Did you know I am married to an Ironman?

It's true...he'd specify that he's only half-way there, as he just completed his first Half-Ironman this month. His ultimate goal is to complete a full Ironman, and while I'd love to see him reach that goal, I am no less proud of him regardless of the distance.

It has been quite interesting observing his developing passion towards this crazy sport of triathlons. I admire the patience, discipline, and dedication it has taken for him to learn about the sport and, in only a couple short years, have already come this far.

I admit, I occassionally get tired of the never-ending training sessions, but when raceday comes, I am so proud and happy to cheer him on and see him approach that finish line. Michael, I am so proud of you...70.3 miles on a hot, hot day in July, and you did it!! I love my Ironman.




Us pre-race (and pre-sunburn...yikes!)



Michael's wave getting ready to start...can you see him? Yeah, me neither...



Heading to transition after a really great swim



Heading out for a 56-mile bike ride

Next up: a Half-marathon (13.1 miles)

There he is! Coming in to the finish line!!

Guess who's got some teeth!

So, our little Anna bug started cutting teeth a couple months ago, and we noticed that she had left a couple tooth marks on the railing of her crib. Fast forward to a couple days ago, when we were shocked to see that the cute little teeth marks from before have multiplied to become quite the collection...yikes!

Our little teether is 9 months old today...how is this possible?! I love this time with her right now, and I cannot believe how quickly she is growing up. I also cannot believe how my heart keeps growing with love for her every day.




One of her new favorite activities: swing time at the park

Anna meets the backyard...

Recently, Anna got to explore our backyard. We really went out for an evening stroll to look at our plants and flowers, and Anna (new crawler that she is) decided she wanted to check it out a little closer, despite being in her sleeper....she loved it!





Isn't this the sweetest little profile?! (nevermind the piece of grass stuck to her mouth)



This girl loves her some daddy time!




See? Pure bliss!

No, honey, we can't eat the weeds...

Anna's thoughts on possibly inheriting my calves...

Hanging baskets looking good before the real summer heat kicks in

My faves!

Our basil is doing much better in pots this year

So, this was obviously not part of our backyard adventures, but soon after, Anna had her first experience with the town fireworks display...she was fine until the grand finale.