IRONMAN - in training

Blake's half Ironman in Austin, TX is this weekend on October 28th!

1.2 mile swim

56 mile bike

13.1 mile run

I blame myself entirely for his current exercise fascination. He started running back in May of 2011 when we went to California to visit his brother Nate and family. I was working on losing baby weight and talked him into going running with me on a little jogging trail.  If anyone knows a Holiday, then you know how very determined and stubborn they can be once they put their mind to something - and Blake hasn't stopped exercising ever since. Blake started waking up early to go work out at the ConocoPhillips gym (and beat the morning traffic). They have a great facility...and a pool. He began rotating running and swimming days. So, why not add in biking!

His training is very du-able and doesn't take up much family time. Luckily, he is a morning person! Monday - Friday he is up and out the door by 5am to get to the gym at work (treadmill, swimming or stationary bike). Saturday is his 50+ mile bike ride that he then follows up with a long run. Sunday is his rest day.

I may never get a real picture of Blake in all his gear and glory (especially the swim wear). Luckily, he has sneaky riding buddies that have snapped a few shots for me. We live out in the southwest side of Houston. Just a few miles west of us is good ole Texas country in the cities of Fulshear and Simonton. Blake has driven me on their route...it is beautiful!

Sam, Alayna, and I got a few pictures on Saturday as he came home from one of his rides.  Sam thought it was pretty cool to ride bikes with dad.

Many thanks to Blake's new BFF, Ryan (one of my BFFs hubbies). Ryan has done 2 half Ironmans and is Blake's unofficial coach. He sold Blake his hardly-used bike and helped him spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars in gear....umm...thanks.

Kindergarten School Pictures

 Not ashamed to admit that I shed a tear or two over how grown up she looks.

Sammie's Friend Party

October 8th this year was also Columbus Day, and so a school holiday. Sam invited all her friends to come over for lunch, craft and cake. It was a beautiful day and the girls had lots of fun!

 Sam was most looking forward to 'being the boss of her party.' She told everyone for weeks that they had to do what she said. Fun, right? Luckily, she is a great leader and the party went smoothly and to her satisfaction. We started off by painting rainbows. 

 

Lunch was hot dogs, cheetos and grapes.

 

 

 We went through 4 boxes of CapriSun...pretty sure Alayna had a whole box to herself.

 Opening presents. 

 

 

Painting nails.

 

 

Freeze Tag

 

And lots of jumping on the trampoline! 

 

There were balloons everywhere, and for whatever reason, all little girls hate the sound of popping balloons.

 

They quickly turned that into a game and before we knew it, all the balloons were gone!

 

Cake and ice cream.

 Sweet little Alayna had no buddies over, but she enjoyed every moment of the party.

 

A big thank you to my parents! Even Blake got to sneak away from work to join us.

 Emilynn stayed to play until dinner time. The trampoline boxes were a hit!

 

Samantha Turns 6, Alayna Turns 2

 I honestly feel like we just had her 5th birthday party. This year seemed to fly by! Sammie choose a pink cake with rainbow decorations that she did all by herself. I turned it into a strawberry/lemon cake and still have some saved in the freezer. Yummy!

This year was declared, "best birthday ever!" A trampoline can have that effect!

 Sammie choose cheeseburgers and french fries for dinner and we spent the day watching conference, eating and jumping on the tramp.

 

  

 

 

 

 And, of course, opening presents.

 Happy Birthday to Sammie and Alayna!

Izzie Sitting

 

I still can't believe we ever agreed to this...but we dog-sat Izzie for the Labor Day weekend. She really is a very sweet dog. 

 

Alayna loves to walk around the house chanting her name...over, and over and over.

Sam likes to boss her around while snapping her fingers.

Blake just hates her. As for Izzie...she likes me the most! She was always tagging along at my feet and snuggling up on the couch at night. Too bad, I hate wet noses and kisses...they just gross me out. All in all, I would say we are excellent dog-sitters. Just don't get any ideas to call again :)

1st Day of School

I'm not ashamed to admit the tears have been flowing for days.

 Starting school is so very bittersweet. Samantha had a great preschool experience with 2 years at home with me and her friends doing Joy School. Then, last year we put her in a Christian-based preschool. We really feel like the preschool helped ease her into the concept of going to school.

She is a very spunky, spirited, energetic 5 year old and ready for the challenge of Kindergarten.

We drove to the school and parked around the block. She was 10 steps ahead of us all morning. 

"Are you guys coming?!"

Blake took the day off to see her off to school...and console me and Alayna during the day.

The sunglasses hid a lot of silent tears.

Alayna couldn't keep it together...I feel you, little one!

Sam and Emilynn. Partners in crime...no matter what!

Getting off the bus. Her excitement could not be contained! We headed straight home to go through her backpack. She was thrilled that WE had homework...not her. She spent the rest of the afternoon pretending to be the teacher to the rest of us. We got lots of marks in our folder for talking.

Mary Beth, Sammie and Emi

Sweet reunion.