Decorating the Christmas Tree 2013

Cutting Down our Christmas Tree

What I want to be when I grow up

This was posted outside of Riley's preschool.  I couldn't help but take a picture. The world would be a better place if we all believed in our dreams; regardless of how outrageous they were...

More IronMan Pictures

Registration

Jamie and Terri before the practice swim

The Swim- Jamie is in here somewhere

Transition Area

Cousin Emma, Grandma Menne and Riley all had
B-days during our trip

Lots of down time

Transition Bags

The cousins and R2 after the IronKids Race

IronKids Race

 The Friday before the real Ironman race, Reagan and Riley participated in the IronKids race which is a one mile walk /run.  It was fun to see them cross the actual Ironman finish line with the family cheering them on.  Future Ironman tri-athletes in the making.

The Swim and Transition to the bike

On our way to the race

11/14/13 Thursday evening our plane took off for Phoenix at 7:35pm - on our way to watch Jamie participate in the Ironman Triathlon on 11/17/13.

 We arrived early and visited a well hidden secret at the Minneapolis airport- the observation deck in Concourse D.  I remember going to watch the planes and jets here when I was a kid; that was before you had to go through security to gain access.  Many people don't realize it still exists.  Terminal 1, Concourse D past the "northern lights" restaurant, to your left and up three flights of narrow steep stairs you will find a birds eye view of the Minneapolis airport (mainly Delta jets) complemented by 1970's style retro seating. The deck is higher than the rest of the airport and all windows.  We were the only "observers" watching the ground crews move planes and baggage around.  It was fun to witness the boys in awe of the organized commotion; it was the same awe I felt as a young girl watching the magic and coordination of these large flying machines. As the boys ran from window to window, I was pleased to know that they still considered this exciting. You see, the boys have never been to Disney world,  ValleyFair, MOA or Wisconsin Dells.  Not to say that we won't do these things some day- it's just that Jamie and I have made a conscience effort to keep their experiences simple.  I believe that our society is always looking for the next big attraction or must see family destination- and we end up forgetting how to be content.  Yes I said it -content.  Content to be together as a family wherever we are- content. We have spent days doing such silly things as running through the skyways and riding the escalators in downtown Minneapolis, riding a parking tram back and forth, parking by a train station and watching the trains come and go, sitting at a construction site watching the diggers and dump trucks maneuver through the dirt.  In our world of excess and opulence we sometimes forget to stop and look around at the simple things and enjoy time with each other.  There is plenty of time for over indulgence; right now I want them to enjoy time with each other and the family no matter where we are or what we are doing. I want them to learn how to be content.

Happy Halloween

Look Ma, no cavities

Painting the garage doors

First Day of school for Mr. Myles

Riley's first day of preschool was in September.  I had the cutest outfit picked out for him and he flat out told me "mom, I don't want to wear that; I want to wear something cool".  The black ninja shirt was promptly introduced and I just smiled.  I guess I have no fashion sense.  

Square Lake Tri

The boys, grandma Menne and mom watched dad compete in the Square Lake Triathlon. 1.3 mile swim followed by a 54 mile bike ride, rounded out with a 13 mile run.  Goooooo Dad!

Camping with Grandpa Dennis

 Labor Day 2013 was spent camping with grandpa Dennis. Mom enjoyed a nice quiet weekend at home!

Happy B-Day Dad!

First Day of First Grade

There goes the Class of 2025- Jeffers Pond Elementary.

As most of you know, Jamie and his cousin Terry Snell are training for an upcoming IronMan Triathlon in Phoenix AZ, November 17^th.  In preparation, they swam from Uncle Bob’s cabin to Grandma Menne’s cabin (1.8 miles) in Lake Vermilion this past July. It took them 1 hour and 11 min. Two of their cousins kayaked next to them to be certain they were safe.  Impressive to say the least.  What’s next Mr. Halverson?   The English Channel?