Time to Tri

With just four (exhausting) weeks of training under my belt, I decided to put my toe in the water and race the Cooper Summer Sprint Triathlon.  I was so nervous, not really sure how I would piece everything together and how it would go.

The swim was 350 meters in a 50m pool (I thought that was a good place to start as opposed to a lake), then a 12 mile bike ride and a 5k run...easy, right?  I got transition set up and then headed over to the pool.  This would be my first time in a 50 meter pool....boy did it look huge.  We were starting based on our expected swim time, so I had some time to wait until it was my turn, that didn't really help my nerves.  I ran into someone I knew from barre3 in the final stages of the line, that helped calm me slightly for a few moments...but then it was my turn!

I was right about that pool being long, I didn't think I would ever make it to the other side.  But on the second length, I got into my rhythm and it was much better.  Until a little past halfway when I hit some traffic.  Two guys were swimming side by side, neither one moving ahead of the other.  I couldn't get past (well, didn't know how to get past).  Then someone came up behind me, I felt trapped.  I was scared.  I wanted to give up.  I ended up moving to the breaststroke and finishing the race that way, it helped calm my nerves and got me through it.

The bike was a blast, so much more fun than I expected it to be.  And then the run...it was hard.  The day was getting pretty warm by the time I was on the run course.  But I had a strong run, taking advantage of my stronger discipline.

I finished in 1:15, much better than I thought I would.   I was 4th place in my age group, just 30 seconds behind 3rd.  I know I have a lot of areas I can improve on, but I enjoyed the experience and am glad that I did it!

All set up and ready to go!

I look as frightened as I felt

Worst race picture ever...wow

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

I love these two!!

Camp!

The first couple of weeks of summer camp have been a success!  Jackson has enjoyed the time outdoors, meeting new friends, and learning new adventures (including fishing!)

Last Day of Kindergarten!

I cannot believe that it is already the last day of school!  The school year really seemed to fly by.  Jackson had a lot of fun at school today.  I arranged my schedule so that I could walk him to school (he loves this!) and then stop in for the school party.  Fun day!

Last day vs first day

School party

After school party!

Kindergarten Celebration of Learning

This morning we celebrated Jackson and the rest of his kindergarten class at the Celebration of Learning.  Each kid received an award; Jackson received "Aspiring Artist."  He was super excited.  It was a fun morning, complete with a few tears (thanks for the super sad music in the video).

I love that he is holding the award upside down! LOL

What a wonderful year with a wonderful teacher!

Clothes

I always thought I would be THRILLED for the day when Jackson wanted to dress himself.  I have always picked out his clothes the night before and placed them on his dresser, he took it from there.  Well, now he wants to pick out his own clothes.  Ok.  Expect he doesn't have a sense for what matches...

Rodeo #2

I took Jackson to another rodeo...this one on a smaller scale and outdoors.  We had amazing seats; Jackson loved it!

Jackson's Version of a Cowboy

He put on ALL of his cowboy gear today...

And Then This Happened...

Jackson REALLY wanted a cowboy hat...

I Bought a Bike!

I almost cannot believe it.  I bought a bike.  This was my final hurdle to get through before committing to Austin 70.3 in November.  I decided to buy a road bike, I felt it would be the best as I am entering the sport.  If I love it, then I can always by a tri bike down the road.  I still have to get my shoes (they are on back order) and then have my pedals installed...then the training can begin!

Bowling Birthday Bash

Jackson really wanted to go bowling for his birthday party this year.  I am not a fan of bowling, never really understood what was fun about it.  But anyways, we booked the bowling alley he preferred and he was so excited.  I think the kids had a good time, seems like they are finally getting old enough to "get" it.

Super cute card from his "girlfriend"

Happy 6th Birthday!

Jackson is 6!!  I cannot believe it.  It has gone incredible fast when I stop and think about it.  He is becoming such an adorable little kid.  Love him!

Sticker and hat from school

Opening family presents before bed

Mother's Day

Look at this adorable (and hilarious) handmade gift from Jackson:

School Art

Jackson's school had an open house and had all the kids's best art pieces up on display.  I loved the self portrait and the Picasso!

First Tooth!

Jackson just lost his first tooth!!

Time to Fiesta!

Jackson and I headed to San Antonio for the weekend to celebrate Fiesta!  Perfect timing as I am still on an unbelievable high from Boston!  The weekend started with a fun parade party, then we hit the UT Co-op for the Texas party before heading home.  Quick trip but definitely worth it!

Just a couple of medals to start the day

It's not a parade party without a margarita!

The medal collection is growing!

Fun friends!

Love that my Boston temp tattoo is still going strong!

The end of the parade is Jackson's favorite!