Say what???

FYI:

Did you know that there is now a new law in place requiring children 3 and under to not only wear swim diapers in public pools, but a plastic diaper over that?

Neither did I!

All day today I was talking to Jaedyn about going to the water park. "It's going to be so much fun!" In the heat of the afternoon we finally got our chance. We decided to walk. It's only a mile away. But boy was it a hot mile!

So I took my little girl who, by the way, started wearing panties this weekend, to the water park. It's only been TWO days. So as added precaution I put her in a swim diaper. I wasn't going to be THAT parent. hehe. I came with $5 for admission and $5 extra for... I dunno why I had it to tell you the truth. They wouldn't let me in! Because of this new law I needed $5 for admission and $6 to purchase a plastic cover. Good grief! I was 1 silly dollar short! Walk a mile back home in this heat for 1 dollar??? Tell Jaedyn, "Just kidding sweetie. See all those kids having fun in the water? Wave bye-bye cuz you're not gonna be one of them!" You gotta be kidding me. ONE DOLLAR!!!

Some poor soul behind me in line took pity on me and gave me a dollar.

I could've kissed him.

So much for the cute swim suit. That diaper was bulking out all over the place!

A Week with my Nephew

We got to have my nephew Brendan come and stay with us for a week last week. We tried and tried to think of activities a 9 year old would enjoy so he wouldn't be completely bored while he was here. We were able to go for bike rides, visit the zoo, we went out for pizza and the kids got balloon animals which were a BIG hit (who knew?) We put him to work extending the width of our driveway, with a wonderful neighbor's help. He read A LOT, boy does that kid know how to read! We went rock-climbing, grocery shopping (yay), and of course we went camping. Luckily the weather cooperated and we had our first sunny weekend in.... well I'm not sure how long. Summer may finally be here though :)

The downfall to camping is Jaedyn didn't sleep a whole lot. She went to bed late and got up early. But even with the lack of sleep she had a great time and behaved.

Brendan showing off his treasure. He found a lighter! Don't worry Shawn and Kellie, we quickly confiscated it.

How can a family look so cute camping? These are our friends Jenn, Rich and Saydee Oldham looking picture perfect. It really isn't fair.

This kid LOOOOOOOOVES babies! Here she is mauling poor Saydee! She was just so cute Jaedyn couldn't keep her hands off of her!

This is how I found him late one night during his stay. The flash didn't even phase him. I wanna be able to sleep like that !

Lovin cousin Brendan!

Brendan got a Parrot that he named "Polly" and Jaedyn got a giraffe that she named "Parrot" haha. Cute.

Our friends, the Allreds, took us rock climbing which was exciting for Brendan "ON REAL ROCK!" he exclaimed. They even had a child harness!

Brendan was amazing in his tennis shoes! He scaled half way up the rock face.

Chad, of course, was a monkey and put us all to shame. He didn't even have the grace to break a sweat to at least make it look like it took a tiny bit of effort.

I got to go too, though the pictures don't prove it. I guess you just get to see how excited I was to do it.

Yup. The child harness. Even Jaedyn got to go! She even enjoyed it... til she got above my eye level. That was about all she had in her. But good job kiddo! Not bad for a first-timer!

So... even though we were up rock-climbing we were actually able to get a few of these...

Nice pose! No one, I repeat, NO ONE put her up to this. Where was this a week ago when we were doing our family photos??? Little stinker!

I love the little dimples she has under her eyes!

"Like a Diamond"

TriUtah! Woo!

Just in case any of you are curious... Here we are freezing, BEFORE we got in the water. You can only imagine the numb stumbling AFTER.

The SWIM

Here the four of us are: CheyAnne, Angela, Heather, Helen (aka Superstar)

Angela's out of the water and out of breath. Can't feel my fingers. Can't feel my zipper. (I'm the crazy one in the short suit not the smart one in the real triathlon full suit... Brrrrrrrr)

Helen's up and out and quickly pulls ahead. Like I said, "superstar"

Here come Heather and CheyAnne, and at this point I have to ask, "What in the world is there to laugh at coming out of THAT water?"

The BIKE

So this was an interesting experience. I have to say that the good sportsmanship out on the course was a little annoying. Sad huh? But I was one of 2 mountain bikes out there and I felt like 7000 people whizzed by me. Literally. I'd say "flew" but I don't want you to think I'm exaggerating. And of course as they WHIZ by they tell me "good job". Uh... thanks? Yeah right!

The RUN

Sorry, no pics. Well okay there were but this is a long post anyway and the after party craziness makes for funner pictures. The run. What can I say? My legs were exhausted from peddling my 30 lb bike. (Yes I even had to peddle on the downhill! And people were still gliding past me! aarrgh!) Oh yes, the run. The one thing that stands out to me first of all is why was the FIRST half uphill? Second, one of the volunteers directing tells me near the end, "The end is just around this bend". 5 bends and 1/2 a mile later I'm crossing the finish line. Way to play with a girl's mind! Couldn't he have just stuck with "great job" like everyone else?

After Party CRAZY

This pic of Heather cracks me up. She looks like she's at a dance party. But just to clear the confusion, there really is music playing

CheyAnne, Yay we did it! This was our first triathlon! But not our last right Chey? Chey? CHEY???

Helen and Angela. Able to breathe again. Yes my lips are blue.

Here we are recreating what we have just accomplished. I think it was the caffeine in the Gu. Anyway, Chey is running, Heather is transitioning, Helen is biking and I'm swimming. Or diving. Whatever.

The RESULTS

Yay Helen! Superstar!!

Yup. I have to use two hands. sniff sniff. Next time I'll have a bike. Even if I have to rent it.

Yes there will be a next time.

Summer Laziness

I love summer. I love the sunshine on my back when I'm working in the yard. I love the lazy feel of a summer afternoon. I love being able to just be spontaneous about outdoor activities. I love no school. I love the access to such beautiful nature. I love the family vacations and get togethers. I love how life feels like it slows, even just for a moment, of course then you speed it right back up with all the extracurricular activities but really, what's not to love? Now if summer would just get here! haha. It's still spring in Logan, Utah. Raining more days than not. I have a triathlon tomorrow and went for a practice open swim in the rain tonight. That was fun. However, it has been nice to enjoy a Spring for once. I gotta tell you, it's been a while since I've experienced it! Feels like it's just gone straight from snow to heat and back again for the last several years. So, while it's a bit late in the year, I'm grateful for the extended Spring.

Family Pix

A few favorites...

Cuz Love

It's been so fun to have Chris and his family back from DC! They've been in SLC the last few weeks and we've been able to see them a few times. Jaedyn is loving having her cousins around! And loving being able to love on Sam!