Triathlon recap and everything else happening in life

This last Saturday, Karolyn and I participated in the Rush Triathlon for the 3rd year in a row.  Man, I have a love/hate relationship with triathlons.  Part of me really loves the feeling of accomplishment as soon as I cross the finish line but another big part of me just really hates to swim...competitively.  And I love being competitive but I also hate certain feelings that also arise when I'm competitive.  ANYWAY, time for a recap:

This was before the race and for some reason I was psyching myself out and telling myself I didn't know how to swim...or that I wouldn't be able to spot where I was going in the water.  Which did happen, by the way.  I forgot to defog my goggles and I couldn't see a thing.  I loved swimming into the bank...I'm still not sure how I got a pretty decent time because me and the bank were best friends and at one point I had to take off my goggles just so I could see where I was in the lake.

 Swimming around blindly...probably freaking out at this point.  Seriously, this isn't my first triathlon.  I don't know what my problem was this time around.

Smiling at my little cheer section by the side of the road.  It rained on and off throughout the tri. and the temperature was around 50 degrees so my legs might have been going numb at this point. 

I finished!

Finishing time at 1:33.  Honestly, not every goal was met with this race but I beat my last year time by almost 10 minutes and I'm proud of the accomplishment.  Something I really struggle with is accepting that I can still do a really great job without being the best.  I look at the times and think, "crap!  That five minutes I lost getting out of the banks during the swimming was the five minutes between me and first place," or other stupid thoughts that make me feel like my performance wasn't good enough but, dang it, I accomplished my time goals anyway and I finished the triathlon strong.  And that's something to be proud of.  And now I can "retire" for a few years. ;)  Not from being physically active, but training for swimming, running and biking while raising little boys and being a good spouse is a little overwhelming for me at times.  So I know it's time for me to enjoy fitness just for the sake of enjoying being fit, rather than being competitive.  And I'm good with that for awhile. :)

And just a couple more pictures from the day:

 Patrick took this picture. :)  And did I mention my sister got 3rd place for the olympic distance?  So stinkin' proud of her for just doing the distance.

In other news, Karolyn and I went to the Holi festival of Colors a couple weeks ago and I danced my heart out.  Which never happens.

And these two brothers are being the best of friends which is continually enjoyable to watch.

 Summer days really are just the best.

I really love these boys

And one last picture that defines each of them.

My climber and my runner.  All day long.

4 year old Patrick

Patrick,

A couple weeks ago you turned 4.  You're 4, bud!  You are my adorable, crazy little boy.

At 4 years old, you love Rescue Bots, riding your bike and running anywhere you can.  You love your little brother and constantly call him your best friend and you are more social than I ever have been in my life.  And how do you have so much energy!?  So. Much. Energy.  You are a strong, stubborn force and your dad and I are constantly figuring out how to keep our patience and sway your strength to be used for good.  Bud, I'm constantly worrying that I'm not the right mom for you.  In a lot of ways, we're completely opposite in our personalities but I can't say how much you're teaching me.  And I just pray everyday that I'm able to teach you something as well.  I love you.  I love you so much and some days I get a glimpse of why I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to be your mom.

For your birthday, we invited family over for a little dinner and lots of play time with cousins.  Playing with your cousins was the highlight of your day.

Rescue Bot themed food and a Rescue Bot craft table

Running around with Nerf guns is great at any age.

A little Pizza Pie Cafe for lunch before your party started.  Gotta get that "black pizza" you love so much

   One more year of pre-school and then you're going to be my little kindergartner.  I can't wait because I know you will be adorable walking up to those black doors with your backpack on, and I know you will be so excited but just thinking about it makes me want to cry.  Happy Birthday, bud.