Wild Animal Park

I am so behind on my blogging, so this is going to be
minimal writing and lots of pictures.

I really liked this park. It had a safari feel and the
beauty of the surrounding was very peaceful.
We went on a ride in a shuttle train around the park and got to see several of the animals.


Junior
Big Daddy

Apparently they are preserving the White Rhino species,
so we saw several of these.

It was a perfect place to take pictures.







The carousel was actually free with our tickets to the park.
FREE such a rare treat.
Attie decided to be a lion
and Caleb decided to be a...not sure, but some animal that licks the ground.

DISGUSTING!!

Makaylee enjoying running around.

San Diego Zoo

The kids are all animal lovers so we decided to spend the day touring the famous San Diego Zoo. They had so many different types of animals and amazing birds.

I however spent most of my time taking pictures of the kiddos.

So, you won't be wowed by the pictures I captured of the wildlife. The vegetation around the zoo was also amazing, but I thought watching Makaylee play peek-a-boo was more entertaining.

I felt bad, but I definitely had a seen one zoo you've seen them all kind of attitude. I am attributing it to the exhaustion from the prior days activities, the Tri.
The Panda Bear though was exciting. They seem to be rather shy animals, so we never saw their faces, but it was probably a once in a life time experience and that always brings a sense of ah.

This Dog reminded me of Zo, so of course I had to take a picture. It is a called a singing Dog. We didn't hear it make a peep.

Watching the energy of my little guy always inspires me. And watching this cow climb the fence for food was pretty interesting.

It really was a nice zoo. If you go out to Cali it is worth a trip.

One Gaint Meal and Family

After the race we were STARVING so we decided to go to Cheesecake Factory, because their portions are enormous, not to mention the cheesecake is pretty yummy. My kiddos were totally out of control, but we had a fun time.

And the kids had a blast playing by the water. Jordon added to their enjoyment.

Historical it has been hit or miss when Caleb and Attie get together. Preschoolers are very unpredictable in their temperament. However, the last two times we have all gotten together it has been a treasure to my heart watching our little ones value their family. These pictures express that amazing love and the wonderful friendship they have developed.

The Palm Springs area was beautiful. Cory was very excited there were mountains with altitudes of over 10,000 ft.

Of course, Caleb had to have a picture of the T-Rex off the away on our drive back to San Diego.

Never give up Tri

After playing a college sport I think there is a little bit of a longing for the adrenalin and excitement that goes along with each competition. So my sister, my cousin Chelsea and I decide about six months ago to motivate ourselves to workout by training for a Triathlon. We all probably realistically started our training about 13weeks out, but it was a great discipline.

The day before the race Cathy our awesome coach prepared us for all the elements. Numeral uno being the super cold water. I have had two children with not a bit of pain medicine and I have to say I would rather do that than get in the painfully cold water. First, we jumped into Chelsea's pool at a whopping 62 degrees. It did give me some confidence for race day, but sadly my swim was more of a flailing please make it to shore without needing one of the surfer duds to come rescue me than an actual swim. I was a little disappointed, because I really thought this would be my strength. I guess my lungs just couldn't hang with the cold water.

Surprisingly the bike was refreshing. Around a third of the way into it we hit a head wind and I would have loved to have a road bike to get down in a tucked position. I really think spin class prepared my legs for the mostly flat track. It was a little humbling to have multiple women I would have sworn I was in better shape than cruise by me, but I was having a blast.

Finally, on my run, probably my true strength I was able to pass many of those people that boggled my mind on the bike. However, after riding a bike that long my legs felt rather odd. It felt like I had heavy weights tied to my ankles and the needle sensation you get when you stand up and your legs are numb is the best way I can describe how it felt to make this transition.

I remember feeling emotions of joy and accomplishment rise up at the end of my first mile. I knew I would finish strong, because I finally could feel my legs again. It wasn't pretty, my running form never is, but it made for such an exciting finish to have friends and family cheering me in.

We accomplished our goals and I to my great surprise actually had a faster time than my cousin the track star and my sister who historically during a run I'm looking at her backside.

We are all ready for another one, but I have to say sharing it with these two wonderful girls is what really made it special.

Spring is in the air/Happy St. Patty's Day!!

I am so excited to say that the last two days the sun has been shining and the temperature has been perfect. We went for an evening jog last night as a family for the first time in months. It was wonderful!! You could tell everyone in the neighborhood is ushering in the joy of springtime. Today, I saw the first signs of spring. All sorts of little critters crawling around and this beautiful flower sprouted up overnight.



The kids enjoyed some much needed Vitamin D as they road the bike and tractor all around the drive.




A little sunshine and this mommy's energy and excitement for life transformation is amazing.
Thankful for the sunshine!!

Tri Pictures

Shutterfly Shared Picture Detail

Hitting the Slopes Family Day