The boys triathalon

Okay, so we're headed back in time again - this time to the end of July/beginning of August. My ten year high school reunion was scheduled for July 31st, and August 1st, so we decided to head out there. Perfect time to celebrate my sisters' b-day and Brandon's b-day. (It was also my awesome SIL's b-day, but we were so busy that we never got to see her for her b-day.)

So, we headed out to my sister's house on a Wednesday evening. We all love going to their house - she's my only sister, so we're very close, and our kids get along great! We sent the kids to bed when we got there, and the next morning, we just kind of puttered around. We picked some green beans for me to bottle, and some for dinner that night and just took it easy. Eventually, though, we got around to setting up the tent.

Gavin, I think you missed a bean in there . . .


. . . Where? In a little farther . . .

. . . no, even farther!


Ooh, this is gonna' be fun!

You see, we've had plans for a while to go camping with my sisters family this summer, but it never happened. So, we decided to put the tent up for the kids in the backyard, and they were SO EXCITED!!! So, Brandon & my sister got it put up, and the kids were immediately bringing sleeping bags out, and blankets, and flash lights . . . They were actually excited about bedtime that night!

Since it was sort of a campout, we decided that we had to roast smores after dinner. So, Mike started up their portable campfire and the smores flowed freely! My sister can't stand marshmallows, but I think she managed to eat at least one smore - the full thing; not just the chocolate! :)

Our very smoky smore's roast

Then, we sent the kids to bed. It was already kind of late, and they had to get up early in the morning for their triathalon. Yep, my kids (and my sisters kids) competed in a triathalon. A shortened one, more appropriate for their age, but a tri none-the-less. When Anne Marie asked them a while ago if they wanted to do it, they were so excited. So, she signed them up.

We got up early the next morning, and got everybody ready and over to the pool. We got the kids signed in, their numbers on, watched their older cousin do her swim, and then it was time for them to head into the pool area. At this point, Scott got really upset. He had thought that the announcer would actually call his number, not just his group, and so he was convinced that he had to still wait even though all of the other kids had gone into the pool area already.

Getting B & Scott signed up and their numbers pinned on

I walked him into the pool area and to his place in line. He finally calmed down enough, just to get upset again. He can't swim well, so he was really nervous about the swimming. I tried to calm him down and told him he could hang onto the wall the whole time if he wanted, but he wasn't listening.

Finally one of the ref's came over and repeated what I had said. He looked to me to make sure, and finally was convinced. By then, it was his turn. He hopped in the water, swam a little ways, walked a little ways, swam some more, then decided to hang on the edge. I thought I had better warn B so he didn't get upset, and he was glad I had. He was a little nervous, too, but hadn't said anything.

Scott's getting tired, but still doing well!

B waiting his turn to start

Here goes B

And Tanner's off

After their swim, they got out, and headed to put their socks/shoes and shirts on for the bike ride. They were both cold and it took some convincing to get them dressed and going, but they finally did. They completed the two laps they had to do, and then took off running.

Brr - it's cold! (Braden & Tanner)

You're doing great Scott!

Trying to put his socks onto his wet feet!

Put the helmet on, and . . . go!

And, he's off!

B coming up the hill - look at that grin!

Coming up the hill - almost runnin' time

They were both getting tired, but they stuck with it clear to the end! They did such an awesome job, and got a medal when they finished. B was so excited that he said, "Let's do this every year!"

You're doing great Scott - almost there!

Almost to the finish line - keep going!

Tanner, Braden, Jared, Rachel, Scott

There were 41 people total in the sprint division (the younger kids). My two nephews came in 13th & 15th with times of 16 minutes 18 seconds and 16:37, B came in 29th with a time of 20:08, and Scott came in 39th with a time of 23:23. My niece was in the older kids division, and I'm not sure of her time, but I know she did very well!

Way to go, guys (and Rachel)!

Scott's finishing medal

The rules of the triathalon

I couldn't help but cry a little to see their determined little faces trying to pull this off. They did such a good job, and it was so fun to see their little spirits boosted by finished this triathalon. I hope they'll do it again next year - it could become an awesome tradition!