinic, so the girls grabbed their bikes too! Grace loves working on her bike, almost as much as riding!!! She made sure she had her bike ready for a long ride! Even Ava was getting into it!!! I sure love my girls, Jeff got a kick out of his biker chicks!
Thank you Mrs. Larson for the picnic at your home after preschool graduation. It was a great afternoon spent celebrating a very special class of kids! What a wonderful afternoon!!!!
Grace could not resist a dip in the lake! :)
And the sweet ducks!
Tree climbing was on Ava, Grace, and Henrys agenda!
Ava loved the ducks too!
Lot's of play time with friends!
I had to fight tears back several times this week and today was no different! My first born graduated from preschool today! She has always been such a sweet and very smart girl, but she has gained confidence away from me! I remember the day I first left her at preschool when she was 3. What a difference 2 years can make. She is starting to read and loves to draw, write and color! I have loved this prechool and all it stands for! Mrs. Laron has been the perfect teacher for Grace and I thank God she came into our lives! Such a peaceful loving spirit
Love watching you perform!
So Proud of you kiddo!
Grace always wanted hair that was as long as Rapunzel's. Besides a trim last year we have not touched her hair since she was born. It caught me completely off guard when after reading Miranda's blog (http://lawverfamily4.blogspot.com/2010/04/angels-in-disguise.html) one night, about month ago, Grace was totally inspired to cut off and give her hair away to someone in need! I waited a month to make sure this was something she was sure of and then the moment just happened. It was not really planned, but it all just worked! I could not have been more proud of Grace! She has a very giving nature that is blossoming more every year. I praise God for the sweet innocence, selflessness and amazing love all children have! Jeff and I are truly learning everyday from both of the sweet girls we were blessed with!
We sure missed you daddy! It was a long week without Jeff he was up in Canada fishing! The girls and I couldn't wait for him to get home so we drove up to Duluth to see him a little faster. Grace, Ava and I were fighting over him! We love you Jeff! So good to have you home!!!
Hank and Jen invited us out to the cabin on Monday when the temps were 97 degrees in Delta! It was such a great evening! Julie, Joseph and Carol joined us! We all had a blast!! Thank you foe the awesome evening, it felt soooooo good to cool off in the lake!
So cute watching Henry and Joseph talk boy talk!
Even Cousin Pat came over to visit!
Cheering crew, and future 10k and marathon runners! :)
Anticipation
There they are!! Finishing in an outstanding time of 55mins! 
