Mom's Birthday Bash

We planned a surprise party for my mom for her 60th birthday with around 40 people. There was a lot of lying on my part to keep it a surprise but I managed and it was a lot of fun. I think she was surprised, see below for the proof, yeah!
When she first saw Aaron who flew up from LA
When she saw my Grandma (her mom), who came over from Helena, MT
Me and Grandma
Joelle and Gage
Blowing out the candle

New Camera

Nick got a new camera for his birthday. He turned big 2-8 on the 4th. He told me last year around October that he really wanted to take a photography class at the college but he needed a digital SLR, and we only had a film SLR. So my wheels started to turn and I secretly saved up for almost a year for nice camera, which is hard to do when you share a bank account. What I didn't think about is that I am going to have a camera in my face a lot, something my sister-in-law Michelle has learned to deal with. So I guess I will eventually get used to it. And all the pictures I am either talking or eating, those who know me well, know this is what I do 90% of the time so I guess it captures me well. See below for some awkward pics with the new camera.






Ha! Finally, caught him with an awkward pic.....

Ha!

I guess it isn't "The Most Magical Place on Earth" to all. See here for more awkwardness.

A little pep talk can make all the difference

You might not remember, but last year me and my dahlias didn't really see eye to eye. I never even posted a picture because they were so embarrassing. I would compare it to a flower getting a haircut from a flowbee.

This year I took a different approach, I brought in new dirt (manure included), and created them their own brick mote. I am pretty sure the thing that really made the biggest difference is I whispered in their tiny little ears that if they grew big and beautiful I would make sure those nasty little earwigs would find a new home this summer. Well sure enough they listened! Please see below for proof, these are in my very own garden, I did not have to run up to Manito and take impostor pictures (I'm not too prideful or anything). Not all the varieties have bloomed yet, so there might be more pictures later, if they are amazing enough.





A quick note: I have never grown peppers before, but I am amazed at how well they are doing. I am just not sure when to pick them, or how long they take to change to the other colors. Any tips?
I bought White Jack-o-lantern seeds just because I was curious and the pumpkin on the packet was pretty. Great advertising!

CDA Tri

I officially finished my first sprint triathlon. It was a lot of fun and more challenging than I expected. Especially the swim. I sucked up a lot of water at the start and still had to swim the rest of the 1/2 mile. Even though that was the shortest leg, it felt like the longest. The bike and the run were great, my body held up through the finish. I am not quite sure yet, but I might just be hooked! Nick has been my biggest fan since I started training, and he didn't fall short at the race, he is a great cheerleader. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful man. My mom, brother Aaron, and Lyla came out to watch also! Thanks for all the hugs and support!

This is the night before, trying on the wetsuit I borrowed from a friend. I had to make sure I could get it off by myself.
Coming out of the water from the longest swim on earth. I think it was only like 16-17 minutes, but it felt like an eternity. It was also hard to go vertical, I was really dizzy.


Transition #1 - From Swim to Bike

Happily biking (my favorite event)

Transition #2 - Bike to Run

At the finish line.

My tri buddies, Katie and Ivy. Thanks girls for such a fun race!

Santa Cruz

No time to write because we are on our way to the beach, but we are having lots of fun in Santa Cruz!

As I promised

I hope you enjoy the progression. It was really fun, and exhilarating, AFTER everyone was safe and in the boat. I would go again in a heart beat!