Home sweet home

We got the house. And we're very busy working on it. It's a fun big space with lots of potential. And lots of projects. I know you'll all love the "before" decor. Here are just a few shots to start with.

Black Ridge Escape Triathlon

Amidst all the chaos this summer I reached a personal goal and completed a sprint triathlon. It was a really great experience. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that I wasn't too exhausted and the whole experience was a lot of fun. I wasn't super speedy, but I did pretty well, and I really enjoyed it. It was a 500m swim, 14 mile bike ride, followed by a 5K run. The whole thing, with transitions, took me about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

I'm really enjoying getting involved in more kinds of exercise and getting fit. I've got another 5K slated for the fall and before that I think I'll try out some different aerobics classes at the gym that's closest to our new house. I definitely benefit from variety and new training goals.

Here are some pictures from the triathlon:

Me in my wetsuit, ready to swim

A view of the reservoir we swam in, through the swim-bike transition area

Me at the finish line after the run

The patient kiddos and me

They were great spectators and even did the 5K with James and me. He pushed them in the stroller. A big thanks to James for supporting me through the the prep for the triathlon, the whole event, and for watching the kids during it. And, by the way, congrats James on your first 5K! Let me just say, he is getting fitter by the minute. He's lost nearly 40 pounds this year!

Violet is One!

It's true. My sweet baby is already one year old. She is lively, fun, and loving. And she's starting to do so many fun tricks--like walking and talking and waving and blowing kisses. She adores Atticus and is adventurous and independent. She also loves to be with her parents and mimic everything we do too. We're so glad we have her in our family.

Violet's birthday turned into a weekend of celebrations. We started the special day off with a hike and a picnic.

Then came the moment Atticus had been anxiously awaiting--present opening. He eagerly helped Violet get them all open and test them out.

We had a party for Violet at the park the following Monday. She was head of the table. She enjoyed the party, the food, the presents, and the park, but not so much the cake.

Here she is, eying the cake warily. Basically she didn't want to have anything to do with it. And when James tried to make her taste it, she screamed until we finally rescued her from her high chair.

I had to try again the next day. I figured if I did it when she wasn't too full, she might actually give it a shot. She did. And she loved it. I promise I won't force sweets upon her again. I just wanted her to like her birthday cake. ; )

Fantastic Summer

We've been participating in all kinds of fantastic activities and celebrations this summer, including: Grandpa Bradley's work picnic, Friday hikes, Grandpa Davies's 80th birthday party, swinging and playing outside, indoor skydiving, local outings and long drives, camping, and the Bradley Family Reunion at a water park.

Sometimes these kids drive me totally crazy. Trying to coax Atticus into getting dressed and eating some kind of nutritious food and to stop him from throwing tantrums over little things can be a challenge. And Violet can be a bit of a trouble-maker with getting into things, making messes, and whining when she doesn't get her way. Plus it's just totally exhausting to keep up with all the day-to-day things that are required of a grown-up and a parent of two young kids. But, there are moments in every day, and of course when I look at these photos of memories we are making together, that I try to breathe it all in and hope that this time in my life won't speed by too quickly. I am totally crazy about these kids and my sweet husband James.